Palena Province

Palena is a province in northern Patagonia that spans steep fjords, wild rivers, hot springs, and snow-capped volcanoes. The territory comprises four communes connected by a discontinuous road network that requires ferry crossings over fjords.

The province takes its name from Palena Lake, which was named by Italian Jesuit Nicolas Mascardi in the 17th century after a town in Abruzzo. This naming reflects the region's early exploration through missionary expeditions that first documented the area.

The province maintains four communes - Chaitén, Futaleufú, Hualaihué, and Palena - each with distinct administrative structures and local governance systems.

Visitors should prepare for long drives on the Carretera Austral, a road that passes through remote areas and requires two ferry crossings over fjords. The best time to travel is during the warmer months when road conditions are most reliable.

Within the province sits Pumalin Douglas Tompkins National Park, one of the largest wilderness protection areas in South America. The park showcases ecosystem diversity from the fjords to the mountains.

Location: Los Lagos Region

Capital city: Chaiten

Elevation above the sea: 125 m

Shares border with: Llanquihue Province, Chiloé Province, Coyhaique Province, Aysén Province, Cushamen Department, Futaleufú Department, Languiñeo Department, Tehuelches Department

Website: http://gobernacionpalena.gov.cl

GPS coordinates: -43.00000,-72.33333

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:29