Contao, Coastal village in Hualaihué, Chile
Contao is a fishing village situated on raised terrain along the southeastern shore of Reloncavi Sound. The settlement faces the Pacific waters directly while being backed by mountain ranges.
The settlement developed during colonial times as a center for extracting Fitzroya timber. This activity became the foundation of the local economy for generations.
Fishing remains central to daily life in Contao, with locals using methods passed down through generations. The connection between people and the water shapes how the village functions and develops.
The village is accessible by Contao Airport, and the Carretera Austral highway links it to surrounding communities. Road access makes exploring the surrounding region straightforward for visitors.
The village sits directly on the Carretera Austral, one of South America's most important highways cutting through remote territory. Few settlements occupy such a pivotal position along this legendary route.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.