Chile
Hornopirén → Caleta Gonzalo
The "Ruta Bimodal" is the Carretera Austral’s northern ferry link: a 34-mile barge voyage down the Comau Fjord from Hornopirén to Leptepu, a short drive to Fiordo Largo, and a second barge to Caleta Gonzalo on the edge of Pumalín Park.
Hornopirén to Caleta Gonzalo ferry at a glance
The ferry from Hornopirén to Caleta Gonzalo takes About 4h 25m (two sailings with a 15-min road link) across the Comau Fjord and Reñihué Fjord, operated by Somarco (Barcazas). Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: two subsidised departures daily in each direction; commercial sailings on demand.
Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.
Sources: barcazas.cl · barcazas.cl · How we verify
Return crossing: Caleta Gonzalo to Hornopirén
Somarco (Barcazas) also sails Caleta Gonzalo to Hornopirén, taking About 4h 25m (two sailings with a 15-min road link).
Hornopirén to Caleta Gonzalo ferry timetable & sailing pattern
Two subsidised departures daily in each direction
Somarco also publishes a January–February high-season commercial itinerary and on-demand commercial sailings.
Published departure times
- Hornopirén: 10:00 and 18:00
- Caleta Gonzalo: 12:30 and 20:45
Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.
Official Somarco (Barcazas) timetable →Check prices & book on Somarco (Barcazas) →Source: Somarco Hornopirén – Caleta Gonzalo page (subsidised itinerary). Verified 2026-09-29.
Maritime Crossing Route Map
Interactive sea passage between Hornopirén and Caleta Gonzalo
Ready to cross from Hornopirén to Caleta Gonzalo?
Book your crossing with Somarco (Barcazas): live fares, availability and sailing times.
Operators on This Route
| Operator | Crossing Time | Vessels |
|---|---|---|
| Somarco (Barcazas) | 3h 30m Hornopirén–Leptepu + 15-min road leg + 40 min Fiordo Largo–Caleta Gonzalo | Ro-ro barge (barcaza) |
Route Features
Vehicles
Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted
Foot Passengers
Walk-on passengers welcome
Pets
No pet facilities
Distance
38 nautical miles
Getting There & Onward Transport
- Somarco says Hornopirén is about 3 hours 45 minutes by road from Puerto Montt
- Passengers without cars are moved between Leptepu and Fiordo Largo by the operator; the second barge may make two trips to carry everyone
- Somarco offices: Puerto Montt (Av. Angelmó 1673), Hornopirén (Ingenieros Militares esq. Río Barcelo) and Chaitén (Juan Todesco 188)
Tips for the Hornopirén to Caleta Gonzalo Crossing
- Places are limited and Somarco recommends buying tickets in advance online (Webpay).
- Residents of the Palena area pay reduced subsidised fares; foot passengers and cyclists are carried.