Located in the commune of Maullín, about 87 kilometers southwest of Puerto Montt, Carelmapu is a special corner of the Los Lagos Region that combines impressive natural landscapes, colonial history, and a rich local culture. If you are looking for an authentic destination, full of history and surrounded by unique coastal landscapes, this town and its surroundings are a gem to discover.
Location and Connectivity
Carelmapu is strategically located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, right at the northern entrance of the Gulf of Ancud, Chacao Channel, serving as a connection point to the mystical Isla Grande de Chiloé. You can easily reach it from Puerto Montt or Maullín via paved routes. The locality has public transportation that connects with nearby cities.
Historical Review
Carelmapu has a history marked by the influence of the Huilliche indigenous people and Spanish colonization. Its name, derived from the Mapudungun karü mapu, meaning “green land,” describes the lush vegetation that characterizes the area.
Initially visited by the explorer Francisco Cortés Ojeda in 1558, who named it Puerto de la Paz due to the good relations he maintained with the local Huilliche inhabitants, the major settlement occurred between 1602 and 1603 when survivors of the destruction of Osorno arrived in Carelmapu.
As a result of that event, the field master Francisco Hernández Ortiz Pizarro commissioned the construction of the San Antonio Ribera de Carelmapu forts, becoming, along with San Miguel de Calbuco, the continental royalist defensive line of the province of Chiloé.
In May 1643, the Dutch squadron led by Hendrick Brouwer landed in Carelmapu and proceeded to set the village on fire, which had been previously evacuated by its inhabitants due to their military inferiority. The next day, the Spanish troops reorganized and faced the Dutch in the so-called Battle of Carelmapu, being defeated and the governor Andrés Muñoz Herrera dying in the place. After this episode, the Dutch embarked towards Valdivia.
On March 28, 1824, a contingent of 280 independence soldiers landed near Carelmapu under the command of Sergeant Manuel Riquelme. These troops faced the next day a royalist militia of 300 men led by the Spaniard Tadeo Islas, which ended with the capture of the fortification by the Chilean troops and the flight of the royalist leader to Calbuco. This action claimed the lives of two Chilean soldiers and marked the definitive incorporation of Carelmapu into Chilean territory.
Economic Activities
Life in Carelmapu is deeply connected to the sea and nature, with artisanal fishing and shellfish gathering as key economic activities, highlighting fresh products such as locos, sea urchins, mussels, sea urchins, piures, barnacles, culengues, clams, limpets, and various algae. Additionally, it is the largest cove of shellfish divers, with a rich variety of benthic resources.
However, Carelmapu’s wealth is not limited to the sea. The area is emerging as a high-interest tourist destination, attracting visitors with activities such as hiking, bird watching, surfing, and cultural events like the Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria. Alongside this, the area stands out for its agricultural and gastronomic richness, combining tradition, economy, and natural beauty in a unique environment in southern Chile.
Natural Attractions in Carelmapu and its Surroundings
Carelmapu is known for its beautiful golden sandy beaches and rugged surroundings. The beach located in the Carelmapu cove is ideal for family walks, recreation, and fishing. And Mar Brava, an extensive and wild beach, perfect for trekking, contemplation, and observing the power of the sea.
Cliffs of the Amortajado Peninsula
Located near Carelmapu, these imposing cliffs offer a unique experience: Rocky walls that abruptly fall into the Pacific Ocean and impressive panoramic views, especially at sunset. The place has rich biodiversity, with seabirds and coastal fauna such as sea lions and, occasionally, whales. It is ideal for hiking, photography, and connecting with nature.
Discover the Amortajado Cliffs here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MMVVPIEjVw
Punta Chocoy
This peaceful coastal area is one of the treasures near Carelmapu, characterized by its solitary beaches, cliffs, and rocky shores that invite you to enjoy the calm and natural beauty. It is a refuge for birds and native species, making it an ideal destination for nature tourism and disconnection. Here you will find white sand beaches such as Balchamó, Los Quetros, and Jacob, which mark the beginning of the extensive Mar Brava beach, extending to the majestic Amortajado cliffs.
Discover Punta Chocoy here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb7XkExZVYw&t=2s
Wetland Ecosystems
Carelmapu is part of a privileged natural environment with
coastal wetlands that host rich biodiversity. Bird species such as
black-necked swans, herons, and migratory ducks. It has a habitat
fundamental for the conservation of local fauna.
Culture and Traditions
Carelmapu is a place full of traditions that still endure. The Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria, celebrated every February, is the most important festivity in the locality, attracting faithful and tourists with religious processions, music, and local cultural expressions. This celebration, dating back at least to the 17th century, honors the Virgin of Candelaria during the first days of February. According to tradition, the figure of the Virgin arrived along with the survivors of the destruction of Osorno in 1602.
Local gastronomy is another cultural pillar, highlighting traditional dishes such as curanto and pulmay, made with fresh seafood and local products, reflecting Carelmapu’s connection with the sea and the land.
Climate and Environment
Carelmapu has a temperate oceanic climate, with abundant
rainfall throughout the year and moderate temperatures ranging between 10°C
and 18°C. The sea mist and coastal winds are part of the mystical charm of
the area.
Mar Brava: Between Punta Chocoy and the Amortajado Peninsula Cliffs
A must-see in Carelmapu is the extensive Mar Brava beach, with 11 kilometers in length, captivating with its wild character and the imposing beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Its powerful waves make it an ideal place to contemplate the strength and sound of the sea. Additionally, it stands out for its great biodiversity, being home to seabirds and a passage point for coastal fauna, such as sea lions and, in certain seasons, whales. It is a perfect destination for hiking, photography, surfing, or simply to rest and disconnect in an almost virgin environment.
San Pedro Nolasco River
The San Pedro Nolasco River flows parallel to and behind the
extensive beach of Mar Brava, rising in Carelmapu and flowing out near the
Peninsula Amortajado. Surrounded by tepúes, myrtles and bushes that are part
of the coastal Valdivian forest, its natural environment is a true ecological refuge
. The combination of wetlands and the river creates a perfect habitat for
local flora and fauna, including birds such as herons, black-necked swans and
several species of wild ducks.
This corner of nature is ideal for activities such as
hiking, bird watching, and nature photography. The San Pedro
Nolasco River is not only an essential element for the ecological balance of the
area, but along with the nearby wetlands, it reflects the natural wealth of
Carelmapu, showing the harmony between water, vegetation, and local fauna.
A perfect place to disconnect and immerse yourself in the pristine nature of the
south of Chile.
Surfing in Mar Brava
Thanks to its diverse geography, Carelmapu has several
beaches, ideal for water sports such as diving, canoeing, fishing, surfing,
bodyboarding, and many more. Among them are Lenqui, Bahía Carelmapu, Mar Brava,
Ventana, Balchamó, Los Quetros, Jacob, among others. Every year, the Rew Tremo club
organizes the surf and bodyboard championship “Karumapu” at the end of
October, a prominent event that takes place at Mar Brava beach, near
Punta Chocoy, known for its excellent wave conditions.
Discover the beachfront properties at Mar Brava that Produncan has to offer you
If you are looking for a unique place to invest or build
your home by the sea, Producan offers you exclusive properties with direct
access to the shore in one of the most impressive destinations in southern Chile:
Mar Brava Carelmapu. With landscapes that combine the natural beauty of the ocean,
the beaches, and the local wildlife, this is the ideal place for those who wish to live
in harmony with nature. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information
about these exceptional properties, a coastal corner where the sea and
nature meet at their finest.
Carelmapu and its surroundings, including Mar Brava, Punta Chocoy, and the Amortajado Cliffs, are ideal destinations for those looking to disconnect and connect with the nature and history of the Chilean coast.
A place where the sea, the landscape, and the Huilliche culture come together to offer a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Los Lagos Region.
If you would like to live in this spectacular place we have the ideal property for you, ideal macro lots with ocean view, you can find more information here.
Discover Carelmapu and its unaltered charm!
