Chaitén

Chaitén is a town and commune in southern Chile. It is part of Palena Province in the Los Lagos Region. The commune includes the urban center of Chaitén and surrounding rural terrain in the Patagonian south, characterized by rugged landscapes, forests, and proximity to volcanic activity in the region.

The area is best known for the nearby Chaitén Volcano, which became active in 2008 after a long period of dormancy. The eruption produced a tall ash column and widespread ashfall that disrupted air traffic across southern Chile and parts of Argentina. Lahars and pyroclastic flows reshaped local rivers and damaged infrastructure, leading to the evacuation of the town of Chaitén and the displacement of thousands of residents. For several years the town was largely abandoned as the landscape was altered by volcanic deposits and continued activity.

Recovery has proceeded in the years since, with rebuilding efforts and gradual resettlement by some inhabitants. The population remains much smaller than before the eruption, and reconstruction has required ongoing coordination with regional development and disaster-response programs. The Chaitén Volcano has continued to show eruptive activity at low to moderate levels, and authorities maintain monitoring and hazard assessments for the area. The eruption and its aftermath have become a defining part of the town’s recent history, influencing local economy, demographics, and land use while the region continues to attract scientific interest and visitors drawn by Patagonia’s volcanic landscapes.