Queilén, Chile

Queilén is a town in Chiloé Province, Los Lagos Region, Chile. It covers 223.9 sq km (86.4 sq mi) and has a population of 5,500 people (2012 estimate). It is situated on the southeast portion of the Greater Island of Chiloé.

Queilén is noted for its great views of the Gulf of Corcovado and the Andes. It also has great beaches. While the exact founding date of Queilén is not known, it has been established by the late 18th century. In 1890, the town was briefly renamed Puerto Grille, in honor of a Spanish captain. The name proved unpopular with the locals, and eventually it reverted to Queilén.

At the turn of the 20th century, Queilén developed around its alcohol and acetone distillery. The town was severely damaged by the 1960 earthquake and tsunami. Today it has become an increasingly popular tourist destination for whale-watching excursions.

Sights in Queilén

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