The Cheese Factory

One of the really neat things about traveling through Southern Chile on a trip with Chile West is that you get a chance to experience some actual authentic local culture. Our world in Southern Chile is far from airports and cruise ships, let alone the crowded rivers near the population centers.On the Carretera Austral, about 20 minutes drive north of La Junta, is a farm with a sign out front that says “Fabrica de Queso”. Out back of the house, there’s a small cheese factory.

“Quesos La Junta” is locally owned and operated by Christian Gallardo and his wife Orieta Castro. With the help of Chile West manager Chris Price’s in-laws who are employees of the farm, they make a type of cheese called “Chanco”, a mild, white cheese. Using cow’s milk from critters right there on the farm, they also produce a variety of flavors including red pepper, garlic, chive and oregano.

They started making cheese around five years ago and now their product is sold regionally. From La Junta, south to Coyhaique, you can buy their cheese in various locally owned supermarkets. To the north, in the 10th region, they distribute to the towns of Futalefu, Palena, Santa Lucia and sometimes Puerto Montt.

As we head south on the Carretera, we like to stop in, show our guests around, visit with friends and family, and pick up some cheese! It’s great for appetizers and sandwiches, for melting on scrambled eggs and for just cutting off a good ol’ slice of cheese. We need not mention it goes great with a glass of Chilean red wine!