The village was founded in 1955 to exploit the Guaytecas cypress (Pilgerodendron uviferum) wood that was abundant in the area.

Caleta Tortel consists mainly of stilt houses, typical of Chilotan architecture, built along the coast for several kilometers.

There are no banks or cash points except for BancoEstado clients, but there is Entel cellphone coverage, line phones and access to the internet including free WiFi at the public library.

There is a rural health centre, police checkpoint, fire-fighters, harbour master, municipality and civil registration.

Río Bravo Airport (IATA: SCRB), 37 kilometres (23 mi) southeast of Caleta Tortel, is another nearby airstrip.