Born in Quemchi (Chiloe) , on July 19 - 1910. Since his early years he navigated through Chiloe's channels. His father was a marine captain who sailed the Strait of Magellan in various oportunities.

Coloane lived his youth at Puerto Montt, but his most important life time experiences took place in Punta Arenas, specially at Tierra del Fuego, were he pastured sheep and raised horses for 20 years. These experiences shaped in his literature.

Chile is in debt with Coloane for the knowledge he left of the unknown lands of the deep south and its geography. More over, he recreated the life of simple people, victorious or defeated, but always fighting along magic, mystery, dreams, reality and legend.

Coloane won the National Literature Award in 1964. His books have been translated to english, french, german, russian, swedish and portuguese among other languages.

He died on the 5th of August 2002, his body was cremated, and his death was announced only three days later, according to his wish.