In terms of geographical size, Aysen is Chile’s third-largest region, but it is also the least populated, with just a few tiny, isolated towns and villages dispersed throughout its untamed, ruthless, and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.
The Northern Patagonia region is stunning and a haven for nature lovers. You may explore several amazing national parks and natural reserves, and the landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, rivers, and lakes.
It can be challenging to go to some of Aysen’s more isolated regions because only one road, the Carretera Austral, links the north and south. But if you do, you’ll unquestionably be rewarded with some of the most amazing, unadulterated, and pristine beauty there is.
Caleta Tortel:
With stunning fjords, mountains, and islands all around, the quiet fishing village of Caleta Tortel is a magical place to explore. It is bordered by hills covered in forest that slope down to the river and is situated near the mouth of the Baker River.
The view of the deteriorating wooden buildings, bridges, and boardwalks that snake along the waterfront or emerge from the verdant forest is equally appealing, despite the fact that its wonderful surroundings are surely as picturesque as they come.
The absence of any roads in Caleta Tortel contributes to the town’s lovely laid-back vibe since most residents go between the lovely Chilotan stilt houses on foot or by boat.
With so much to see and do, the remote Caleta Tortel is a very exceptional place to spend some time, especially because you can also travel nearby to the Island of the Dead and the Northern and Southern Icefields, which are both covered in glaciers.
Cochrane:
The picturesque Tamango National Reserve is bordered by Cochrane, the furthest-southern village on the Carretera Austral, and Patagonia Park lies close by. As a result, lots of people make a halt there on their way to the south or use it as a base to explore the neighboring natural wonders.
Most visitors to Patagonia Park come to enjoy the wonderful landscape and wildlife on show, go horseback riding or hiking in the bush, or simply unwind in the charming surroundings of the town. The resort town of Monte San Lorenzo is well known.
Patagonia Park:
Patagonia Park spans a huge area and was just recently made a national park. There are alpine lakes, woods, marshes, the Patagonian desert, and stunning mountains all there.
Due to its outstanding biodiversity and range of habitats, the park is a pleasure to explore, and a plethora of routes and trails slither over its varied landscapes. Restoration and rewilding have made the ecosystem and animals prosper in this area, which was originally developed as a private nature reserve. Today, the grasslands, mountains, and lakes of the region are home to Chilean flamingos, huemul deer, and guanacos.
Lago General Carrera:
As it spans the Argentine-Chile border, the massive General Carrera Lake, as it is known on the Chilean side, appears to be incredibly beautiful. The snow-capped Andes mountains that encircle the lake look down upon its brilliant turquoise waters.
The glacier-formed lake has a sunny atmosphere and is a fantastic place to kayak or sail. Fishing for salmon and trout is also very popular in this area.
Lago General Carrera is an excellent destination for a holiday because it boasts lovely towns and villages along its banks as well as stunning scenery and vistas everywhere you look.
Villa O’Higgins:
Deep in Chile’s south, Villa O’Higgins is the last town the Carretera Austral passes through and is named for Bernardo O’Higgins, a national hero and one of the country’s founding fathers.
Due to its proximity to a number of breathtaking landscapes, many travelers choose the remote hamlet as a base from which to explore stunning sights like the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, which is full with gorgeous glaciers.
You can participate in a wide variety of excellent outdoor activities at Villa O’Higgins, with trekking, horseback riding, and kayaking being three of the most popular. Mountains encircle the region, and there are numerous lakes, rivers, and canals close by.
Coyhaique:
The Rio Simpson National Reserve and the Coyhaique National Reserve are just near to Coyhaique, which is in a spectacular setting surrounded by mountains that dramatically tower over it on all sides. The area’s largest city, Coyhaique, serves as the center of commerce for Aysen. It is a good idea to stock up in the supermarkets and shops of Patagonia before visiting its remote southern regions.
In addition, the city has several top-notch bars, clubs, and nightlife options if you want to unwind after a demanding trek or horseback ride. Coyhaique is a pleasant destination with a laid-back, almost rural ambiance.
Puerto Rio Tranquilo:
Despite its small size, Puerto Rio Tranquilo functions primarily as a base for exploring the surrounding area. It is located on the broad beaches of General Carrera Lake. Having such breathtaking natural beauty close by is a huge blessing for Puerto Rio Tranquilo. The lake’s sparkling waters and fantastic selection of watersports are just the beginning.
The main attraction is without a doubt the magnificent-looking shining marble caves at Capilla de Marmol. Renting kayaks or taking a boat excursion through them are both options for visitors. In addition, you can plan a trip to the majestic San Rafael glacier or go hiking and climbing in the hills and mountains that serve as the community’s stunning backdrop.
Cerro Castillo National Reserve:
Chile’s stunningly wild Cerro Castillo National Reserve receives its name from the rugged, jagged peak that occupies its core. There you may find everything from towering mountains and alpine lakes to brilliant glaciers and verdant woods.
Hiking over its different terrain is enjoyable, and the scenery is absolutely stunning. Cerro Castillo, which was recently designated a national park, protects and preserves the natural environment of various diverse types of animals and vegetation. Guanacos, Andean condors, and South Andean deer are occasionally spotted in the distance by tourists.
Queulat National Park:
Due to its distant position, which has helped to protect the natural environment, Queulat National Park is home to a breathtaking diversity of clean and unaltered landscapes. Truly, exploring the park is like going back in time. The hanging glacier, where two glittering streams of melted ice tumble to the ground from a rough granite cliff face, is without a doubt the park’s crowning achievement.
But you can also take in many other stunning views. A section of the Puyuhuapi Volcanic Group can be found inside the park, and its stunning mountainous structure is well balanced by the temperate rainforests and ice fields that can be seen on its slopes.
One other breathtaking sight is the gorgeous Lake Tempanos. Between the lake, the glaciers, and the mountains, there are a number of lovely paths and trails that offer numerous opportunities for beautiful pictures.
Laguna San Rafael National Park:
On Chile’s southern Pacific coast sits Laguna San Rafael National Park, one of the country’s most breathtakingly beautiful spots that you must see if you get the chance. The Northern Patagonian Ice Field’s San Rafael and San Quintin glaciers can be found in the park. They are two of Chile’s largest and most majestic mountains. The tallest peak in the southern Andes, Monte San Valentin, is close.
The national park is abundant with breathtakingly beautiful natural features, such as marshes, rivers, lakes, and temperate rainforests. As you can think, traveling through the frigid mountains and glacier-covered landscapes by foot or boat is incredible. Camping in the park at night should be even more magnificent than normal because the night sky will be so starry.