Aysen & Magallanes

Aysen: Chilean Patagonia

The remote region of Aysen encompasses a massive section of Chilean Patagonia.

This is the least populous of Chile’s fifteen regions—a wilderness of fractured coastline, fishing villages, and steep mountainsides.

Between Puerto Montt in the north and O’Higgins to the south, the Carretera Austral Longitudinal crosses roaring rivers and twists through primordial rainforest.

Accommodations in Aysen range from luxury lodges to rustic fishing camps.

Pumalin and Laguna San Safael

Along the 770-mile route, you’ll pass seven national parks and protected areas, including Pumalin and Laguna San Rafael.

This may be the wildest road trip South America has to offer. Car rental and private transfers can be arranged.

Futaleufu

Aysen (also Aisen) is an ideal destination for outdoor adventure and active pursuits.
The region’s main river is the powerful, glacial-blue Futaleufú—big river in the Mapuche tongue—one of the top five rivers in the world for whitewater sports.

The trekking and fishing are also world class. The craggy peaks and ancient forests are rarely visited, compared to other parts of Patagonia. Anglers come seeking monster King (Chinook) salmon and trout.

Magallanes

Magallanes, the territory south of Aysen, was named in memory of the great Portuguese navigator.

This windswept land was first developed by British sheep companies in the late 1800s. Here the Andes crumble into steppe, and penguin colonies crowd the shores.

Punta Arenas, the regional capital, is a busy port town on the Strait of Magellan, where ships depart for Ushuaia, Argentina and flights head south to the sub-Antarctic.

Punta Arenas is also a major departure point for visitors headed to Torres del Paine National Park.

Puerto Natales, located 153 miles northwest of Punta Arenas, offers a frontier town feel and fantastic views.

Day-Trips from Puerto Natales

Day-trips from Puerto Natales can be arranged to the Serrano and Balmaceda glaciers, the Milodon Cave, and the iceberg-filled Lago Grey.

The Patagonian summer stretches from November through early March, with long days and photo perfect evening light.

Climate in Chilean Patagonia

The warmest months in Chilean Patagonia are December and January, with highs near 65° F and lows near 40° F. Throughout the shoulder months, temperatures range from 60° F to below 40° F .

Winter (May through August) is characterized by fleeting daylight, highs near 40° F and freezing nights.

Precipitation is light year-round. Winds are strongest from late November to mid-March.