Untouched Aysén Self-Drive Tour

The journey begins at Balmeceda Airport in Southern Chile’s Aysén province. After picking up your rental car, travel south on the Carretera Austral that traverses Chile’s remote south. It doesn’t take long before you get to enjoy spectacular views of the Cerro Castillo mountain range on the right-hand side.

Overnight at a 3*-hotel in Villa Cerro Castillo

Recommended hike: 7-8 h medium difficulty /15 km (9 mi) length / 1,061 m (3,481 ft) elevation

Cerro Castillo National Park has become a new attractive hiking destination over the past few years. There are various options; we recommend the ascent to the “Laguna” of the Cerro Castillo mountain massif. This can easily be done on your own, as the hiking trail is always well-marked. Enjoy wonderful views of the wide valley, the mountains, and the village. Past imposing glaciers, after three to four hours you reach the lagoon with the majestic peaks of the Cerro Castillo in the background. Take your time to enjoy the incredible surroundings, before descending the same way.

Overnight at a 3*-hotel in Villa Cerro Castillo

Today, your trip continues south on the Carretera Austral. Follow the course of the Murta River until it finally flows into Chile’s largest lake, Lago General Carrera, whose blue-green glacier water is visible from far away. Near Puerto Rio Tranquilo, we recommend a visit to the Marble Caves, a unique geological formation made mostly of marble on the pristine shores of the lake. The rock formation “Capilla de Mármol” (Marble Chapel) is one of its highlights. Afterwards, the journey continues along the shore until you reach Puerto Guadal.

Overnight at a 3*-hotel in Puerto Guadal

In Puerto Guadal, the “Fossil Mountain” and the impressive waterfall Los Maquis are worth a visit. Later on, continue your journey along the southern shore of Lago General Carrera to the small village of Chile Chico, near the Argentine border. Its mild microclimate allows for the cultivation of cherries and other fruits, which is why it is also called the Chilean “sun city”. 

Overnight at a 3*-cabin in Chile Chico

Recommended hike: 4-5 h medium difficulty / 7.4 km (4.6 mi) length

Discover Patagonia’s breathtaking landscape on a unique hike in the recently opened Patagonia National Park (formerly Reserva Jeinimeni). The 7.4 km (4.6 mi) long circular trail of medium difficulty starts about one hour from Chile Chico and takes at least 4 to 5 hours to complete. Marvel at the 40 m (130 ft) high freestanding rock ‘Piedra Clavada’ in the middle of the pampa and discover the cave ‘Cueva de las Manos’ with countless old wall paintings, several thousand years of age. One of the most important cultural legacies of this region. The colorful rock formations of Valle Lunar inevitably remind of a lunar landscape. On the way, you are likely to encounter wild guanacos and condors, if you’re lucky even pumas.

Overnight at a 3*-cabin in Chile Chico

Drive back along the southern shore of the lake to the village of Puerto Bertrand, where you stay amid beautiful scenery near the eponymous lake. It is the source of the Baker, one of Chile’s mightiest rivers, which flows together with the Neff about 20 km (12 mi) further south. This spectacular confluence is definitely worth a detour.

Overnight at a 3*-hotel in Puerto Bertrand

Today´s journey on the Carretera Austral leads back north to Coyhaique, the largest city in the region. Back in “civilization”, there are good options for restaurant visits and shopping.

Overnight at a 2-3*-hotel in Coyhaique

Drop off your rental car at Balmaceda Airport. From here you can continue your trip to another region of Chile, or fly back home via Santiago.