Best of Aysen and Carretera Austral

Upon arrival at Balmaceda Airport (BBA), meet your local guide or driver and begin your journey along the legendary Carretera Austral. The drive to Cerro Castillo takes approximately two hours and offers a first glimpse of Patagonia’s vast steppe, snow-capped peaks, and winding rivers.

Cerro Castillo village sits at the base of a dramatic mountain range often compared to Torres del Paine, but with far fewer visitors. Depending on arrival time, you may enjoy a short acclimatization walk or simply relax and take in the scenery.
Overnight: Cerro Castillo

Start early for a full-day hike to the iconic Laguna Cerro Castillo viewpoint, one of the most rewarding day hikes in Chilean Patagonia. The trail begins with a steady ascent through native lenga forest before opening to exposed slopes with sweeping mountain views.

As you gain elevation, the landscape becomes more rugged, revealing glacial valleys and sharp rock formations. The final ascent leads to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the striking turquoise lagoon formed by glacial meltwater. Weather conditions can change quickly, so proper layers are essential.

• Distance: ~12 km (round trip)

• Elevation gain: ~1,000 m

• Hiking time: 6–7 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Overnight: Cerro Castillo

Today you will explore a lesser-visited trail to Laguna Duff, a hidden gem within the Cerro Castillo area. This route offers a more remote experience, passing through wide valleys, small rivers, and sections of untouched forest.

Unlike the main Laguna Cerro Castillo trail, this hike provides solitude and a deeper connection with Patagonia’s wilderness. The lagoon itself features clear, calm waters surrounded by rolling hills and mountain backdrops.

• Distance: ~14 km (round trip)

• Elevation gain: ~600 m

• Hiking time: 5–6 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

Overnight: Cerro Castillo

Depart Cerro Castillo and continue south along the Carretera Austral toward Puerto Río Tranquilo. This scenic drive follows rivers, forests, and mountain passes, offering multiple photo opportunities along the way.

In the afternoon, visit the Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol), one of Patagonia’s most unique natural attractions. Formed over thousands of years by wave erosion on Lake General Carrera, the marble formations display vibrant blue and white patterns. Depending on weather and preference, the excursion can be done by small motorboat or kayak for a closer experience.

• Driving time: ~5–6 hours (with stops)

• Activity duration: ~1.5–2 hours

Overnight: Puerto Río Tranquilo

Embark on a full-day excursion to the San Rafael Glacier, located within Laguna San Rafael National Park. This glacier is part of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field, one of the largest ice masses in the Southern Hemisphere outside Antarctica.

Access typically involves a combination of overland travel and boat navigation through fjords or lagoons. Upon arrival, observe massive ice walls and, if conditions allow, witness chunks of ice calving into the water—an unforgettable natural spectacle.

• Duration: 10–12 hours total

• Highlights: Glacier viewing, fjord navigation, ice formations

Overnight: Puerto Río Tranquilo

Today begins with an exciting rafting experience on the Baker River, Chile’s largest river by volume. Known for its intense turquoise color caused by glacial sediments, the river offers exciting but accessible rapids.

The rafting section typically includes Class II–III rapids, making it suitable for beginners with good physical condition. Professional guides provide safety briefings and equipment.

After rafting, continue south to Cochrane, a small Patagonian town surrounded by mountains and rivers, serving as the gateway to Patagonia National Park.

• Rafting duration: ~2–3 hours

• Driving time: ~3–4 hours total

Overnight: Cochrane

Spend the day hiking the Lagunas Altas Trail, one of the most scenic routes in Patagonia National Park. This loop trail traverses ridgelines and offers expansive views over multiple turquoise and green lakes.

The park, a major conservation project, is known for its steppe ecosystems and wildlife such as guanacos, foxes, and occasionally condors. The trail is long but well-marked, with steady climbs and rewarding viewpoints throughout.

• Distance: ~23 km (loop)

• Elevation gain: ~1,000 m

• Hiking time: 8–9 hours

• Difficulty: Challenging

Overnight: Cochrane

Explore the Tamango sector, located near Cochrane and known for its conservation efforts, particularly for the endangered huemul deer (South Andean deer).

The trails here are shorter and less demanding than Lagunas Altas but equally rewarding. You will hike through forests and open terrain with views of Cochrane Lake and surrounding mountains. This is an excellent day for a more relaxed pace while still enjoying Patagonia’s biodiversity.

• Distance: ~10–12 km

• Elevation gain: ~400–600 m

• Hiking time: 4–6 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

Overnight: Cochrane

Begin the journey back north toward Coyhaique. This drive showcases the diversity of the Aysén Region, transitioning from arid steppe to greener valleys and forested areas.

Stops can include viewpoints, rivers, and small roadside villages along the Carretera Austral. Coyhaique is the main urban center in the region, offering more services, restaurants, and cultural experiences.

• Driving time: ~5–6 hours

Overnight: Coyhaique

Travel along the Carretera Austral to Queulat National Park, famous for the Ventisquero Colgante (Hanging Glacier). The park features dense temperate rainforest, waterfalls, and fjord-like landscapes.

The main trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking the glacier, which appears suspended between steep cliffs, with waterfalls cascading into a lagoon below. The trail is well-maintained and accessible to most travelers.

• Distance: ~3 km (round trip)

• Elevation gain: ~200 m

• Hiking time: 2–3 hours

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Overnight: Coyhaique

Transfer from Coyhaique to Balmaceda Airport for your departure. Depending on flight time, there may be an opportunity for a short stop or scenic viewpoint along the way.

• Driving time: ~1 hour