A LUXURY VACATION TO AYSÉN & THE CARRETERA AUSTRAL
Chile’s Carretera Austral extends from the lush valleys and glacier-studded fjords of the Lake District, through Puerto Aysén, Coyhaique, and Cochrane, all the way to Villa O’Higgins – the end of the road.
One of the most rewarding ways to explore this remote corner of Patagonia is by 4×4. The roads are rough, the distances formidable, but the landscapes repay the effort many times over. Monumental glaciers descend from the Patagonian ice fields into turquoise lakes, fjords cleave deep into the Chilean coastline, and snow-capped volcanoes rise dramatically alongside the Andes – making this one of Chile’s great road trips.
For those who prefer to take to the skies, we also arrange three- to five-night Aysén expeditions by helicopter and light aircraft. Guided by seasoned bush pilots, travellers can gain a rare aerial perspective on Patagonia’s vastness, with access to places far beyond the reach of any road.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN AYSÉN + THE CARRETERA AUSTRAL
Journeys along the Carretera Austral are best taken at a measured pace, with plenty of time to hike, ride, swim, or cast a line in near-solitude.
Empty trails and dramatic landscapes reward the curious traveller. Each day brings a new side of the region into view, from paddling quiet Chilean fjords alongside dolphins and sea lions, to trekking through Patagonia Park with a naturalist attuned to its rare flora and resident puma. We work with a network of trusted local guides and experts who know this terrain as home, and who quietly bring its stories to life.
Lodges in Aysén tend to be small and unfussy, catering to just a handful of travellers. Expect wood-burning stoves, well-stocked cellars, and generous cooking to fuel days spent out in the elements. Properties are selected for their character and sense of place – each one forming part of the journey, rather than a pause from it.
ELSEWHERE IN CHILE
Chile captivates with its dramatic landscapes, from the arid Atacama Desert to the majestic peaks of Torres del Paine and the emerald lakes of Chile’s Lake District.
It’s a land of striking contrasts, where ancient traditions sit alongside a dynamic, contemporary culture – and we’ve spent years exploring its every corner.
From the buzzing capital city of Santiago to the mysterious Moai of Easter Island, we can open doors to places and people few travellers encounter. Explore the Pacific coast through its food – think chef-led market visits and long lunches by the sea – or head inland for private cellar tastings in the Central Valley’s most storied vineyards. Chile is vast, complex, and deeply rewarding – and we know how to make it yours.
CONTACT US
Get in touch to start planning your trip to Northern Patagonia.
Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017
Field Notes
