Aisén Region: Glaciers, Fjords and Hiking Trails

The hanging Queulat Glacier, also known as Colgante, hangs between two mountains and forms an icefall into the lagoon of the same name. Nearby, Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael offers a different glacier scene in the Aisén Region: large blocks of ice break off the glacier and fall into the lagoon. In different ways, these two scenes show how ice and water shape the landscape.

Glaciers, Lagoons and Nature Watching

Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael is located in the Región Aysén and was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1979. Activities in the park include boating, fishing, excursions, observing flora and fauna, photography and mountaineering. Which activities are possible in a particular sector and at what time of year may vary. Bear this in mind when planning if you want to visit the park not only for its glacier and lagoon scenery, but also for a specific activity.

Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo also combines striking landscapes with wildlife. Its features include mountain formations, lagoons, rivers rich in water, dense forests of native species and diverse Patagonian wildlife. The park is also an important habitat for the huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus). Extended hikes are a good way to experience nature there. Seasonal closures and requirements for guides may change; check them before setting out on a hike.

Hiking Trails Through Valleys and Mountains

Ruta de los Valles is a network of natural hiking trails in the northeastern part of the Región Aysén, near La Junta. It passes through glaciated valleys with lakes, rivers, waterfalls, evergreen forests and native wildlife. By comparison, Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo is known for the opportunity to take extended hikes. These descriptions therefore offer two different points of reference for planning: a trail network in a diverse valley landscape, or hikes in a park with mountain formations, lagoons and abundant wildlife. Trail conditions and local access may vary.

The Carretera Austral as a Guide

The Carretera Austral is the main transport route through the Región Aysén and is more than 1,200 kilometers long in total. Along its route, it passes through native forests, by glaciers and crystal-clear rivers, and through rugged fjords. It is therefore not only an important reference point for the region, but also a route through very diverse landscapes. Road conditions may change; check the latest situation before setting out.

The Carretera Austral provides direct access to Parque Nacional Queulat and runs through a large part of the park. This is a distinctive feature of the park within the region’s transport route. Queulat is therefore notable both for its location along the road and for its hanging glacier, which forms an icefall into the lagoon of the same name.

Caleta Tortel’s Distinctive Design

Caleta Tortel is built over the water; wooden walkways form the paths and connect the houses. The walkways are thus a defining part of the townscape, as well as the feature that links the houses. Alongside glaciers, rivers and hiking trails, the settlement offers a different perspective on the Aisén Region: the town’s character is especially evident in its design.

When planning your trip, you can first ask yourself what interests you most: glaciers and lagoons, hiking and wildlife, or Caleta Tortel’s distinctive design. For specific activities in Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael and hikes in Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo, you should also take the relevant seasonal conditions and requirements into account.

Discover more destinations: Coihaique Province, Aisén Province, General Carrera Province, Capitán Prat Province, Puerto Chacabuco, Puerto Raúl Marín Balmaceda, Tortel, El Remanso, Puerto Aguirre, Lago Verde

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