Aisén Province: Glaciers, Hiking and Chono Culture

Aisén Province offers a variety of highlights for a trip: Queulat National Park with its glacier scenery, hikes near Puerto Aysén, and nature and cultural experiences in Melinka.

Glacier scenery in Queulat National Park

Queulat National Park protects forests, mountains and fjords in Aisén Province. It was established in 1983 and covers 154,093 hectares. The park’s main attraction is the Ventisquero Queulat, also known as the Ventisquero Colgante. The trail to the Mirador del Ventisquero Colgante is a hike of about 3.2 kilometers with a moderate difficulty level, leading to a viewpoint overlooking the glacier hanging between the mountains.

Within the wider destination of Aisén Region, Queulat National Park is directly accessible via the Carretera Austral (Route 7), which runs through a large part of the park. Road conditions may change; check them before setting out.

Comparing hikes

The hike at Cerro Cordón near Puerto Aysén is also moderately difficult. It is about 12 kilometers long in total, takes six to eight hours, and passes through lenga forests with panoramic views of the city. If you are choosing based on distance, this hike is considerably longer than the approximately 3.2-kilometer trail to the viewpoint. Hiking conditions may vary; check them before setting out.

Rafting and fishing

Rafting on the Aysén and Blanco rivers is considered suitable for people with little rafting experience. Several rivers and lakes near Puerto Aysén are also open to fishing, including the Aysén River, the Blanco River, Lake Riesco and Lake Portales. For rafting, the focus is on suitability for less experienced participants; for fishing, it is on the choice of several bodies of water. Local regulations and conditions may vary.

Melinka: Channels and Chono culture

Trips through the channels south of Melinka offer insights into the archipelago’s birdlife, flora and geology, as well as traces of Chono culture. A short, easy trail from Melinka follows the tracks of the pirate Ñancupel along Raya Beach to Falso Lighthouse and on to the Pirate Cave. The Las Rucas de Don Genero Heritage Park in Melinka features rucas built according to Chono customs.

Also in Aisén Region

Aisén Region is also home to Laguna San Rafael National Park. The park is known for the San Rafael Glacier and lagoon, where large blocks of ice break off the glacier and fall into the water. In 1979, UNESCO declared the park a Biosphere Reserve. Activities available in the park include boating, fishing, excursions, observing flora and fauna, photography and mountaineering. Activities and access conditions may vary by area and season.

Discover more destinations: Aisén, Cisnes, Capitán Prat Province, General Carrera Province, Coihaique Province.

Return to the main travel overview: Aisén Region.