Northern Patagonia (Carretera Austral)
A wild green road trip into nature 🌲
Northern Patagonia is a land of untouched wilderness, accessible chiefly via the legendary Carretera Austral (Southern Highway). This region is ideal for families who love road trips and aren't afraid of a little rain. The landscape is a vibrant mix of temperate rainforests, fjords, and hanging glaciers. The climate is cool and rainy year-round, so waterproof gear is essential, but the lush scenery makes it worthwhile.
The crown jewel for many visitors is Queulat National Park, home to the spectacular Ventisquero Colgante (Hanging Glacier). The trail to the viewpoint crosses a suspension bridge and winds through a mossy forest that feels like a fairytale setting, accessible enough for active children. Further south, the Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol) on General Carrera Lake are a must-see. Families can take a small boat or kayak tour to glide into these swirling blue-and-white caverns carved by the water, a magical experience that looks like something from a fantasy movie.
Wildlife encounters are frequent here; it is common to see dolphins following the ferries and huemul deer in the protected parks. Thermal hot springs, such as those at Puyuhuapi, offer a relaxing break for parents and fun swimming for kids amidst the ferns. Driving the Carretera Austral requires planning, as large stretches are unpaved and gas stations can be far apart, but the slow pace allows families to stop at waterfalls and river beaches whenever they please. This is a destination for families seeking connection with nature away from crowds and cell service.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The Carretera Austral is globally recognized as one of the most spectacular scenic drives, passing through dramatic fjords and mountain passes. Peak summer offers the best visibility and manageable road conditions on unpaved sections; winter months are unsuitable due to dangerous mud, snow, and the closure of essential ferry connections and remote services.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
While spectacular, Northern Patagonia has an extremely narrow usable season (only Jan-Feb, still with 238-288mm rainfall), limited infrastructure, and less global recognition than Southern Patagonia (Torres del Paine). Downgrading to very_good creates meaningful differentiation from Southern Patagonia's genuinely world-famous adventure offerings and avoids rating half the country as 'excellent' for the same activity.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Features high-end, remote eco-lodges and natural hot springs (e.g., Puyuhuapi) providing deep immersion in pristine nature. Summer months offer the best weather for enjoying outdoor thermal pools; the off-season is characterized by extreme humidity and cold that can limit the comfort of these remote wellness retreats.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Offers world-class fly fishing and elite-level white-water kayaking on the Futaleufú River. Peak summer provides optimal water conditions and the mildest temperatures for active recreation; heavy rains and freezing temperatures in the off-season make these sports dangerous or impossible.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Outstanding opportunities to learn about glaciology and large-scale conservation efforts pioneered by the Tompkins Foundation. Summer provides the only reliable window to access remote research sites and interpretive trails; heavy seasonal rain and infrastructure shutdowns significantly limit educational travel during the rest of the year.
Winter sports, ski resorts, snow activities
While Patagonia has mountains and glaciers, Northern Patagonia's ski infrastructure is less developed and not world-class, offering only marginal appeal for experienced international ski travelers. Peak snow conditions typically occur during the Southern Hemisphere winter (Jul-Aug), with shoulder months (Jun, Sep) offering variable snow; all other months are unsuitable due to lack of snow.
Attractions (47 total)
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Aysén Regional Museum
Coyhaique
Opened in 2018, this museum integrates six restored historic ranch buildings from the 1920s Sociedad Industrial de Aysén with modern architecture to house regional historical and cultural exhibits.
Visit website →Open Air Museum of Puerto Aysén
Puerto Aysén
A vibrant series of over 20 large-scale murals on buildings throughout the town, celebrating Patagonian culture, wildlife, and local history.
Coyhaique Cultural Center
Coyhaique
A modern hub for regional fine arts featuring rotating gallery exhibitions, cinema screenings, and live music performances in the heart of the city.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Caleta Tortel
Caleta Tortel
A remote coastal village famous for its labyrinthine system of cypress wood walkways instead of streets, offering a unique architectural and cultural experience.
Villa Cerro Castillo
Villa Cerro Castillo
A traditional mountain village that serves as a cultural gateway to the local gaucho lifestyle and the spectacular jagged peaks of the nearby national park.
Puyuhuapi Village
Puyuhuapi
A picturesque fjord-side village known for its distinctive German-influenced architecture, lush gardens, and rich history of European colonization in the Patagonian rainforest.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Caleta Tortel Historic Village
Caleta Tortel
A unique coastal village built entirely on cypress wood walkways without any streets, offering a fascinating adventure for families to explore on foot.
Visit website →Puerto Cristal National Monument
Puerto Río Tranquilo
An abandoned 20th-century lead and zinc mining town on General Carrera Lake that families can explore via boat tours to see preserved industrial history.
Visit website →Paredón de las Manos
Villa Cerro Castillo
An ancient archaeological site featuring 3,000-year-old rock paintings of hands made by the indigenous Tehuelche people along a scenic trail.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Carretera Austral (Route 7)
Puerto Montt
1,240km legendary scenic route (10-14 days) featuring a mix of paved sections and gravel (ripio). Highlights include Pumalín Park, Queulat Hanging Glacier, Cerro Castillo, and the Marble Caves of General Carrera Lake. Requires multiple ferry crossings.
Visit website →Exploradores Valley Road (X-728)
Puerto Río Tranquilo
52km well-maintained gravel road (2 hours) leading into the heart of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field. Features multiple hanging glaciers, dense forests, and a panoramic lookout over the massive Exploradores Glacier.
Visit website →Simpson River Valley Route (CH-240)
Coyhaique
65km fully paved scenic highway (1 hour) connecting Coyhaique to Puerto Chacabuco. Highlights include the Simpson River National Reserve, the 'Velo de la Novia' waterfall, and deep canyons draped in thick Valdivian rainforest.
Visit website →General Carrera Lake Scenic Route (CH-265)
El Maitén
115km cliffside gravel road (3-5 hours) connecting the Carretera Austral to Chile Chico. Known as the 'Paso de las Llaves,' it offers dizzying views of the turquoise General Carrera Lake, rugged cliffs, and the transition from lush forest to arid Andean steppe.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Carretera Austral (Route 7) Cycling Route
Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins
1,240km challenging 20-30 day gravel and paved cycling route with significant elevation changes throughout the Andes. The route traverses rainforests, fjords, and glaciers. Bike rental: CycloPatagonia (cyclopatagonia.com), Pared Sur (paredsur.cl).
Visit website →Las Horquetas Circuit (Cerro Castillo)
Villa Cerro Castillo
51km challenging 4-day trek with 2,600m elevation gain. Features jagged basalt peaks and turquoise glacial lagoons. Equipment rental: Erratic Rock (erraticrock.com) in nearby towns or local outfitters in Villa Cerro Castillo.
Visit website →Ventisquero Colgante (Hanging Glacier) Trail
Puyuhuapi
6km moderate out-and-back day hike in Queulat National Park with 350m elevation gain. Takes approximately 3 hours. Leads to a viewpoint of the massive hanging glacier and its waterfalls.
Visit website →Piedra Clavada and Lunar Landscape Trail
Chile Chico
8km moderate day hike in the Jeinimeni sector of Patagonia National Park. Features a 40-meter tall volcanic rock spire and unique wind-eroded geological formations. Duration approx 3-4 hours.
Visit website →Villa O'Higgins to El Chaltén Crossing
Villa O'Higgins
22km challenging multi-modal route for hikers and cyclists involving two ferries and a remote border crossing. The land segment is extremely muddy and rugged. Takes 1-2 days. Bike rental: CycloPatagonia (cyclopatagonia.com).
Visit website →Avilés Valley Trail
Cochrane
50km challenging 3-4 day trek connecting the Chacabuco Valley (Patagonia Park) with the Jeinimeni sector. Features suspension bridges and diverse landscapes from steppe to forest. Elevation gain varies by segment.
Visit website →Lagunas Altas Trail
Cochrane
23km moderate to challenging day hike in Patagonia National Park with 1,260m elevation gain. Typical duration 7-9 hours. Offers panoramic views of the Chacabuco Valley. Logistics: Parque Patagonia visitor center.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Cerro Castillo
Villa Cerro Castillo
A jagged basalt mountain range resembling a medieval castle, offering one of the most iconic views along the Carretera Austral.
Visit website →Marble Caves
Puerto Río Tranquilo
Breath-taking marble caverns sculpted by the turquoise waters of General Carrera Lake, reachable via local boat tours.
Queulat Hanging Glacier
Puyuhuapi
An iconic glacier perched on a cliff edge that sends massive waterfalls crashing into a milky green lagoon below.
Visit website →San Rafael Glacier
Puerto Chacabuco
A massive tidewater glacier within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known for spectacular ice calving into the San Rafael Lagoon.
Visit website →Plaza de Armas Coyhaique
Coyhaique
A unique five-sided central square at the heart of the region's capital, serving as a hub for local culture and crafts.
President Ibáñez Bridge
Puerto Aysén
A striking red steel suspension bridge and National Monument that serves as the gateway to the coastal Aysén region.
Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Cerro Castillo National Park
Villa Cerro Castillo
Known for its jagged basalt spires and vibrant turquoise alpine lagoons, offering world-class photography and hiking for all ages.
Visit website →Laguna San Rafael National Park
Puerto Chacabuco
Home to the massive San Rafael Glacier, families can take boat excursions to see icebergs calving into the dramatic coastal lagoon.
Visit website →Patagonia National Park
Cochrane
A vast wilderness restoration project featuring expansive grasslands, diverse wildlife like guanacos, and well-maintained hiking paths.
Visit website →Queulat National Park
Puyuhuapi
Famous for its spectacular Hanging Glacier waterfall, this park offers family-friendly trails through a lush temperate rainforest.
Visit website →Exploradores Glacier
Puerto Río Tranquilo
An accessible glacier from the Northern Patagonian Ice Field where guided family walks offer a close-up look at ancient blue ice.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol)
Puerto Río Tranquilo
These ancient marble formations sculpted by turquoise lake waters offer a magical boat-tour experience for all ages.
Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Museum of Patagonia (Parque Patagonia)
Cochrane
An immersive discovery center located in the Chacabuco Valley, showcasing the biodiversity, ecology, and conservation efforts of the Patagonian steppe.
Visit website →Regional Museum of Aysén
Coyhaique
A premier regional museum housed in a historic ranch complex, featuring world-class exhibits on Patagonian geology, natural history, and human settlement.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Termas del Ventisquero
Puyuhuapi
Standalone thermal center featuring four outdoor pools with temperatures ranging from 35°C to 44°C. The water is rich in magnesium, calcium, and potassium, located directly on the shores of the Puyuhuapi Fjord with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Visit website →Termas de la Plaza
Puerto Chacabuco
Remote thermal springs accessible only by boat through the Aysén Fjord. The facility consists of natural rock-hewn pools situated right at the forest's edge near the sea, offering high-temperature mineral waters in a pristine, untouched wilderness setting.
Termas El Sauce
La Junta
A rustic and natural thermal facility located 25km from La Junta. Features several outdoor stone pools filled with natural mineral-rich water at approximately 40°C, set deep within a dense temperate rainforest environment near the Rosselot River.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Agroturismo El Puesto
Puerto Río Tranquilo
An authentic rural experience offering sheep shearing demonstrations and insights into the traditional wool production methods of Northern Patagonia.
Visit website →Granja Educativa El Maqui
Coyhaique
A dedicated educational farm and petting zoo where children can interact with domestic animals and learn about sustainable mountain farming.
Estancia San Lorenzo
Cochrane
A historic working ranch at the base of Mount San Lorenzo where families can experience traditional gaucho culture and authentic Patagonian lamb asados.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Canopy Pudu
Coyhaique
A safe and thrilling forest park featuring multiple zipline circuits designed for families to experience the Patagonian canopy and mountain views.
Visit website →Cara del Indio
Futaleufú
A scenic riverside hub providing a variety of outdoor activities including canopy tours and hiking trails along the turquoise Futaleufú River.
Visit website →Parque Aikén del Sur
Puerto Chacabuco
A lush private nature reserve offering guided botanical walks and accessible trails through cold-jungle landscapes to hidden waterfalls.
Visit website →Ski Resort / Winter Sports Center
Centro de Ski El Fraile
Coyhaique
1,200-1,593m elevation range, 5 runs, approx 8km of skiable trails, July-September season. A boutique ski center offering panoramic views of Lakes Frío and Pólux with technical terrain through ancient lenga forests.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Playa Bonita
Puerto Cisnes
A tranquil coastal recreation spot along the Puyuhuapi Channel, perfect for family walks and observing the marine life of the Northern Patagonian fjords.
Bahía Acantilada
Puerto Aysén
A scenic coastal park on the Aysén Fjord featuring dark sand beaches, picnic areas, and panoramic views of the surrounding lush mountains.
Visit website →Playa de Chile Chico
Chile Chico
Located on the shores of General Carrera Lake, these pebble beaches benefit from a unique microclimate that offers warmer weather and clear turquoise waters.
Visit website →