Overview
South of the Chilean lake district lies the remote Aysén region, crossed by the Carretera Austral (‘Southern Highway’), a feat of engineering which opened this fractured wilderness area in the 1980s.
This lonely road showcases over 1,200km of incredible scenery: negotiating temperate rainforests, mountain passes and glaciers, and crossing dozens of icy rivers, lakes and fjords as it weaves south from Puerto Montt to where the land runs out. For self-drivers, just a few days on the Carretera Austral makes for an epic road trip with a sense of discovery.
Exploring Aysén demands time so this region has long been overlooked by most visitors heading for Patagonia’s better-known attractions. Although new national parks, upscale lodges and highway upgrades are finally putting Aysén on the map, you will still feel the raw essence of wild Patagonia and what makes it so very special.
Holidays Aysen and the Carretera Austral
Browse our off-the-beaten track holiday travelling to Aisén on the Carretera Austral. Take a look now and book with Journey Latin America.
Private Journeys
Chile
Self-drive Chile: Off the beaten track
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Things to do
Enjoy a range of activities whilst visiting Aisén, from driving the Austral road, to observing the solar eclipse. Book with Journey Latin America now.
Accommodation
After a long day exploring Aisén and the Carretera Austral, relax in our selection of well-located and idyllic hotels. Book now with Journey Latin America.
Where to go when - our guide to Aysen and the Carretera Austral
The weather in Aysen and the Carretera Austral is wide and varied
The lush, temperate forests, tumultuous rivers and jagged mountain passes of Aisen were made accessible by the Carretera Austral, a lonely road which winds through little-known, pristine landscapes. At times little more than a narrow dirt track, traffic can build up in the warmer summer months (December - February) and those wishing to avoid other visitors may prefer to visit in the quiet and cooler shoulder seasons (March - May and September - November). Wildlife is varied and abundant here as Aisen’s natural beauty has been left largely untouched. With fewer visitors in the shoulder seasons, you’ll glimpse guanacos, condors, and if you’re lucky, the elusive puma. Many of the cosy lodges will close during the harsh winter months, when temperatures drop, rainfall is heavy and the landscape freezes over.
View our Aysen and the Carretera Austral weather guidePapagaio
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