In Laguna San Rafael National Park, large blocks of ice break off the glacier and fall into Laguna San Rafael. The glacier, lagoon and calving ice define the landscape of this park in the Aisén Region. In 1979, UNESCO designated it a biosphere reserve. Alongside these sights, visitors looking to explore the region’s natural environment will find other striking landscapes, including mountain formations, lagoons and native forests, as well as glaciers and glacial valleys.
Glaciers, Forests and Wildlife
Cerro Castillo National Park encompasses mountain formations, lagoons, rivers rich in water, dense forests of native species and diverse Patagonian wildlife. It is also an important habitat for the huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus). In addition to its landscapes, the park’s natural environment is therefore closely linked to the protection of this species.
In Queulat National Park, the Queulat hanging glacier, also known as Colgante, hangs between two mountains and forms an icefall into the lagoon of the same name. The park is directly accessible via the Carretera Austral (Ruta 7), which crosses a large part of the area. Road conditions can change, so check them before setting out.
Routes and Hiking Trails
The Carretera Austral is the main transport route through the Aysén Region and is more than 1,200 kilometers long in total. It passes through native forests, by glaciers and crystal-clear rivers, and through rugged fjords. To get your bearings, it helps to understand the difference between this road and the Ruta de los Valles: the Carretera Austral is the main transport route through the region, while the Ruta de los Valles refers to a network of natural hiking trails in the northeast near La Junta.
The Ruta de los Valles trails pass through glacial valleys with lakes, rivers and waterfalls, as well as evergreen forests and native wildlife. The focus here is therefore on the valleys and their landscapes. Trail conditions and local access may vary; check the current situation before hiking.
Activities and Distinctive Local Landscapes
In Laguna San Rafael National Park, activities include boating, fishing and excursions, as well as observing flora and fauna, photography and mountaineering. Access to and availability of individual activities may vary depending on the sector and season. If you have a particular activity in mind, take these differences into account when planning.
Extended hikes are a great way to experience the natural environment of Cerro Castillo National Park. Seasonal closures and guide requirements may change; check the current situation before hiking. Hiking can thus be enjoyed as a focus in its own right, alongside the park’s wildlife and diverse landscapes.
Caleta Tortel offers a different kind of local landscape: the settlement is built over the water. Wooden footbridges form the paths and connect the houses. They are therefore part of the settlement’s structure and shape how the houses are connected.
When looking for hotels in the Aisén Region, you can start by considering what you want to focus on during your trip: glacier landscapes, longer hikes or trails through valleys.
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.
For the broader travel overview: Chile.
