Tourism in the Austral Road

Inside the Southern most part of Chile, Patagonia is almost depopulated, but of world interest due to its impressive landscapes that offer lots of possibilities to do tours and excursions. In the North of Patagonia the Camino Austral is extended. This road is accessed from Puerto Montt, and continues through Palena Province (Los Lagos Region) and it crosses all the North and South Aisen Region to Villa O’Higgins, next to the Southern Patagonian Icefields.

The capital of this last region Coyahaique, is located 1.640 km to the South of Santiago and a 3 hour and 20 minute flight from there.It is a graveled road (except in Coyhaique and its surroundings) of approximately 1.200 km of extension that crosses imposing virgin forests, copious rivers, glaciers, snowdrifts, channels and brooks. It is the perfect milieu to travel in motored vehicles, mountain bike, cycle tourism, trekking and strolls.

The region is also paradise for fly fishing or the lonely trout fishing (farios and rainbow trouts) along with fishing of the coho salmon, surrounded by rivers and millenary forests. The place is equipped with necessary and cozy lodgings for fishermen.

The geography of the region allows for rafting in world famous rivers, among which we can mention the Futaleufú and the Baker, with high class rapids, sport boating is another interesting activity to do (General Carrera Lake) and also equestrian activities.Trekking is possible in this land full of snowdrifts, mountains and volcanoes thanks to the trails which can be traveled on horseback and also walking.

Many aquatic activities such as sea and river kayak, rafting and fly fishing of salmon and trouts can be practiced in the rivers, lakes and sea sailing is possible among isles and channels, an activity that allows tourist to enjoy the wonders of the austral landscape. Rural tourism is also another interesting activity and it is carried out in small villages and towns of the zone, that are currently promoting agriculture and livestock development.

For the tourisms the Camino Austral has become one of the most important attractions in Chile, making it possible to know and access a territory that has a lot to be discovered and know yet: Northern Patagonia, an ideal land for adventure tourism, fishing, trekking, extreme sports, kayaking, rafting and flora and fauna observation in its wildest condition.