What to do in Aysen

Whether you’re looking for a scenic day hike or to push yourself on a multi-day trek through the mountains, Aysen has some of Patagonia’s best trails – all with hardly anyone on them.

For dramatic landscapes, Cerro Castillo National Park is a true rival to Torres del Paine, some truly world class hiking. In Patagonia National Park you can get wild and remote in the valleys, under some of the region’s most epic skies. Both of these parks offer day hikes and supported camping expeditions. Elsewhere, Queulat National Park offers hanging glacier views, while at the Exploradores Glacier near Laguna San Rafael you can even go ice hiking on its back.

The gaucho is firmly embedded into Aysen’s culture, making a horseriding trip one of the best ways to really get under the skin of the region.

Short half day and full day rides are perfect for exploring the scenery, and there are a number of excellent traditional lodges from which to base yourself and do as much (or as little) riding as you like.

For experienced riders who are after a longer adventure, there are extended camping trips riding with pack horses, taking you deep into the wilderness for a deep taste of Aysen’s frontier lifestyle.

Float downstream past snowcapped mountains, deserted beaches, or padding to the famous Marble Caves or even the face of the San Rafael Glacier: Aysen's vast waterways connect some of its most beautiful and untouched scenery, ready to be experienced by anyone from novices to expert kayakers. 

Kayaking in Aysen can range from simple half day or full day paddling excursions, to longer river adventures spread over several days, where you wild camp on the beach to emerge at the end in the bay of northern Chile's prettiest fjords. 

Aysen is the jewel in Chile's crown when it comes to fishing. Alongside numerous lakes, lagoons and fjords, it has numerous rivers famous for their beautiful scenery, and an abundance of trout and salmon. The Simpson, Baker, Palena and Cochrane rivers are all essential destinations for anyone wishing to experience fishing in Patagonia, whether you take a day out of your adventure to fish, or relax in a fishing lodge on a dedicated trip.

One thing's for certain, the river runs here are so remote, you'll have your spot all to yourself, with only the sound of the water and the birds to break the stillness.