Where to stay in Aysen

Bathe in the natural thermal pools at this secluded lodge perched on the shores of the Puyuhuapi Fjord. Its location makes it the perfect place to stay in order to visit the northern section of Queulat National Park. The scenery doesn't get much more tantalising with the emerald fjord fringed by the deep greens of the temperate rainforest and snow-covered granite peaks rising out of the jungle. 

For complete isolation, the lodge is only accessible by boat. 

After winding your way down the switchbacks heading south on the Carretera Austral from the Cerro Castillo mountain range, you take a left at the first junction to arrive at this simple, homely guesthouse just off the main route. Wonderful mountain views and rolling fields await you at La Casona, run by your friendly host, Mary.

Just 10 minutes' drive away in Villa Cerro Castillo you can find a few small shops and restaurants. Make the most of the stunning scenery by following trekking trails, exploring on horseback or just relaxing in this bucolic setting. It's a perfect for road trippers and hikers alike. 

Coyhaique, Aysen's regional capital is a relatively short drive from Cerro Castillo National Park, as well as Balmaceda Airport, the main gateway to the region. 

It has a wide variety of place to stay covering all styles and budgets, from large upmarket hotels to small, quirky bed and breakfasts and budget backpacker joints.

Stay in one of Mallin Colorado Lodge's rustic cabins in the woods overlooking Lago General Carrera on your trip along the Carretera Austral. There are four smaller cabins accommodating two to six guests and the newly built Casa Lenga for up to twelve people. Each has a woodburner inside plus private terrace where you can just sit back and soak up the mountain views.

It's the ideal base for visiting the Marble Caves, being only 40 minutes by car from the beginning of the excursion. as well as being in prime position to explore the Exploradores Glacier near Laguna San Rafael National Park. Equally, there are some great hiking trails surrounding the lodge to discover.

Perched on the shores of Lago General Carrera with views of its turquoise waters, snow-capped mountains and the Northern Patagonian Ice Field, El Mirador de Guadal is a lodge that will make you never want to leave. Bright, spacious wooden cabins with huge windows, natural, simple decor, wood burners and terraces overlooking the lake are dotted along the lakeside, all with access to the beach.

The lodge offers excursions to the Marble Caves, the Exploradores Valley near Laguna San Rafael National Park, the Baker River and Patagonia National Park.

Deep in the Patagonia National Park isa luxury lodge that feels like an Oxford college set in the middle of Patagonia. This stunning lodge is constructed with quarried stone from the valley. Recycled wood has been dutifully handcrafted to make high ceiling beams, floors, door and window frames and furniture throughout and amazing wood carvings of the local wildlife, every piece polished and a perfect fit.

Stay in the lodge for total tranquillity and comfort; a little oasis amongst the swaying grasses with hardly another soul (there only six rooms) – just views of grazing guanacos and the craggy peaks beyond.

Ultimo Paraiso is our top hotel choice in Cochrane – a homely place to stay just two blocks from Cochrane's main square. This hotel has everything you need for a very comfortable stay in this little town. Wooden cladding inside and out give it a real mountain lodge feel. It has seven rooms for up to three people in each and all have modern en suite bathrooms. For breakfast, help yourself to a buffet of cereals, breads, cakes, fruits, cheeses and meats.

Close to Patagonia National Park's Chacabuco Valley, the San Lorenzo and San Valentin mountains and the Baker River, there's plenty to do here for nature lovers.

Seven exquisitely designed cabins perched atop the banks of the Baker River make up BordeBaker Lodge, surrounded by southern beech forest and connected by wooden walkways. The striking architecture of the self-contained wooden cabins perfectly compliments the natural setting. Listen to the rush of the river and the whip of the wind while relaxing in your spacious bedroom with a woodburner.

Enjoy total privacy or get to know other guests in the communal 'Casona' with floor-to-ceiling windows and spectacular mountain views, unwinding after a day's hiking, rafting, kayaking, fishing or boat tripping. 

Green Baker Lodge sits among trees just south of Puerto Bertrand on the banks of the Baker River. The lodge is a convenient place to stay consisting of a central guesthouse with five cosy bedrooms and seven simple, comfortable cabins accommodating two to seven people in each.

Cabins have their own kitchens, bathrooms and wooden decked terraces. Furniture is made from red Rauli wood, native to the area. Try a hot tub on the riverbank or use the zipline to whizz across the river.

Entre Hielos Lodge is the best place to stay in Caleta Tortel. Make your way up the wooden stairway that climbs through the trees to spacious lodge, then look out from your bedroom window  across native temperate rainforest and breathe in the clean air. Rooms are warm and relaxing with walls made from Guaitecas Cypress wood. All have comfortable beds with thick down duvets, en suite bathrooms and central heating.

You can do a number of excursions from the lodge, including boat rides down the Baker River and visits to nearby glaciers. Dine at the lodge's own restaurant, which provides classic Patagonian dishes made with local ingredients.