The Complete Guide to Chilean Patagonia (Part 2)

Chilean Patagonia can be difficult to navigate, especially the Aysén region.

With limited information online, can we find our way to the Marble Caves and Queulat National Park without hitchhiking? Watch it now to find out ...

We arrived from Argentina to the small border town, Chile Chico.

Here, we try to visit the famous marble caves and somehow reach the capital of the Aysén region, Coyhaique.

Then we try to visit the famous Hanging Glacier in Queulat National Park.

We don't have much time and the distances are enormous, the roads are long and our Spanish is scarce.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about Guide to Chilean Patagonia you Must Know Before Travel

Source: Travel Bubble

Punta Arenas

What to do

While the city itself offers views of the Strait of Magellan and a life-size replica of Magellan's ship, Punta Arenas' main attraction is its ideal location as a base camp for marine adventures and wildlife viewing.

From here, venture to Isla Magdalena to see Chile's largest penguin colony.

Cruise through the fjords and look for jumping dolphins or cruise to Cape Horn.

Are you coming in winter? Go to the Andean Ski Center to ski or snowboard at the end of the world.

Where to stay

Stay in the center if you want to be within walking distance of restaurants, bars, the bus station, and the port.

Downtown options will be the fanciest, while boutique hotels and budget accommodations are a 15-minute walk from downtown.

To experience gaucho culture and escape the hustle and bustle of the city, go to an estancia.

How to get there

Fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas. Buses leave from Ushuaia (12 hours) and Puerto Natales (four hours).

You can drive from Puerto Natales in approximately two hours and 45 minutes.

Pucon

What to do

Hike to the lava-filled crater of the Villarrica Volcano or go skiing alongside it.

Immerse yourself in the humid waters of the Geométricas Hot Springs Thermal Spa.

Hike through enigmatic monkey forests to find lakes, waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views in Huequehue National Park, and venture to nearby Curarrehue for whitewater rafting.

In winter, you cross the Villarrica region and the Andes themselves on dog sleds.

Where to stay

Stay on the edge of Lake Villarrica for beautiful views of downtown to get closer to food and transportation hubs.

Camp at Parque La Posa for a nice and affordable option, or consider staying in the nearby town of Villarrica, across the lake, for less expensive hotels.

How to get there

Fly from Santiago to Puerto Montt. From there you can rent a car and drive (four hours) or take the bus (six hours).

Take a direct bus from Santiago (nine hours) or from San Martín de Los Andes (five hours) in Argentina.

Tierra del Fuego

What to do

With hiking, boating, and an abundance of wildlife, travelers come here in search of solitude, space, and breathtaking, hard-to-reach scenery.

Hike the edge of Navarino Island on the Dientes de Navarino trail for five days, or opt for the seven-day Tierra del Fuego crossing trail to meander through snow-capped mountain passes and along Lake Fagnano.

Do you want something shorter? Karukinka Nature Park offers various hiking options during the day.

Visit the King Penguin Park to hear the king penguins sing.

Cruise the Beagle Channel and cruise through Glacier Alley, and to see where the Atlantic and Pacific meet, book a boat to Cape Horn.

Where to stay

You can stay outside of Punta Arenas to do some of the cruise options, but for tours of the southern region, you will want to stay further south.

If so, head to a hostel on Isla Navarino or stay at one of the few hotels in Puerto Williams.

It is possible to camp in cabins, but very basic.

How to get there

Fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas, then take another flight to Porvenir to explore the north of Tierra del Fuego, or fly to Puerto Williams to explore the south.

Another option is to take the ferry from Punta Arenas to Porvenir, which takes only two and a half hours.

You can take the 31-hour ferry from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams.

Although it is more expensive and much longer, you will see much more land of Tierra del Fuego.

Aysén

What to do

Kayak through the emerald waters of the Marble Caverns.

Stroll through the coigüe forests and swamps of the Patagonia National Park.

Take a hike on the ice in northern Patagonia, see the San Rafael Glacier on a boat, and camp in the rainforest surrounding Laguna San Rafael National Park.

Where to stay

Puerto Tranquilo, the closest town to the Marble Caves, offers camping and some cabins.

For Patagonia National Park, stay at one of the campgrounds or at an inn within the park.

For San Rafael, book a room at a boutique hotel, cabin, or inn in Puerto Chacabuco, or stay in Puerto Tranquilo.

How to get there

From Santiago, fly to Puerto Montt and then to Balmaceda airport.

From there, rent a car and drive wherever you want in the region.

You can also take a ferry from Puerto Montt to Puerto Cisnes or Puerto Chacabuco.

From the south, take the ferry from Puerto Natales to Caleta Torte.

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