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Picture of Región de Aysén, Chile

Travel Guide for
Región de Aysén

Chile

Cold oceanic, cool temperate, rainy

Introduction

Región de Aysén is a remote and wild corner of southern Chile, celebrated for its dramatic fjords, glaciers, and lush forests. The area was settled later than much of Chile, giving it a frontier spirit and a laid-back atmosphere. Its culture blends Patagonian traditions with an appreciation for outdoor adventure and local cuisine.

Visiting in mid-March, you’ll find cool, brisk weather—perfect for exploring with friends. Enjoy scenic hikes in Cerro Castillo, share laughs over hearty Patagonian meals, or take a group boat trip to the marble caves on Lake General Carrera. Affordable hostels and guesthouses make it easy to experience Aysén’s natural wonders while traveling on a budget.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleTravelling with friends

Dates10-17 March 2026

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHostel

Interests and Activities:

family activitiessightseeing and toursgastronomyarts and culturefestivals and events

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Picture of Región de Aysén, Chile

Key Facts

Location

Southern Chile, Patagonia

Currency

Chilean Peso (CLP)

Religion

Christianity (mainly Catholic)

Population

106,336

Language

Spanish, some indigenous languages

Electricity

220V, 50Hz, plug types C & L

Time zone

UTCCLT (UTC-4)

Country code

+56

Internet access

Available in towns, rural areas limited

Climate

Cold oceanic, cool temperate, rainy

See More Chile Facts

Language:

Spanish

  • hello

    hola (oh-lah)
  • goodbye

    adiós (ah-dee-ohs)
  • yes

    (see)
  • no

    no (noh)
  • how much

    ¿cuánto cuesta esto? (kwan-to kwes-tah es-to)
  • please

    por favor (por fah-vor)
  • thank you

    gracias (grah-see-as)
  • excuse me

    disculpe (dees-kool-peh)

Map

Logistics

To reach Región de Aysén, most travelers fly from Santiago or Puerto Montt to the regional airport in Balmaceda. From the airport, frequent buses and car rentals connect you to main towns like Coyhaique. No trains serve the region, but long-distance buses from southern Chile are also an option for those with extra time.

Ferries offer scenic connections from Puerto Montt to Aysén’s coastal towns, and road access is primarily along the Carretera Austral, a famous route for its rugged beauty. March weather can be unpredictable—heavy rain or road delays are possible, so allow for flexibility in your itinerary, especially when traveling with friends on a budget.

Weather

Región de Aysén, located in Chilean Patagonia, has a cool, temperate climate with frequent rainfall year-round. Summers (December to February) are mild, while winters (June to August) can be cold and snowy, especially in the mountains. Weather is often changeable with wind, clouds, and clear spells. Pack for layers and rain any time of year.

From March 10 to March 17, you’ll experience early fall: temperatures average 7°C–16°C, with crisp air and colorful foliage. Rain is common, but heavy storms are not typical in Aysén during this time. This season is great for family hikes, nature tours, flavorful Patagonian cuisine, and local arts events before the winter quiet arrives.

Food & Drink

Región de Aysén is known for hearty Patagonian cuisine, featuring dishes like cordero al palo (spit-roasted lamb), fresh trout and salmon, empanadas, and rhubarb desserts. Locally brewed craft beers and Calafate sours are popular drinks. You’ll also find delicious stews and rustic homemade breads that reflect the rural traditions of the region.

For a fun, social meal with friends, check out Restaurant Cangrejo Rojo and Café de Mayo in Coyhaique for Patagonian classics; Cervecería D’Olbek and Mamma Gaucha serve tasty local brews and casual fare. Many restaurants include a 10% tip on the bill—check before adding extra.

Vegetarian options can be limited, so be sure to ask in advance. Local markets often offer seasonal treats and artisanal cheese—perfect for picnics if you’re exploring the countryside. The region’s remoteness means fresh, seasonal ingredients shape most menus.

A picture of Empanada

Empanada

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A picture of Cazuela

Cazuela

Cazuela is a delightful Chilean stew that typically includes chunks of meat, corn, rice, potatoes, and vegetables, all...

A picture of Chorrillana

Chorrillana

Chorrillana is a hearty and indulgent Chilean dish composed of French fries topped with pan-fried beef, onions, and...

A picture of Pastel de Choclo

Pastel de Choclo

Pastel de Choclo is a traditional Chilean dish that features a savory pie made with a sweet corn...

A picture of Curanto

Curanto

Curanto is a unique Chilean dish that originated in the Chiloé Archipelago, showcasing a blend of seafood, meat,...

Accommodation

For a fun, social experience in Región de Aysén, base yourself in Coyhaique, the region’s lively capital. Top hostels like Patagonia Green and Hostal Viento Sur offer clean dorms and inviting common spaces—perfect for travelers with friends. Search and compare prices on Hotels.com, which lists various hostels and guesthouses in Coyhaique and surrounding towns.

Venture south to Puerto Río Tranquilo, a gateway to the Marble Caves, where options like El Puesto Hostel book up quickly in March. Flexible cancellation policies are useful, as weather can impact travel. Reserve your hostel early on Hotels.com for March 10-17, as it's late summer and spots fill fast. Hostel stays in these hubs make it easy to book tours and meet fellow adventurers!

Itinerary

Begin your journey with a warm welcome to Aysén, taking in the first sights and soaking up the tranquil vibe, while bonding with friends and gearing up for an eventful week.

Strolling Along the Río Simpson Waterfront

Ease into your adventure with a relaxed group stroll along the trail beside the Río Simpson. Enjoy the peaceful river views, spot local birds, and capture great arrival photos together. Ideal for unwinding after your journey.

Welcome Lunch Featuring Patagonian Cuisine

Gather your friends for an authentic Aysén welcome meal at one of Coyhaique’s local restaurants. Sample signature Patagonian lamb or fresh river trout, and toast to the week ahead in a cozy, social setting.

Coyhaique Plaza de Armas Meetup

Start your orientation at Coyhaique’s iconic Plaza de Armas. Admire the scenic sculptures, chat with locals, and soak up small-town life while planning the rest of your week with friends.

Guided Half Day Kayak Tour with Picnic in Villa la Angostura

Guided Half Day Kayak Tour with Picnic in Villa la Angostura

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

We offer guided kayak tours in Nahuel Huapi National Park. We will have the possibility of paddling in turquoise waters of glacier origin, watching waterfowl, and great diversity of flora associated with the moist forest surrounding the lake. In addition we will see large rocky outcrops with traces of glacial erosion and deposits of volcanic ash deep in the lake. All our tours are safe and support families, couples, friends, and solo people, no matter if you are a beginner, or, expert. The excursion includes information on geology, history, flora, and fauna. We also explore natural attractions that will surprise you, and we will stop for a picnic and rest in a unique place. We are enabled by Nahuel Huapi National Park and PNA. Mariano, our main guide is a Bachelor of Tourism, ACA (American Canoe Association) Kayak instructor, with experience guiding in Antarctica, Norway, and Greece.

5.0 (95 reviews)

From $115 USD

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Experiences

Farming Experience in Chile
volunteering

Farming Experience in Chile

Minimum 1 week

Chile

$495/week

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Renovation and Construction in Chile
volunteering

Renovation and Construction in Chile

Minimum 1 week

Chile

$495/week

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English Teaching in Chile
teaching

English Teaching in Chile

Minimum 1 week

Chile

$495/week

Learn More

Attractions

3.5 (27 reviews)
Coyhaique Tour Shore Excursion from P. Chacabuco, include lunch

Coyhaique Tour Shore Excursion from P. Chacabuco, include lunch

MANUAL

Discover the rugged scenery and fascinating history of the region and its Capital "Coyhaique" area during this 5.5-hour shore excursion. After exploring Puerto Aysén you’ll travel along the scenic banks of Río Simpson. You are going to see the famous waterfall "Cascada Virgen" and its history. Now its time for having lunch. On your way back to the ship you are going tohave a great experience at a typical Chilean ranch where we will give you a unique insight into the life of the local inhabitants and the organic products they serve you. An ASADO (Chilean BBQ) a lamb on a spit, potatoes and salad from the ranch, nothing is bought, everything is untreated and pure. The family farm has not only sheep, cattle, goats, ducks, geese and chickens. After this wonderful lunch you will have a last fotostop in the "Mirador Puerto Chacabuco" fjord of with a fantastic view to the CONDOR Glaciars. Discover a landscape of unspoiled forests, Rivers and a scenic waterfall.

From $215 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
Trekking Laguna Verde - Cerro Castillo National Park

Trekking Laguna Verde - Cerro Castillo National Park

INSTANT

We invite you to visit Cerro Castillo National Park differently! Through the Laguna Verde Trekking we will visit the famous Cerro Castillo National Park, where we will make a 9 km walk through forests of lenga and ñire that will take us to know the majestic Laguna Verde, which is formed thanks to the thaw of The glaciers of the hill. Exciting walks, sightings of native flora and fauna and breathtaking views of the lake and Castillo Hill await for you to explore them in this trekking. It will be an once-in-a-lifetime experience!

From $140 USD

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4.0 (1 reviews)
4-Days Discovery in Aiken del Sur Park - Puerto Chacabuco

4-Days Discovery in Aiken del Sur Park - Puerto Chacabuco

MANUAL

This is a unique opportunity to explore this unknown area of Chilean Pagatonia, part of the famous "Carretera Austral"

From $1140 USD

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FAQ

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