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Ays茅n is Chile’s least populated region. It is a rugged and windswept landscape and, with 300 days of sunshine a year, one of the driest.
It stretches from the Lake District and Puerto Montt in the north to Villa O’Higgins, which is literally at the end of the road, in the south. The region was not connected until work began on a road in 1980 and O’Higgins was only connected in 2000. The landscape is marked with some of Chile’s most spectacular scenery, much of which is located to the south of town of Balmaceda. Sites of particular note include the continent's second largest lake (Lago General Carrera), several glaciations, Alpine forests and turquoise waters that shelters some of Chile’s best fishing.
A trip here is somewhat of an adventure. Many choose to venture only as far south as Lago General Carrera (around five hours south of the region’s airport at Balmaceda) where a handful of idyllic lodges will look after your every need; take you onto the lake to see the incredible Marble Caves, offer glacier treks or viewing or walking in pristine forests. All with the backdrop of the snow-capped Andes and glacier fields.
The more adventurous will pick up a car and drive south beyond the lake and head to Tortel (a fishing town only accessible by boat), and ultimately Villa O’Higgins. This is literally the end of Route 7 as Mother Nature prevents any further construction. Here Lago O’Higgins, the vast O’Higgins Glacier, solitude and the complete wilderness await those who make the effort to come down here.
Chile Chico
For years it has been something of a secret, accessible only to those who knew about it, and were prepared to stay in basic trekkers' accommodation. However with the increase in numbers visiting the country and the popularity of the parks in the south, this area affectionately known as Chile Chico, has started to open up.
There are several stunning lodges, ranging from the simple to the special, and with an average of 300 days of sun a year it has its own specific microclimate.
For anyone who really wants to get out into nature and explore lakes, mountains, glaciers and valleys away from the crowds Ays茅n is simply perfect.
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Suggested itinerary featuring the Ays茅n Region
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in the Ays茅n Region, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places in and around the Ays茅n Region
- Northern Patagonia The Ays茅n Region
- Chacabuco Valley & Parque Patagonia 119 miles away
- Chilo茅 Island 223 miles away
- Puerto Montt 274 miles away
- The Southern Lake District 284 miles away
- Puerto Varas 284 miles away
Our expert guides to exploring the Ays茅n Region
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting the Ays茅n Region, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate the Ays茅n Region at its best.
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Self-drive holidays in Chile: 3 wilderness road trips Self-drive holidays in Chile: 3 wilderness road trips
Self-drive holidays in Chile: 3 wilderness road trips
When it comes to driving trips in Chile, you鈥檒l find the most fulfilling journeys are to be had in the Lake District and Chilean Patagonia, says Audley Chile specialist Chloe. Just make sure you allow time to stop and explore.
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Accommodation choices for the Ays茅n Region
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit the Ays茅n Region. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Entre Hielos
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El Mirador de Guadal
Ays茅n Region -
Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa
Ays茅n Region -
Mallin Colorado Ecolodge
Ays茅n Region
Ideas for experiencing the Ays茅n Region
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting the Ays茅n Region, and which use the best local guides.
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Visit the Great Glacier Visit the Great Glacier
Visit the Great Glacier
From Villa O鈥橦iggins board a small motor vessel with capacity for 60 passengers to navigate across the Glacier Lake.
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Visit the Marble caves Visit the Marble caves
Visit the Marble caves
Located on Lago General Carrera these amazingly vibrant blue and grey, partially submerged, cave chambers have been formed by over 6,000 years of erosion.
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