Chile Aisen and the Carretera Austral
Home to lush, temperate forests, tumultuous rivers and jagged mountain passes, Aisen is a pristine wilderness made accessible by the Carretera Austral.
Overview
South of the Chilean lake district lies the remote Aisén region, crossed by the Carretera Austral (‘Southern Highway’), a feat of engineering which opened this fractured wilderness area in the 1980s. This lonely road showcases over 1,200km of incredible scenery: negotiating temperate rainforests, mountain passes and glaciers, and crossing dozens of icy rivers, lakes and fjords as it weaves south from Puerto Montt to where the land runs out. For self-drivers, just a few days on the Carretera Austral makes for an epic road trip with a sense of discovery.
Exploring Aisén demands time so this region has long been overlooked by most visitors heading for Patagonia’s better-known attractions. Although new national parks, upscale lodges and highway upgrades are finally putting Aisén on the map, you will still feel the raw essence of wild Patagonia and what makes it so very special.
Holidays Aisen and the Carretera Austral
Browse our off-the-beaten track holiday travelling to Aisén on the Carretera Austral. Take a look now and book with Journey Latin America.
Things to do
Enjoy a range of activities whilst visiting Aisén, from driving the Austral road, to observing the solar eclipse. Book with Journey Latin America now.
Accommodation
After a long day exploring Aisén and the Carretera Austral, relax in our selection of well-located and idyllic hotels. Book now with Journey Latin America.
Where to go when - our guide to Aisen and the Carretera Austral
The weather in Aisen and the Carretera Austral is wide and varied
The lush, temperate forests, tumultuous rivers and jagged mountain passes of Aisen were made accessible by the Carretera Austral, a lonely road which winds through little-known, pristine landscapes. At times little more than a narrow dirt track, traffic can build up in the warmer summer months (December - February) and those wishing to avoid other visitors may prefer to visit in the quiet and cooler shoulder seasons (March - May and September - November). Wildlife is varied and abundant here as Aisen’s natural beauty has been left largely untouched. With fewer visitors in the shoulder seasons, you’ll glimpse guanacos, condors, and if you’re lucky, the elusive puma. Many of the cosy lodges will close during the harsh winter months, when temperatures drop, rainfall is heavy and the landscape freezes over.
View our Aisen and the Carretera Austral weather guidePapagaio
Your edit for Latin American inspiration
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
View Extraordinary Inspiration
Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert
Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.
Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert
Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.
Lina Fuller - Travel Expert
Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.
Sophie Barber - Travel Expert
Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.
Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert
After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.
Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert
A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.
