Remote, rugged, and sparsely populated, Aysén feels like Patagonia distilled into its purest form. Glaciers grind through mountains, rivers glow turquoise in a way that's unlike anywhere else, and wildlife like guanacos, condors, and pumas move freely. Traveling here is less about destinations than about immersing oneself in raw, unbroken wilderness.
A national conservation initiative continuing the legacy of Tompkins Conservation, dedicated to restoring ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and creating wildlife corridors throughout Chile. Their work spans the establishment and management of national parks, the reintroduction of keystone species like pumas and huemuls, and promoting sustainable livelihoods in local communities. By combining science-based restoration with ecotourism and education, they aim to safeguard Patagonia's landscapes for future generations.
Laguna San Rafael is Patagonia’s ice kingdom—a turquoise lagoon where a towering tidewater glacier drops into the sea. Icebergs drift across the water while sea lions and elephant seals crowd the rocky shoreline. Remote and raw, it’s only accessible by boat or plane, which makes diving beneath the surface here almost unthinkable. Even leopard seals have been rumored to patrol these waters making this a true wild frontier.
Patagonia National Park is a story of restoration. Once used for ranching, its vast grasslands and valleys are now being rewilded, bringing back populations of guanacos, condors, and rhea bird (very similar looking to an ostrich or emu). Hiking trails and scenic overlooks reveal a landscape in the process of healing—wild and beautiful in equal measure.
Named for its fortress-like peaks, Cerro Castillo is Patagonia for those who want to step off the main trail. Glacial lakes glow turquoise, forests spread across the valleys, and the endangered huemul deer hide in the shadows. Its rugged hikes reward those willing to push deeper into the backcountry. And for those who experience this place in the fall, the deciduous forest will show you reds, oranges and yellows like no where else.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.svg)
