Why Aysen?
When most travelers picture Patagonia, their minds drift to the jagged peaks of Torres del Paine or the windswept Argentinian pampa. But tucked far from the well-trodden routes lies Patagonia’s most guarded treasure—Aysén.
This is the Patagonia few have ever seen. A land where ancient forests breathe in silence, glaciers spill into glassy fjords, and untamed rivers carve through valleys that seem untouched by time. Here, the geography is a secret blend of mountains, ice fields, and remote coastline found nowhere else on Earth.
Come lose yourself in Chile’s most isolated region, where nature still reigns and the crowds have yet to arrive. With Chile Off Track, you’ll journey into the wild with comfort, safety, and the kind of wonder you thought only existed in stories.
Loop around Chelenko Lake – 5 days, 4 nights
Road-trip around Chlenko (AKA General Carrera) Lake. If Aysen is the hidden, unexplored gem of Patagonia, Lake Chelenko, particularly its southern shore, is its best hidden secret. Most journeys in this area follow Carretera Austral, the main -almost only, road that runs north to south. This journey is an invitation to go off track with us, and explore hidden villages, cross the lake on a ferry, and immerse yourselves in one of the wildest parts of the planet.
*This itinerary at its current price provides a guide/driver and a car. We can also provide a self-drive option. Feel free to email us for a quote
Day 1 – Balmaceda to Puerto Río Tranquilo
We’ll pick you up at Balmaceda airport, and drive south to Puerto Río Tranquilo, your first stop on this adventure.
On the way, we will stop by Parque Cerro Castillo, for a picnic lunch. Here, you can stretch your legs and spot some Huemules (a native species of deer, and also one of our national animals).
You’ll have the afternoon free to relax, explore the village, and dip your toes -or more, in Chelenko lake, also known as General Carrera, which we share with Argentina, and is the largest lake in Chile.
Day 2 – Puerto Río Tranquilo, to Puerto Guadal
We start the day by sailing through Chelenko lake to The Marble Caves, Marble Chapels, and Marble Cathedral, incredible geological formations created over thousands of years. The shapes are incredible, and the colours will take your breath away.
During the afternoon, we’ll drive to our next village. We’ll start on Carretera Austral, following Chelenko’s edge, and stopping at several viewpoints and beaches along the way. We will cross General Carrera suspension bridge, where Chelenko lets out into Bertrand lake, and continue along Chelenko’s edge until we reach the southernmost tip of the lake, and stop at a viewpoint from where we can see lakes Chelenko, Bertrand, and Negro Simmultaneously. Here, we will leave Carretera Austral to turn east following Chelenko, all the way to Puerto Guadal, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 3 – Puerto Guadal to Chile Chico
Today we’ll spend the day slowly driving to Chile Chico with several scenic stops along the way. We will get to explore El Maqui waterfall, and spend some time at several beaches and lookout points along the way.
**If you want to add an extra night in Chile Chico to explore the border with Argentina, and Patagonia’s Valley of the Moon, send us an email requesting a quote.
Day 4 – Chile Chico to Coyhaique
During the morning we’ll board the ferry and cross Chelenko towards Rio Ibañez. After the 2 hour south-north journey, we start driving west to rejoin Carretera Austral all the way to Coyhaique, the capital of Aysén.
You’ll have the afternoon free to explore this beautiful town. We recommend stretching your legs through the main square and surrounding streets, and end the day with a meal and a pint at one of the city’s craft breweries.
Day 5 – Return to Santiago
We’ll pick you up at your hotel and drive you to Balmaceda airport, from were you’ll fly back to Santiago.
Availability
This tour runs from November through March, which is the best time to enjoy Patagonia’s landscapes and wildlife.
Conditions
Please note that this itinerary may change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
During summer season conditions are usually very stable, but this is wild Patagonia and the unexpected is part of the charm. Remember, we’ve got you and we’ll sort things out. As the saying goes, “El que se apura en la Patagonia pierde el tiempo” (they who rush in Patagonia end up wasting their time)
Cancellation
- Cancellations made 40 days or more before the trip start date will result in a 75% refund of the deposit per person, minus any non-recoverable third-party costs (e.g., hotel deposits, permits).
- Cancellations made within 39 days of the trip start date are non-refundable. No refunds will be given for last-minute cancellations, early departures, or failure to attend the tour, regardless of the reason.
- Non-recoverable Costs: Chile Off Track reserves the right to deduct any non-recoverable costs from the refunded amount (e.g., third-party deposits, vendor penalties).
👉 For full details, please visit our Booking & Cancellation Policy page.
♻️ Sustainability Commitment
At Chile Off Track, we’re passionate about preserving the environment. As part of our commitment to sustainable tourism, we’ve eliminated single-use plastic water bottles on all tours.
We encourage all guests to bring a refillable water bottle. If you forget yours, don’t worry—we’ll gladly provide one for you to use during the tour. Together, we can reduce waste and protect the natural beauty of Chile, one step (and one sip) at a time.
Planning to spend a night in Santiago before or after?
Take a look at our recommendations for restaurants and hotels. And if you’d like to add more to your trip, check out our tours from Santiago.
