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.
Glacier Weekend – 4 days, 3 nights
We will spend 4 days and 3 nights exploring breathtaking glaciers, navigating through pristine fjords, and visiting the incredible Marble Chapels.
Day 1 – Santiago to Balmaceda
We’ll pick you up at the airport, and drive south to Puerto Río Tranquilo, your home base for 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 if the weather is nice, in Chelenko lake, also known as General Carrera, which we share with Argentina, and is the largest lake in Chile.
Day 2 – Explore Laguna San Rafael
We’ll pick you up early in the morning, and drive through native forests, rivers, and hanging glaciers as we make our way to Bahía Exploradores, where our boat awaits to begin the navigation toward Laguna San Rafael.
At the lagoon, we’ll sail towards the towering wall of the San Rafael Glacier, where we’ll witness its dramatic icefall and the breathtaking natural amphitheater that surrounds it. The area is dotted with countless blue icebergs, and with a bit of luck, we may spot leopard seals resting atop the floating ice—an unforgettable sight in this pristine environment.
A homemade lunch will be served facing the glacier wall, accompanied by a traditional toast: whisky or artisanal liqueur over millennia-old glacial ice.
Day 3 – Marble Chapels and Exploradores Glacier
We start off the day by sailing through Chelenko lake to The Marble Caves, Marble Chapels, and Marble Cathedral. These are gorgeous geological formations created by the erosion of the lake’s waves on granite and rock over thousands of years. The shapes are incredible, but if you go on a sunny day, the colours will take your breath away. After a morning of sailing we’ll head back to Tranquilo for lunch
During the afternoon, we’ll visit Exploradores park. Here, we’ll go for a 40 minute walk up to a viewpoint where you’ll be able to see fantastic views of Exploradores Glacier and Mount San Valentín, the highest peak in the area.
Day 4 – Return to Balmaceda
We’ll head out back to Balmaceda airport early in order to stop in Villa Cerro Castillo for a light lunch, marking the end of this weekend escape to the land of glaciers.
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.
