By Cassie Phillips
Chilean Patagonia is one of the most spectacular wilderness destinations in the world. Glaciers, fjords, volcanoes, temperate rain forests, shimmering alpine lakes and granite peaks make up a stunning natural landscape that has been largely unaltered by human activity. The area attracts serious trekkers, climbers, rafters and mountain bikers, as well as more casual nature lovers who want to soak up the area's stunning scenery with a bottle of local Chilean wine.
Time Frame
Vast swaths of Chilean Patagonia are inaccessible throughout much of the year. The best time to visit is austral summer, from December to early March. Since this is the major vacation period in Chile and Argentina, it is important to book as far in advance as possible. Domestic flights, cruises out of Puerto Montt, hotel rooms and places on tours of national parks can fill up rapidly.
Southern Chilean Patagonia
The southern half of Chilean Patagonia is known for snow-capped mountains and fantastic treks. Torres Del Paine National Park, considered one of the world's most stunning, offers several multi-day treks as well as lodging and day hikes for the less adventurous. Watching the sun rise over the three granite peaks referred to in the park's name is one of the top experiences in traveling South America. The more remote Cerro Castillo National Park, meanwhile, is a great
choice for those who want complete independence and isolation.
Northern Chilean Patagonia
One of the highlights of visiting the northern half of Chilean Patagonia is a multi-day cruise around glaciers, lakes and archipelagos. Most cruises leave from Puerto Montt, and range from shorter three to four day trips around the Lakes District to longer cruises all the way to Ushuaia, at the tip of Patagonia. Northern Chilean Patagonia is also home to some of the world's best whitewater rafting on the Futaleufú River.
Considerations
Chilean Patagonia is home to the Carretera Austral, or Southern Highway, spanning over 1,300 kilometers and traversing temperate rainforest, glaciers, mountains, caves, and volcanoes. It has been named one of the world's most breathtaking road journeys and each year a handful of intrepid travelers attempt to traverse it by car or bike. Traveling the whole highway requires taking three ferries, one of which operates only in January and February. This is an excellent way to see Chilean Patagonia but again, necessitates careful planning ahead of time.
Warning
The El Chaitén volcano erupted on May 2nd, 2008, destroying large parts of the city of Chaitén in Chilean Patagonia. The city is still recovering and therefore facilities and transport connections may be altered. The Chaitén volcano is active and experts have noted the risk of another eruption.
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