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Northern Patagonia

For a century, Northern Patagonia has been the most rugged and remote part of continental Chile, the place where scant pioneers quietly set forth a Wild West existence. While life here may still be tough for its residents, Northern Patagonia doesn't lack for scenery. Exuberant rainforest, scrubby steppe and unclimbed peaks crowd the horizon, but the essence of this place is water, from the clear cascading rivers to the turquoise lakes, massive glaciers and labyrinthine fjords.

Southbound visitors often bypass Northern Patagonia on a sprint to Torres del Paine, but its backcountry treasures are pay dirt to the adventurous traveler.

The mostly gravel Carretera Austral rumbles from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins, some 745 miles (1200km) south. Ferry connections are required for northerly roadless stretches where mountains meet the sea. Though sections north of Coyhaique are now being paved, the iconic challenge of driving the rest still remains.

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Northern Patagonia.

  • National Park

    Parque Nacional Patagonia

    Dubbed as the Serengeti of the Southern Cone, the 690-sq-km Parque Nacional Patagonia features Patagonian steppe, forests, mountains, lakes and lagoons…

  • Landmark

    La Confluencia

    Don't miss this dramatic viewpoint, where Chile's most powerful river, the Baker, froths into a broad, behemoth cascade before merging with the milkier,…

  • Park

    Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael

    Awesome and remote, this national park brings visitors face to face with the 30,000-year-old San Valentín glacier in Chile's Campo de Hielo Norte…

  • National Park

    Parque Nacional Pumalín

    Verdant and pristine, this 2889-sq-km park encompasses vast extensions of temperate rainforest, clear rivers and seascapes. A remarkable forest…

  • National Park

    Parque Nacional Queulat

    The 1540-sq-km Parque Nacional Queulat is a wild realm of rivers winding through forests thick with ferns and southern beech. When the sun is out it’s…

  • Park

    Reserva Nacional Tamango

    Boasting Chile’s largest population of endangered huemul deer, Reserva Nacional Tamango protects a 70-sq-km transition zone to the Patagonian steppe…

  • National Park

    Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo

    Cerro Castillo's basalt spires are the crowning centerpiece of Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo, a sprawling 1800-sq-km park located 75km south of Coyhaique…

  • Landmark

    Capilla de Mármol

    Well worth the detour, these sculpted geological formations are accessible by boat on Lago General Carrera. Trips in small motorized boats or kayaks only…

  • Museum

    Museo Pioneros del Baker

    In a pioneer house, this adorable cultural museum packs in engaging details, from Patagonian sayings to pioneer relics and molds of animal tracks. It's…

  • Viewpoint

    Mirador Cerro Vijía

    Above El Rincón sector of Tortel, this three-hour round-trip hike offer views of the Baker estuary and canals.

  • National Park

    Parque Nacional Hornopirén

    Relatively unknown and not often accessed, Parque Nacional Hornopirén protects a lush wilderness of alpine terrain. It remains obscure mainly because…

  • Nature Reserve

    Reserva Nacional Coyhaique

    Draped in lenga, ñire and coigue, the 21.5-sq-km Reserva Nacional Coyhaique has small lakes and Cerro Cinchao (1361m). The park is 5km from Coyhaique …

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Monumento Natural Dos Lagunas

    Near Paso Alto Coyhaique on the Argentine border, this 181-hectare wetland reserve hosts diverse birdlife, including black-neck swans, coots and grebes…

  • National Park

    Parque Nacional Isla Magdalena

    An island sanctuary with hot springs and trails, Parque Nacional Isla Magdalena makes an engaging trip for adventurers, but there is little infrastructure…

  • Lake

    Lago Elizalde

    One of many serene mountain lakes surrounding Coyhaique and great for trout fishing, kayaking or simply time at the beach. It's just 33km from Coyhaique…

  • Historic Site

    Fábrica de Alfombras

    The skilled Chilote textile workers fed the success of the 1947 German carpet factory, still weaving high-end handmade rugs. They are sold online, but…

  • Glacier

    Calluqueo Glacier

    This glacier descending from the southeast flanks of Monte San Lorenzo has only recently become a tourist attraction. It requires boat access and a guide.

  • Museum

    Casa de la Cultura

    Features works by regional artists and a 2nd-floor assemblage of local artifacts, including minerals and fossils. Outside, the restored El Andes was built…

  • Market

    Mercado Municipal

    A covered market with artisan crafts in addition to local produce sold on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Northern Patagonia.

  • Activities

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