Puerto Chacabuco / Chile

On the southwestern coast of South American Chile, in the northern part of Patagonia, lies Puerto Chacabuco. The city, named after the ship with which Enrique Simpson explored the local waters in the 1870s, became the main port of the region after the eruption of a nearby volcano and forest fires that made access to Puerto Aysén, 15 kilometers away, difficult. The provincial capital was founded in 1914 and today has about 17,000 inhabitants, while Chacabuco remains much smaller with its 1,600 residents.

Puerto Chacabuco is known as the starting point for exploring the beautiful landscape of the Aysén Fjord, at the end of which it lies. The 70-kilometer-long fjord stretches from the Moraleda Channel, which separates the Chonos Archipelago from the Chilean mainland, and is connected to the southern Pacific via the Darwin Channel.

The hard-to-reach region, which remains the least populated in the entire country to this day, escaped the attention of colonizers until the early 20th century, and thus the area and its towns may not boast a long history or old architecture, but they more than make up for it with breathtaking landscapes and untouched nature.

From Lake Los Palos northeast of Puerto Chacabuco, stunning views open up to the snow-capped mountain peaks, but the main attraction is the Laguna San Rafael National Park, a lake fed by the glacier of the same name. A boat ride on the lagoon with floating icebergs, broken off from the face of the majestic glacier, and views of the Andean peaks, such as Mount San Valentin, are an unforgettable experience. Wildlife enthusiasts will also find their fill in the UNESCO biosphere reserve, where sea otters, sea lions, condors, or albatrosses await.

Those who long for nature walks should not miss the Patagonian National Park south of the port. The Patagonian Ice Field is the second largest after Antarctica, and unlike the White Continent, its nearly fifty main glaciers are much more accessible. Kilometers of hiking trails also offer dense forests along the Simpson River, which is also known for its excellent fly fishing conditions.

A good place to buy original souvenirs is the market in Coyhaique, 80 kilometers away, the regional capital, often nicknamed the city of eternal snow. Here you can buy handicrafts made from natural materials such as wood, leather, stone, or wool.

Gourmets should not miss tasting cordero al palo, lamb roasted directly over the fire, chupe de centolla, a thick king crab soup, or empanadas de cordero, known pastries filled with a mixture of meat, vegetables, and sometimes rice. All, of course, washed down with excellent Chilean wine.

Places worth seeing

Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael – Let yourself be carried away by the breathtaking scenery of the lagoon full of icebergs in all shades of blue.

Lago de los Palos - Enjoy a kayak ride on the beautiful lake with stunning views of the snow-capped mountain peaks.

Los Campos de Hielo Patagónicos - Stretch your legs on a hike through the rugged but stunning landscape of the world's second-largest ice field.

Reserva Nacional Río Simpson – Go fishing on the wild river of Chile's least populated region.

Cascada La Virgen – Stop by the small but pretty waterfalls with a little shrine right by the road.

Coyhaique – At the market with handicrafts made of wood, leather, and wool, get authentic souvenirs for yourself and the whole family.