Route of the Parks

Touch down at Balmaceda Airport and meet a private transfer North to Coyhaique, the capital city of the Aysen region and the gateway to the remote national parks along the Carretera Austral. Explore the bustling city this afternoon, sampling local craft brews or wandering the artisan markets in the main square. Your hotel this evening is located on the banks of the Coyhaique River with views of the forests and mountains, only a short distance from the city center, and is the perfect place to rest up after a big travel day.

Breakfast at the hotel in Coyhaique is followed by a short drive to Coyhaique Natural Reserve. A guide leads nature walks around three glacial lagoons and along easy forest trails, showcasing local flora and wildlife. After the morning hike, the trip continues north along the Carretera Austral, passing through Villa Manihuales and Puerto Cisnes. A scenic drive over Cuesta Queulat brings the group to Queulat National Park.

Arrival at Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa in the late afternoon provides a chance to unwind. Dinner at the lodge features regional cuisine before an overnight stay in comfortable rooms with mountain and fjord views.

A guided transfer from Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa leads to Queulat National Park at dawn. Begin with a visit to the hanging snowdrift, a dramatic ice formation clinging to steep cliffs. Hike lush forest trails through dense vegetation, then board a small boat on the fjord to view the hanging glacier up close. Scenic forest paths reveal vibrant green mosses and native trees. A packed picnic lunch is served lakeside, offering local snacks amid the wilderness. In late afternoon, return by boat to the lodge pier for a short walk back to Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa. Evenings feature regional dishes in the lodge’s dining room and optional relaxation in the spa’s sauna or hot tub.

After breakfast at Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa, a boat crosses the Puyuhuapi Fjord to meet the guide for a scenic drive north on the Carretera Austral. Lunch awaits at a seaside restaurant in Puerto Cisnes fishing village, overlooking the Pacific Ocean coast. In the afternoon, guests board a small boat for a coastal ride before continuing the drive toward Cerro Castillo National Park. Arrival in Cerro Castillo village in the early evening leads to check-in at a local lodge. Dinner features regional specialties, and rooms offer mountain views in preparation for the next day’s park exploration.

After breakfast, begin with a half-day hike in Cerro Castillo National Park to the scenic Estero Parada, where glacier-fed streams and lenga forests set the scene.

After the hike, a private transfer follows the Carretera Austral for four hours, winding through the Ibanez River Valley, Murta River Valley, and past Puerto Murta and Puerto Tranquilo. Crossing the bridge over Lake General Carrera leads directly to Mallín Colorado. Evenings feature a hearty dinner at the lodge and comfortable rooms with lake or mountain views, ready for the next day’s adventure.

Depart Mallin Colorado after breakfast for a scenic drive along the Baker River, Chile’s largest river noted for its unique calypso blue color. Follow the river south to its confluence with the Nef before reaching Patagonia National Park near Cochrane. Explore the park’s visitor center and museum, then join a guided wildlife drive to spot herds of guanacos grazing on the open plains.

Enjoy regional dishes at a nearby lodge before settling into comfortable rooms with mountain views. Evening at leisure with dinner served on-site, ready for the next day’s adventures.

Today you will visit the famed Marble Caves by kayak. After breakfast, head north towards Puerto Tranquilo to Mansa Bay. Your guide will assist you with preparing your kayak and paddling instructions. Once all equipment is set,  paddle your way to the famed Marble Caves, where you can glide through these architectural wonders. Learn geological theories about the formation of these unique cliffside caves created along the shores of Lake General Carrera. See how the stone has been eroded by the movement of water and strong wind throughout the years as you kayak the calypso-blue waters. Once back on shore, the rest of the day is free to explore the trails throughout the Mallin Colorado or relax and enjoy learning more about the Patagonian Gaucho culture in the lodge.

This morning brings an early start to the day. Wake up at dawn and drive to Bahia Exploradores in Puerto Tranquilo. From here, you will embark on a vessel that will navigate through the Chilean fjords on a full-day excursion to Laguna San Rafael National Park. Glide through the lake while taking in the stunning views and the imposing wall of ice at the foot of the San Rafael Glacier. Observe the loud crackling and groaning of the ice as the glacier calves and watch the mesmerizing floes around you. The park is also a World Biosphere Reserve and is home to many bird species, so keep an eye out for black-necked swans, cormorants, and the occasional black-browed albatross. While onboard, enjoy your leisurely lunch. After navigating the lagoon, return to Mallin Colorado, where you will enjoy a farewell dinner at the lodge before preparing for your return home.

Morning begins with breakfast at Mallín Colorado, followed by lodge check-out. A private transfer follows the Carretera Austral south to Coyhaique, passing river valleys and Andean foothills. Arrival in Coyhaique in the afternoon allows time to revisit the town’s shops or galleries. Evening lodging in a central hotel offers comfort and easy access to local cafes and restaurants.

After breakfast, drive back to the Balmaceda airport to return your rental vehicle and connect with your flight to Santiago and begin the journey home.