00:00Despite being the third-largest region in terms of territory, Aysén is actually the
00:16most sparsely populated in Chile, with only small, remote towns and villages dotted about
00:22amongst its wild and unforgiving, yet breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.
00:28This scenic part of northern Patagonia is a nature-lover's dream.
00:33Glaciers, mountains, rivers, and lakes dot the landscape, with lots of fantastic national
00:40parks and astounding nature reserves for you to check out.
00:45Today we share the top 10 best things to do in Aysén so you can plan a trip and experience
00:50all the exciting attractions and activities this beautiful city has to offer.
00:56Starting with number 10, Laguna San Rafael National Park.
01:04Located on southern Chile's Pacific coastline, Laguna San Rafael National Park is one of
01:09the most breathtakingly beautiful parts of the country and definitely warrants a visit
01:13if you have the chance.
01:15The park includes the northern Patagonian Icefield, which includes both the San Rafael
01:20and San Quentin glaciers.
01:23These are two of the largest and most impressive in Chile.
01:26At number 9 is the Kulit National Park.
01:33Thanks to its remote location that has helped to protect the environment, Kulit National
01:37Park is home to a remarkable range of untouched and unspoiled landscapes, and wandering around
01:43the park really is like stepping back into a land before time.
01:47Its hanging glacier is undoubtedly the park's piece de resistance, as two twinkling waterfalls
01:52made of melted ice plunge to the ground from a rocky granite cliff face.
01:57However, there are many other astounding sights for you to revel in.
02:03At number 8, Cerro Castillo National Reserve.
02:11Named after the jagged, rocky peak that lies at its heart, Cerro Castillo National Reserve
02:16is a wonderfully wild part of Chile to explore.
02:21Within its confines, you can find everything from towering peaks and alpine lakes to glistening
02:26glaciers and verdant forests.
02:30Hiking through its many landscapes is a delightful experience, and the views on offer are simply
02:35stunning.
02:37Recently designated a national park, Cerro Castillo protects and preserves the natural
02:41habitat of many different fauna and flora.
02:44Visitors can sometimes spot South Andean deer, guanacos, and Andean condors off in the distance.
02:51At number 7, Puerto Rio Tranquilo.
03:01Lying on the shores of the enormous General Carrera Lake, the sleepy village of Puerto
03:05Rio Tranquilo is extremely small, and people mainly use it as a base for exploring the
03:10surrounding region.
03:13Puerto Rio Tranquilo truly is blessed when it comes to the astounding natural sights
03:18that lie nearby.
03:20The glimmering waters of the lake with all the fantastic water sports opportunities on
03:24offer is just the tip of the iceberg.
03:27The main attraction is undoubtedly the shimmering marble caves of Capilla de Marmal, which look
03:32spectacular.
03:34Visitors can either take a boat trip or kayak through them themselves.
03:40At number 6 in our list, Coyhaique.
03:47Ringed in on all sides by mountains that dramatically loom over it, Coyhaique is set in a beautiful
03:52location, with the Rio Simpson National Reserve and Coyhaique National Reserve lying right
03:57next to it.
03:59As the largest city in the region, Coyhaique acts as the commercial center of Aysén.
04:04It is a good idea to stock up in its supermarkets and shops before you head off to the remote
04:09southern regions of Patagonia.
04:11In addition to this, the city also has some good bars, restaurants, and nightlife should
04:16you want to unwind after a long trek or horseback ride.
04:22With a laid-back, almost rural feel to it, Coyhaique is a pleasant place to spend some
04:27time.
04:34At number 5, Villa O'Higgins.
04:42Named after Bernardo O'Higgins, a Chilean independence hero who is considered to be
04:46one of the founding fathers of the country, Villa O'Higgins is located deep in the south
04:51of Chile and is the last town that the Cartera Austral passes through.
04:58Due to its proximity to a plethora of incredible landscapes, many people use the remote town
05:03as a base from which to explore astounding sights such as the southern Patagonian Icefield,
05:08which is full of majestic glaciers.
05:14At number 4, Lago General Carrera.
05:23Straddling the Argentine-Chile border, the huge General Carrera Lake as it is known on
05:27the Chilean side looks absolutely stunning.
05:31Its sparkling turquoise waters are overlooked by the snow-capped Andes Mountains surrounding
05:35the lake.
05:37Despite being glacial in origin, the lake enjoys a sunny microclimate and is a wonderful
05:41place to go kayaking or sailing, with trout and salmon fishing also very popular.
05:49At number 3 in our list, Patagonia Park.
05:58Only recently named a national park, Patagonia Park covers a vast swathe of territory.
06:04Within its confines, you can find everything from Patagonian steppe and majestic mountains
06:09to alpine lakes, forests, and wetlands.
06:13Due to its impressive biodiversity and range of habitats, the park is a delight to hike
06:17through in a myriad of paths and trails snake through its many landscapes.
06:24Originally founded as a private nature reserve, restoration and rewilding have seen both the
06:29nature and wildlife flourish, with guanaco, humaldeer and Chilean flamingos now found
06:35dotted amongst its grasslands, mountains, and lakes.
06:41At number 2, Cochrane.
06:48Located on the outskirts of the marvelous Tamango National Reserve, with Patagonia Park
06:52lying not far away, Cochrane is the southernmost town on the Carretera Austral.
07:00As such, many people stop off on their way south or use it as a base from which to explore
07:05the surrounding natural sights.
07:09As there is not all that much to do in town apart from basking in its scenic setting,
07:13most visitors head to Patagonia Park to enjoy the delightful landscapes and wildlife on
07:18show or go trekking or horseback riding in the wilderness, with Monte San Lorenzo being
07:23a popular destination.
07:32Check out the number one places in our list, Caleta Tortel.
07:40Lying at the mouth of the Baker River and backed by forest-coated hills that tumble
07:44down to the water, the sleepy fishing village of Caleta Tortel is a magical place to visit,
07:49with picturesque fjords, mountains, and islands all lying nearby.
07:56While its idyllic setting is certainly as scenic as they come, the sight of the dilapidated
08:00wooden buildings, bridges, and boardwalks that snake their way along the waterfront
08:05or pop up from amongst the verdant forest is equally pleasing to the eye.
08:12Now it's time to hear from you what's your favorite things to do in Iceland.
08:16Is there something we missed let us know in the comments section below and don't forget
08:19to give this video a like and subscribe to Greenable if you haven't already clicked the
08:23bell icon to stay updated on all our latest content.
Comments