Jump to:
Chile’s Southern Highway, begun in 1976 under the determined project management of General Pinochet, snakes south from Puerto Montt through the country’s remote Aysén region down to southern Patagonia.
Landscape
The landscape through which you pass is dramatic, pristine, and enticingly studded with waterfalls, rivers, forests and lakes.
The road’s romantic ending is a forced one; at the tiny hamlet of Villa O’Higgins it can go no further, obliged to trail off as the vast Southern Icefield takes over.
Exploring the region
For those keen on road trips, we can organize a hire car and maps, or we can arrange a guide if you are heading for a specific attraction, maybe the towns of Cochrane or Coyhaique, the hanging glaciers of Queulat, or a cruise through the maze of fjords to the mighty glacier upon Lake San Rafael.
If you are short on time, you can fly in to the town of Balmaceda, which allows easy access to the attractions of the region. In this area we recommend the rustic lodges of Mallín Colorado.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Northern Patagonia by contacting one of our Chile specialists
- 617-223-4950
- Make an inquiry
Suggested itineraries featuring Northern Patagonia
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Northern Patagonia, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Northern Patagonia
- Chacabuco Valley & Parque Patagonia 82 kilometers away
- The Aysén Region 191 kilometers away
- Torres del Paine National Park 444 kilometers away
Our expert guides to exploring Northern Patagonia
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Northern Patagonia, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Northern Patagonia at its best.
-
Driving vacations in Chile: 3 wilderness road trips ![Driving between Balmaceda and Lago General Carrera]()
Driving vacations in Chile: 3 wilderness road trips
Driving vacations in Chile: 3 wilderness road trips
When it comes to driving trips in Chile, you’ll find the most fulfilling journeys are to be had in the Lake District and Chilean Patagonia, says Audley Chile specialist Chloe. Just make sure you allow time to stop and explore.
Read this guide
