Hike through 155 miles of marked trails between the Andes and Patagonian steppe, where guanacos graze grasslands and condors soar above glacier-fed rivers in Chile's Aysén region.
In Chile's Aysén region, Patagonia National Park spans 752,504 acres where the Andes mountains meet the Patagonian steppe. Walk alongside herds of grazing guanacos in the Chacabuco Valley, hike past glacier-fed rivers, or photograph Andean condors soaring overhead. The park's 155 miles of marked trails connect the arid landscapes of Argentine Patagonia with the beech forests of Chilean Patagonia.
Geography and Climate
The park stretches between Lago Jeinimeni National Reserve and Lago Cochrane National Reserve across 523.57 square miles. At lower elevations, you'll walk through dry grasslands with sandy soil, as the eastern Andes block Pacific Ocean moisture. Higher up, mountain rainfall sustains dense beech forests where more than 500 species of vascular plants grow.
Wildlife Viewing
Each area of the park has its own characteristic wildlife. Look for armadillos scurrying between rocks and gray foxes hunting in open grasslands. Cougars roam the same territories as guanacos, while rare huemul deer inhabit the mountain forests. Black-necked swans congregate in wetland areas. Guanacos, wild relatives of llamas, eat 75% of the park's plant species, helping maintain plant diversity.
Essential Hiking Trails
Climb 1,348 feet on the 8.4-mile Lagunas Altas Trail to reach viewpoints above mountain lakes. Take on the challenging 10.5-mile Avilés Loop Trail, which crosses suspension bridges and follows the Avilles River, including steep ascents and narrow cliff-edge sections. For a multi-day adventure, hike the La Vega-Jeinimeni Trail, a 29.3-mile route with 4,652 feet of elevation gain through remote valleys and mountain passes.
Getting to the Park
Land at Balmaceda Airport and drive 300 kilometers south on the Carretera Austral. The park welcomes visitors from October through April. From Coyhaique, drive 196 miles south to reach the park entrance, located 11 miles north of Cochrane. To access the Jeinimeni sector, drive 1.5 hours from Chile Chico town.
Accommodation Options
Stay at The Lodge at Valle Chacabuco, which includes a restaurant and visitor information center. Camp at one of three sites - West Winds, Stone House, or Alto Valle - each with basic facilities including water and toilets. The nearby town of Cochrane, 17 miles from park offices, has hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and ATMs.
