The North Carretera Austral (From Coyhaique to Caleta Gonzalo) is a journey that surprises from the beginning. Starting in Coyhaique, the regional capital, a few kilometers away we can find the first National Reserves. The Rio Simpson National Reserve and the Lago Las Torres National Reserve are a small sample of the beauty of this place. In the Mañihuales sector we find different rivers with some areas suitable for fishing and bathing.

QUEULAT NATIONAL PARK

Continuing the route, we find the Queulat National Park. Important icon of the Aysén region with its famous hanging glacier, which invites those who visit it to do the different trekking trails to get closer to the place and get the best view of this majestic snowdrift.

We continue along the route, we begin to see the fjord, and with a bit of luck it will be possible to see some dolphins, typical fauna of this area. We arrive at the town of Puyuhuapi where we can observe the strong German influence in the architecture of a large part of its houses. This is an excellent point to stock up, walk its streets, observe the fjord, etc. In this area there are two hot springs that excellently complement a good rest with our trip.

To the town of La Junta, the last town in the Aysén region, it has rivers and lakes that will allow fishing lovers to spend an excellent day, and if we have time, we recommend visiting the town of Raúl Marín Balmaceda and enjoy its beautiful beaches.

Our next stop will be Villa Santa Lucía, where we can observe the ravages left by the alluvium and observe the force of nature. At this point we have the alternative of turning off to Futaleufú or continuing along the route to the Lago Yelcho – Puerto Cardenas sector.

Without a doubt, Lake Yelcho is an obligatory stop, since it is an excellent place to take a good rest, enjoy the beach and fish.

PUMALIN NATIONAL PARK

We are getting closer to our final destination. We arrive at the city of Chaitén, which is the last town that we will find on this tour. Here is the Pumalín National Park, one of the most surprising parks with the best infrastructure that we will find in this area. There are several accesses, most with first-rate camping areas and a wide network of trails for all tastes, where adults and children can enjoy to the fullest.

The northern area of ​​the Carretera Austral can be traveled in at least 5 days, where the optimum is 8 days onwards. It is an excellent alternative for those who are driving a Motorhome for the first time since the road is mostly paved and allows a more relaxed trip.