Puerto Aysén is the second largest city in Aysén (behind Coyhaique). The city is located near the head of the Aysén fjord, at the confluence of Río Pangal and Rio Aysén. Tourists visit Puerto Aysén for organized boat tours of nearby Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael (home to the San Rafael Glacier) and Monumento Natural Cinco Hermanas, a small archipelago of islands in the Aysén fjord. The city is exposed to prevailing westerly winds, known as the Roaring Forties. These winds emerge from the Pacific Ocean and bring heavy rainfall to the area, year-round.
Puerto Aysén is a detour for most cyclists — it's neither on the Carretera Austral nor the Bicycle Patagonia Tour. The city is accessible via Ruta 240, a paved road which intersects with X-50 (40 km south of Villa Mañihuales) and the Carretera Austral (10 km north of Coyhaique). The city has many services, including a small airport and an ATM.
Ferry service to Puerto Montt is available via nearby Puerto Chacabuco.
Best in Puerto Aysén
Eat & Drink
La Terraza Burger Bar
Burgers, beer, juices, desserts — La Terraza has it all. The burgers come in many styles and feature a variety of proteins, including carne de vaca, pollo, and pescado. La Terraza is a beer lovers paradise; choose from a wide selection of imported and domestic drafts and bottles. The restaurant itself is small, but cozy; if the weather accommodates, utilize the restaurant's wonderful terrace and dine outdoors.
Stay
Casa de los Artesanos
This quiet bed & breakfast with double/triple rooms is an excellent option for cyclists visiting Puerto Aysén. Beds are homemade, manufactured using raw materials from the Puerto Aysén area. The B&B is owned and operated by two artists who . Guests are welcome to explore the owners' workshop and can participate by making own crafts, using wool, wood and other local materials. Nightly rate includes complimentary laundry and a good breakfast.
Explore Nearby
Puerto Chacabuco
Puerto Chacabuco is the largest port in Aysén and serves the region's two largest cities, Coyhaique and Puerto Aysén. The tiny port village sits at the head of the Aysén Fjord, a ~70 km long inlet from the Morada Channel.
To get to Puerto Chacabuco from Puerto Aysén, cross Río Aysén and continue west on Ruta 240 for ~13 kilometers.
Ferries from Puerto Chacabuco
To Puerto Montt
Ruta Carretera Austral Sur
Duration: 24 hours
Fare: Starts at $51,000 CLP
When: Tuesdays and Fridays (during summer)
Fare includes meals; snacks are available for purchase onboard, but are pricey. Vehicles require reservation (and additional fare). Recommended to book in advance, as space is limited for vehicles.
Service: Navimag
While Navimag serves Puerto Natales, there is no direct ferry from Puerto Chacabuco to Puerto Natales. There is, however, service from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales; an expensive voyage through the Chilean fjords (frequented by tourists on a shorter timeframe headed to Torres del Paine).
To Laguna San Rafael (Day Trip)
Catamaranes Del Sur
Duration: 13 hours
Fare: ~$200 USD
When: Sunday, Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays (during summer)
Fare includes food (small breakfast and lunch, choice of cocktail, hot chocolate, or tea). There is an open bar on the return journey. If weather permits, a trip on inflatable boats through the ice of Laguna San Rafael.
Service: Loberias Del Sur
