In the seventies, the idea of constructing a road that would run across the continent linking the different provinces of the Chilean Patagonia took shape and was put into action, a difficult task due to the diverse adverse factors: native forests, extensive marshy zones, wide rivers, uneven, rough topography, harsh weather, unpopulated areas, lack of infrastructure, etc. In 1976, the national government began the construction of this road, known as the Austral Longitudinal Track or the Austral Road.

In accordance to what was considered the main priority, construction began with the stretch between Chaitén and Coyhaique. This sector was opened to public use in February of 1982, year in which construction continued further south into the area of Lake General Carrera. In this way, the road was made available up to Puerto Yunguay in 1986. Today, it is possible to reach Villa O'Higgins from Chaitén through the Austral Road, with a total of 990 kms of road to travel on.

The Austral Road, with its complementary transversal road network has integrated the Western Patagonia, and extensive territory of great natural resources and magnificent scenery. Its social-economic impact is even more visible now, not only in the exploitation of renewable natural resources (forests, cattle, fishing, energy) and non-renewable ones, such as mining, but also in the creation of a totally new tourist destination, ideal for nature-lovers, adventure travel, nature activities and sports fishing.

Aysén Region

The XI Region or Aysen Region lies between 43º38' and 49º16' Latitude South and 71º06' Longitude East and the Pacific Ocean. Its extensive territory of 108.000 km2 represents 24% of continental Chile's total surface area. Its regional capital is Coyhaique, with an approximate population of 42.000. Other important towns are: Puerto Aysén, Las Juntas, Puyuhuapi, Puerto Cisnes, Chile Chico and Cochrane. Its rainy weather, fundamental for the natural beauty of the region, invites tourists to enjoy all four seasons, each with its particular charm: summer's pleasant warmth, autumn's incomparable scenery, winter's force and spring's splendor. Although temperatures fall below 0ºC in winter, it is still possible to enjoy outdoor activities.

The Aysen Region has a hydrographic system with six important river basins: Palena, Cisnes, Aysen, Baker, Bravo and Pascua, rivers that receive their waters from numerous lakes and lagoons, making this region a paradise for sports fishing and nature activities such as: river descents, trips in kayaks or catanoes, mountain biking, trekking, horseback riding, etc.

Visitors can enjoy all the wonders the Chilean Patagonia has to offer, surrounded by its people's friendliness in a completely safe environment, characteristic which maintains us among internationally best rated safe destinations.