Do you dream of traveling to an unexplored place when we meet again; do you want to know virgin and unique places in South America? The wild nature of the Chilean Patagonia leaves us in love, thoughtful and amazed.

In this article we will tell you about the most unexplored places in Chilean Patagonia, including the towns along the Carretera Austral, a must-see destination to plan your next vacation. So if you are a true route explorer, this is for you.

The beauty of the places hidden deep in Patagonia surprises even the most experienced travelers / Photo: Kamchatka, canva pro

The Carretera Austral is one of the most spectacular scenic routes in the world. A 1200 kilometer route that crosses Chilean Patagonia from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins in the far south of Chile. Also known as Route 7, this beautiful route is the first approach to thick forests, turquoise lagoons, rivers of intense waters, and national parks that protect endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna.  

Chilean Patagonia is a dream scenery, which is only possible to find in countries like Norway, Canada, New Zealand and Chile, due to its particular cold climate in those areas / Photo: stockstudioX, canva pro

The length of the Carretera Austral trip varies depending on the number of places to be visited, as well as the amount of time to enjoy each one. Some people take 3 weeks to travel only one of the sections of the Carretera, while others travel the entire Carretera in 10 days, stopping only at the essential places. The time you take will depend on the points you are interested in visiting, that is why it is recommended to organize the trip in advance. 

Travel tip: The distances on the Carretera Austral are long, it is difficult to access many of the destinations and transportation is not frequent.

Hidden towns on the Carretera Austral

You may be wondering, but who lives there? Believe it or not, hidden and submerged deep in the green vegetation of Patagonia, there are some villages along the Carretera Austral that will leave you speechless.

Puyuhuapi

Did you know that it is a town with the characteristics of a village? Probably one of the few villages on the Carretera Austral. Calm and quiet surrounded by trails to walk and contemplate the green landscape painted by small houses located on the shores of the Puyuhuapi Fjord.

From here you can visit the Queulat National Park with its famous hanging snowdrift and the enchanted forest (for those looking to do some trekking). Another attraction is its hot springs to rest and relax overlooking the green landscapes of Patagonia.

Travel Tip: We invite you to travel the Carretera Austral from a different point of view: its people, its houses, its traditions and its exquisite gastronomy.

Futaleufú

In this area the protagonist is the Futaleufú River. It is one of the three best rivers in the world for kayaking and rafting, which has turned this destination into one of the preferred destinations for adventure sports. In the Futaleufú National Reserve you can go biking, trekking and observe animals such as the Huemul, a must-see!

The Futaleufú River is one of the three best in the world for kayaking and rafting / Photo: Marcelo Plaza, canva pro

Villa O'Higgins

Almost on the border with Argentina is Villa O'Higgins, a town that marks the southern end of the Carretera Austral. One of its main attractions is the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the fourth largest glacier mass on the planet!

Travel Tip: Despite being one of the most extreme towns in Aysén Patagonia, Villa O'Higgins has all kinds of tourist services such as sailing excursions, sport fishing, horseback riding and trekking to the different natural attractions.

Punucapa

Although it is possible to get there by land, the best experience is navigating the river. Before entering the town you will have a glimpse of the Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary and if you are lucky some swans and other birds. Shortly after getting off you will find a chicha factory and further on a church that was built mainly by women. The village itself has a history with women that is worth knowing and is a great place to relax in contact with nature.

Puerto Gaviota

This town is linked mainly by a large footbridge and is a place with a lot of charm because you will find a wide variety of landscapes to observe: hills, forests and sea in abundance. It is a real return to the past because there are many old houses but in very good condition. The locals are very friendly and eager to welcome new inhabitants, so they will make you feel at home.

Monte Verde

This is a place that you probably won't find in the tourist guides because it still doesn't have enough infrastructure to receive visitors. In fact, its discoverer assures that very few people know about this place after 40 years.

Monte Verde is located approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Puerto Montt. It is said to be the oldest archaeological site in America, since objects estimated to be more than 14,000 years old were found here.

The discovery was made by the American archaeologist and anthropologist Tom Dillehay together with a group of Chilean scientists from the Austral University in 1977. At the site they found hunting objects, architectural elements, animal bones, hearths and even a human footprint.

Monte Verde is an unknown historical jewel in the Los Lagos region / Photo: Samsaphotos, canva pro.

What to bring?

To travel along the Carretera Austral it is essential to bring comfortable clothes, warm clothes and rain gear, as the weather is often unpredictable (even in summer) and very comfortable shoes that are suitable for trekking. Remember also the wind. It is advisable to bring a hat, gloves, moisturizer (because the skin dries out a lot) and a windbreaker.

Are you going in search of nature? Then forget the phone. There are some places where the signal is good but in others? 

On routes between villages there is no coverage, and in the villages, there are ups and downs. Take it with philosophy, especially as you go south and think that it is a good opportunity to disconnect from the networks for a while.

Travel tip: Buy in advance a SIM card (chip) of the Entel company, as it is the one with the best coverage of all in La Carretera Austral.

Don't forget about travel insurance for the Carretera Austral

If you are about to embark on a trip along this wonderful road and you are a foreigner, it is very important to take travel insurance: 

• The Carretera Austral has its dangers: It is not asphalted and there are areas where accidents happen very frequently.
• Some of the great attractions of the road involve risks: trekking to a hill, visiting a glacier, kayaking and more. 
• The small towns along the Carretera Austral lack hospitals. In many of them there is not even a doctor. There is a primary care center, but doctors and specialists arrive once a month or every few days. Sometimes there is no more than a nurse.
• The distances are very long. If something serious happens to you and you have to be moved or evacuated, it is best to be covered.

Now you have everything you need to start your next trip and enjoy these unknown jewels of Chilean Patagonia. Are you up for it? Have a good trip! 

By: Nathaly Bosch, social communicator by profession and curious traveler by choice. Spanish editor for Daytours4u.