Located in southern Chile, the Aysen region encompasses a vast portion of Patagonia. It is home to the city of Coyhaique and various towns, as well as immense glaciars, turquoise lakes, sprawling grasslands, and lush forests. Aysen is a large region, spanning 108,494.4 km sq (41,889.9 sq mi) of land, channels, and fjords. It boast many nature related activitie with opportunities to marvel at unique landscapes.

Aysen experiences all four seasons, and has a cooler climate, with rainfall year-round and the warmest and driest time of year in January and February with an average high temperature of 19ºC (67ºF).

Aysen

El Mirador De Guadal is a cozy, comfortable lodge with a family atmosphere located on the shore of Lake General Carrera, offering a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding mountains, as well as a private 300 metre (328 yard) stretch of lakeshore. It features a restaurant, business center and free parking and is only an hour’s drive from the beautiful Marble Caves.

All guest rooms are thoughtfully designed and each has a view of the lake, as well as a mini fridge, hot drinks facilities and free WiFi access. Some rooms have a balcony or a fireplace as an added homely touch. Accessible rooms have a bathroom with a shower that is accessed via a step and has a shower seat and grab bars. 

The restaurant is constructed using local woods and serves a menu of Chilean dishes, adapted for each season and made with fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and guests can also enjoy a classic pisco sour cocktail whilst admiring the view. A small number of shops and restaurants can be found in the nearby village of Puerto Guadal, a 3-minute drive away. 

The area is great for adventure sports and other outdoor activities. Many famous natural landmarks can be found within a 90-minute drive of El Mirador De Guadal, including The Exploradores Valley and Patagonia National Park. Balmaceda Airport is 254 km (158 miles) away.

El Mirador de Guadal

El Mirador De Guada is a family-run lodge overlooking Lake General Carrera, with accessible rooms, free WiFi and a restaurant.

Guides / staff members have experience assisting people with disabilities

Transportation is not wheelchair accessible but assistance will be provided for transfers

Accessible bathroom available in only one stop of the activity

Few accessibility measures are in place and assistance is needed for the full experience

Adaptive equipment is included and two people assisting are needed

On this accessible tour, you will explore the marble caves and rock formations known locally as the ‘Marble Chapels’. 

The tour will begin with a pick-up service from your hotel and a drive through mountain roads to the small village of Puerto Sanchez, which is located on the shore of General Carrera Lake. 

Upon arrival at the boat jetty, you will board the small open-top boat used for the tour. Staff have been trained to work with people with physical, visual, cognitive and hearing impairments and can assist you to transfer into the boat, if necessary. A joelette wheelchair will also be provided to transport you to the jetty.

The first stop in the boat will be inside the marble caves of Puerto Sanchez, which are less well-known than the marble chapel of Puerto Rio Tranquilo, but equally as beautiful. 

The marble caves are formed from limestone and have been sculpted through millennia by the wind and water, leaving natural rock formations of smooth stone in stunning shapes. Fans of photography will be able to take photos of the clear white stone, set against the intense blue water. 

When water levels allow, you may be able to sail inside the caves and see the marble formations from underneath. 

The boat tour will also pass by the marble formations at Puerto Rio Tranquilo, giving you more photo opportunities of the area, which has been designated as a protected zone by the Chilean government. 

Accessible bathroom facilities will be available at a small restaurant in Puerto Sanchez, which you will visit on the tour.

Marble Chapels Boat Tour

An accessible boat tour to see the stunning marble formations on General Carrera Lake.

The inside of a marble cave, looking out over the sea with mountains visible in the background.

No accessible bathrooms available for the activity

On this accessible guided tour, you will have the opportunity to discover some of the most spectacular wildlife and scenery in Chile. 

This activity begins with a pick-up service in a van from your hotel in Puerto Guadal. The van is accessed via a step and you can either manually transfer to a seat in the van, or ride in your wheelchair with the chair secured in the van with seatbelts. 

You will then drive approximately 50 minutes to the confluence of the Neff and Baker rivers. Here, you will have the chance to admire the milky Neff River, with water running from the Neff Glacier, meeting the clear blue water of the Baker River, Chile’s largest and widest river. You will spend some time at the confluence and can take photos and admire the special atmosphere, with the noise of the river and freshness of the air all around. 

Next you will head to a stunning area of natural beauty which is home to some of the most diverse wildlife in all of Patagonia. You can explore nature trails using a joëlette wheelchair and may have the chance to see grasslands, wetlands, forests and lagoons, all of which provide a habitat for animals such as pumas, condors and foxes. You will also call in at the visitor center in the National Park to learn about the region’s history and culture. 

At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back off at your accommodation.

Exploring the Confluence of rivers Baker & Neff

An accessible guided tour of the confluence of the Neff and Baker rivers and a visit to one of Patagonia’s National Parks.

A person in a joëlette wheelchair on a rough trail, being assisted by 2 other people.

On this accessible guided tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the remote wilderness of Patagonia and enjoy stunning nature views. 

The guided tour will begin with a pick-up service in a van from your accommodation in Puerto Guadal. The van is accessed via a step but assistance can be provided for wheelchair users to board the van. Once inside, you can either transfer into a seat and store your wheelchair or ride in the van in a wheelchair, secured safely with seatbelts. 

After a drive of approximately 90 minutes, you will arrive at the National Park. The park stretches over many hectares and contains several distinct natural habitats, ranging from wetlands to forests and lagoons. It is also home to many different species of animals, including condor birds, foxes, pumas and flamingoes. 

You will get a chance to explore one of the park’s many nature trails by riding in a joëlette wheelchair. Assistance will be provided to help you navigate in the chair and the tour guide can select a trail with a duration and a level of difficulty to suit your needs. Along the trail, you will be able to admire the views and feel close to nature and there will be plenty of photo opportunities at scenic locations. 

You will also call in at the National Park’s visitor center, which is wheelchair-accessible with adapted bathroom facilities. The visitor center hosts displays on the region’s biodiversity and culture and you can learn about the efforts being made to protect and preserve the local environment. 

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your accommodation in the van.

Patagonia National Park Trekking and Visitor's Center: Aysén

A guided accessible tour and trek through Patagonia’s National Park to spot wildlife, with round-trip transportation included from Puerto Guadal.

A group of people, including a person in a joëlette wheelchair, follow a trail by a lagoon, with mountains in the background.

On this accessible tour, you'll be able to discover Patagonia National Park and see the reserve's unique rock formations, lakes and valleys. 

You'll be met at your accommodation before travelling to the park. Assistance can be provided if necessary and wheelchairs can be stored in the vehicle. Once you arrive in Patagonia National Park, you'll set off on a 7-mile (12 km) trek through picturesque and beautiful terrain.

An e-Joëlette all-terrain one-wheeled chair is available and experienced guides will accompany you as you explore the trek circuit and take in the views.

After 1.7 mi (2.8 km) of trekking, you'll come across the Piedra Clavada, a striking rock formation of volcanic origin which stands at a height of 42 meters and has been eroded over time by wind and rain to create a surreal tower-like structure.

You'll also be able to experience the Cueva de las Manos, a UNESCO-listed site dating from several thousand years ago. You'll witness impressive examples of ancient cave art including hundreds of stenciled hands from which the cave gets its name. Finally, you'll have a chance to see Lunar Valley, an other-worldly expanse of terrain created by the movement of wind and water over many years.

A stop for lunch and a soft drink will be built into your trek and you'll be taken back to your hotel by approximately 3 pm.

Piedra Clavada Trekking: Aysén

Explore the beautiful and unique Patagonia National Park with an all-terrain one-wheeled chair and experienced guides.

Wheelchair user accompanied by assistants.

On this cultural, accessible day trip, you will get the chance to discover the traditional Patagonian way of life. 

This private day trip begins with a pick-up service from your accommodation in Puerto Guadal and a 90-minute drive to the San Martin ranch. The van is not wheelchair-accessible but assistance will be provided to help you transfer, if necessary. Your wheelchair can be stored safely in the van for the drive.

You will then arrive at the San Martin ranch, a family-owned farm that stretches over 2,000 hectares (4942 acres). The family follow the traditional gaucho way of life and rear sheep, cows, horses and chickens on their land. A joelette wheelchair will be provided so that you can explore the terrain accompanied by the gauchos, skilled horsemen who will tell you about how they take care of their animals. Depending on the time of year, you may also get the chance to follow the women of the ranch as they gather seasonal produce such as wild strawberries or delicious morel mushrooms. 

Once you have explored the ranch, you will share a drink of mate, a herbal infusion traditionally served in a round gourd, and learn some of the family’s stories and history. Then you can enjoy a typical meal of the region, asado al palo, a Patagonian barbecue of a whole lamb cooked on a fire, accompanied by rich red wine. 

At the end of the day, you will be driven back to your accommodation.

Day trip in San Martin countryside

An accessible day trip to a Patagonian ranch to explore the countryside, learn local history and enjoy a traditional meal.

A group of people on horseback, including a man holding a small child.

No Guides / staff members will be available to assist

The Joëlette wheelchair allows people with reduced mobility to hike and navigate uneven terrain. With a single wheel, and support and steering bars in the front and back, this all-terrain wheelchair can easily be used by a variety of people with different accessibility needs, and is both an excellent piece of equipment and a great way to work in a team.  You can rent this wheelchair through Wheel the World, and we’ll explain how to assemble and use the chair in Aysén, Chile.

Delivery services and helmets are available for an extra price.

Joëlette Wheelchair Rental - Aysén

Rent this all-terrain wheelchair: not only an excellent adaptive equipment, but also a perfect excuse to work as a team!

A group of people, including a person in a joëlette wheelchair and a dog, on a trail in the National Park, looking at the view.