Carretera Austral and Northern Patagonia Tours

National and international tour agencies organize trips to the major Northern Patagonia attractions, like cruising to the glaciers of Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael or soaking in the hot springs at Termas de Puyuhuapi hot springs lodge. Some outfits specialize in whitewater rafting, kayaking or fly fishing excursions.

If you prefer to use local guides or get off the beaten track, there are two regional organizations that can help you do just that. Both have their main offices in Coyhaique. Casa del Turismo Rural is the central organization for rural hostels, guides, artisans and other services in Aysén region (Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 2:30-7 p.m. Dussen 357, Coyhaique, Tel.: 067-21-4031 / 52-4929, E-mail: contacto@casaturismorural.cl, URL: www.casaturismorural.cl). The Escuela de Guías de la Patagonia trains guides to lead tourists on trekking, skiing, horseback riding, fishing and other expeditions. In addition to this training, students also receive lessons in conservation, geology, biology and other sciences. During the summer months, the Escuela de Guías also offers courses in outdoor skills to foreigners (Casilla 111, Coyhaique, Tel.: 067-67-0182 / 07-759-1164, E-mail: contacto@escueladeguias.cl, URL: www.escueladeguias.cl).

Other Tour Operator pages in Carretera Austral and Northern Patagonia that may be of interest: Puerto Río Tranquilo Tours, Coyhaique Tours, Lago Yelcho Tours, Puerto Guadal Tours and Puerto Bertrand Tours.