A deep dive into the Aysén Region — the Carretera Austral, its national parks, the best areas to buy, and why it represents the highest-potential land investment in all of Patagonia.
Aysén: The Last Great Wilderness
If Patagonia is the world's last great wilderness, then Aysén is its beating heart.
Covering 108,494 km² — larger than Portugal — with a population of just 120,000, Chile's Aysén Region is one of the least densely inhabited places on earth. Its landscapes are defined by hanging glaciers, turquoise rivers, ancient lenga forests, volcanic calderas, and fjords that have never felt a human footprint.
For land buyers who want the full Patagonian experience — genuine isolation, extraordinary nature, and a meaningful investment at still-accessible prices — Aysén is the answer.
The Carretera Austral: The Road That Opens Everything
Built between 1976 and 2000, the Carretera Austral (Route 7) is a 1,240-kilometer highway that connects Puerto Montt in the north to Villa O'Higgins at the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Building it required boring through granite, bridging dozens of rivers, and carving into cliff faces — it remains one of the most impressive engineering feats in South American history.
Today, the Carretera Austral is both the region's lifeline and one of the world's great road journeys. It opens up hundreds of kilometers of private land for purchase, with properties ranging from riverfront plots near established towns to completely remote forest parcels accessible only seasonally.
Key towns along the route:
National Parks: Nature as Your Neighbor
Aysén contains six national parks, offering an extraordinary gift to landowners: permanent protection of the wilderness adjacent to your property.
What to Buy and Where: A Region Guide
Northern Aysén (Chaitén–La Junta)
Best for: Value buyers, early-stage investors, forest retreats
After the 2008 Chaitén volcano eruption destroyed most of the town, land prices plummeted. The town has been completely rebuilt, infrastructure is improving rapidly, and buyers who entered 5–10 years ago have already seen 50–100% appreciation.
Landscape: Fjords, dense rainforest, Yelcho River (world-class fly-fishing)
Access: Ferry from Puerto Montt or Quellón (Chiloé) + Carretera Austral
Price range: $1,500–$4,000/ha ($600–$1,600/acre)
Central Aysén (Puyuhuapi–Coyhaique)
Best for: Infrastructure-conscious buyers, eco-lodge development, year-round habitation
The most balanced zone in Aysén. Puyuhuapi offers breathtaking fjord views and geothermal hot springs. Coyhaique has hospitals, international flights, shops, and schools — making this the only zone suitable for year-round international living without major hardship.
Price range: $2,000–$6,000/ha ($800–$2,400/acre)
Deep Patagonia (Cochrane–Villa O'Higgins)
Best for: Off-grid, conservation, extreme wilderness, fly-fishing
This is Patagonia undiluted. The Río Baker rushes with 870 cubic meters of water per second — the largest river discharge in Chile. Land here is extraordinary, remoteness is absolute, and prices are among the lowest in accessible Chilean Patagonia.
Warning: This area requires significant commitment to infrastructure (solar/wind power, water systems, road maintenance) and is not for everyone.
Price range: $1,500–$4,000/ha ($600–$1,600/acre)
Who Buys Land in Aysén?
Over the years, we've helped many different profiles of buyers enter this region:
The Conservation Buyer places a high value on protecting the land from development, potentially establishing a nature reserve or participating in carbon credit programs. They may never build anything — and that's perfectly legal.
The Eco-Retreat Developer invests in 10–50 hectares, constructs a small cabin or glamping setup, and generates income from the growing adventure tourism market. Peak season rates of $300–$600/night are achievable in well-located properties.
The Fly-Fishing Enthusiast targets river-access plots on the Palena, Futaleufú, Yelcho, or Baker systems — world-class trout and salmon rivers that draw wealthy anglers from across the globe.
The Long-Term Legacy Buyer secures land now for personal use or family heritage, with no immediate development plans. They simply want to own a piece of Patagonia.
Getting There
By air: Balmaceda Airport (PMC) near Coyhaique receives daily LATAM flights from Santiago (2h). Small planes (charter) reach more remote locations.
By road: Puerto Montt to Coyhaique via Carretera Austral is approximately 1,000 km — a beautiful but demanding 3-4 day drive.
By ferry: Navimag ferry from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales takes 3-4 days through fjords — one of the great sea journeys of South America.
Start Your Aysén Search
We maintain exclusive listings across all zones of the Aysén region, from small 5,000 m² (1.24-acre) forest parcels to large tracts along the Baker River. Contact our team for a curated selection based on your budget and goals.
[Inquire About Aysén Properties →](/contact)
