What to do in Aysen
Aysen's magic lies in its variety. This region is blessed with mountains, rivers, forests, rainforest, steppe, fjords, and even the North Patagonian Ice Cap. Trek through pristine …
Discover MoreDeep roots in Patagonia: We are ex-guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, & adventurers.
We’ve got our feet on the ground: Impartial advice, a bespoke service, and at no extra cost.
For the ends of the Earth: Sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
Draw back the curtains of your cosy lakeside cabin to reveal arguably the best views in Aysén: glistening Lago General Carrera with a backdrop of snowy, jagged peaks. A stone's throw from Puerto Guadal, El Mirador de Guadal is the perfect base for exploring southern Aysén. A special place to stay with exquisite food and personal service from warm and welcoming hosts, El Mirador de Guadal will steal your heart.
The lodge offers a variety of excursions in the surrounding area, as well as day trips to some of the region's highlights. There is something to suit all abilities and these trips can be booked at an additional cost. See the full list of excursions available.
Equally, Stefan is more than happy to help you plan a day out in your own vehicle if you're stopping here on a road trip along the Carretera Austral.
There are some wonderful hikes and horse back rides to do close by to the lodge, some of which need guides and others that can be done independently. Trails along rivers, through forests, across meadows, up to cliffs and approaching waterfalls are great options for local adventures.
Get up high for views of spectacular mountains and glaciers in your quest to find the petrified sea shelves, once a part of the Pacific Ocean. Do it the Patagonian way and follow one of these trails on horseback - you don't need to be an experienced rider to discover some truly mind-blowing scenery.
Jet boat excursion to the Leones Glacier
A really thrilling day out is a jet boat excursion across Lake General Carrera, up the Leones River until you reach Lake Leones and eventually the Leones Glacier. Marvel at the stunning sheets of ice tumbling down the moraine while enjoying a picnic with your group.
Ice hiking on the Exploradores Glacier
If you're feeling adventurous and up for a bit of a challenge, an ice hike on the Exploradores Glacier is a fantastic way of coming face-to-face with the powerful force of nature.
After an hour's trek on the moraine, you are equipped with crampons and accompanied by specialist guides who will take you on a spectacular five to seven-hour route across the ice.
San Rafael Lagoon and Glacier
A trip through the Exploradores Valley to Laguna San Rafael and its impressive glacier is an adventure not to be missed. Although it may not be the easiest of glaciers to access with a long drive through the valley before jumping aboard a small yet sturdy boat with your guide to get closer to its calving face, this makes the whole experience that bit more special. Not to mention the fact that it's surrounded by lush rainforest and has a rich marine life.
Patagonia National Park
With your own vehicle, head south on the Carretera Austral and soon you will hit the Baker River, Chile's longest river. Its striking turquoise waters and the sheer power of the water are a sight to behold. Continue south to Patagonia National Park for some incredible hikes in the mountains.
Spot herds of guanacos, condors, flamingos and many other wildlife species living in the park.
Marble Caves
A beautiful drive north skirting the shores of Lake General Carrera will lead you to where the boat leaves to visit the Marble Caves. It's only an hour away by car from El Mirador de Guadal. These fascinating rock formations are well worth exploring, whether by boat or by kayak.
All of the property is located overlooking the stunning Lago General Carrera. Getting here is straightforward, yet it's far enough away from the highway so as not to hear any traffic.
Our stay at El Guadal was our favorite part of the trip. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Nate Link - USA
Highlights of Aysen...the San Raphael glacier approached by boat on a day of swirling mists, ultimately bright sunshine and dead calm was incredibly atmospheric. Carlos the Condor doing a close fly-past as we approached Laguna Cerro Castillo.
Travelled: March 2017
Sarah and Charles - UK
Review:
Perched on the southern shores of Lake General Carrera and only two kilometres from Puerto Guadal on the road to Chile Chico, this is the ideal place to base yourself while exploring southern Aysén.
You're in prime location for visiting Glacier San Rafael, Patagonia National Park, Jeinimeini Reserve and the Baker River.
Lago General Carrera
Stefan, Carolina and their daughter Laura are the ultimate hosts. They will welcome you with a drink when you arrive, show you to your villa and ensure you are comfortable. They will be there to plan your excursions.
The service provided by this charming and very knowledgable family is incredible and they all speak excellent English.
Stefan and Carolina
The lodge has a fantastic restaurant in a carefully designed building made from cypress and lenga wood with enormous windows that allow natural light to flood the space. Organic fruit and vegetables are grown in the garden so ingredients are fresh and delicious.
For dinner, you choose from an a la carte menu of typical Chilean cuisine and every dish that emerges from the kitchen is superb. Stefan takes the time to talk you through options for your excursions over breakfast or dinner so that you can make the most of your stay. The restaurant isn't open for lunch, but salads and sandwiches can be prepared on request if you plan to spend the day relaxing at the lodge.
Restaurant
Mirador Guadal is a lovely collection of cabins on the shores of Lago General Carrera with great views but what makes it special is Stefan, your host. Stefan flits from one guest to the next and when he isn't helping someone pick the best wine to go with their meal then he is listening to what they did that day and helping them plan the next.
Harriet Pike Head of Swoop Patagonia
Cabins are constructed from native lenga and cypress wood and are sprinkled down the hill, hidden among the Coigue trees, each with its own path down to the shore. They feel secluded and are really comfortable with great mattresses, en suite bathrooms with hot showers, wood burning stoves and terraces that look across the lake to the mountains that guard the ice cap. Although the cabins don't have kitchens, all have mini fridges and tea and coffee making facilities.
El Chilco is a standard double cabin right by the lake with wide, open views across the water. It has easy access to the beach.
The name 'El Chilco' was inspired by the surrounding fuchsia bushes and is the only room on the side of a small brook.
El Chilco
San Valentin, El Leon, El Ciruelillo, La Bandurria and El Carpintero are the superior doubles with spectacular views of the lake and mountains.
San Valentin is right by the lake and takes its name from the impressive snow-capped mountain it faces. El Leon is also by the lake with easy access to the beach and takes its name from the valley and river over which the lodge looks.
Located slightly further up the hill, El Ciruelillo, La Bandurria and El Carpintero are inspired by the flora and fauna of the area.
El Carpintero
El Coigue
The two family suites perch on the edge of the lake and accommodate two to four people. Both apartments are under one roof and have spacious bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room and a large terrace overlooking the lake and mountains. These suites can also be booked as superior rooms for two people.
El Coigue has one bedroom with two twin beds and one bedroom with a double bed. La Lenga has two bedrooms with two twin beds each. El Coigue also has an inside door linking the two apartments, whereas La Lenga doesn't.
El Mirador de Guadal is open from October 2023 to April 2024.
The all-inclusive rate for a three-night stay is USD $1,590 per person, sharing a superior double room.
Included is lodge accommodation for three nights; all meals; transfer from and to Balmaceda or Coyhaique airports, including refreshments and snacks; two excursions; guide and transfers for excursions; picnic lunches during excursions.
Drinks in the restaurant during lunch and dinner are not included.
Aysen's magic lies in its variety. This region is blessed with mountains, rivers, forests, rainforest, steppe, fjords, and even the North Patagonian Ice Cap. Trek through pristine …
Discover MoreAysen is a land of three contrasting terrains: the steppe, the glaciated Andes and the coastal temperate rainforest. You don't have to stray far off the Carretera Austral to …
Discover MoreFrom luxury lakeside lodges to family-run bed and breakfasts and simple mountain cabins, places to stay in Aysen range span the full range. While choice may be limited in the more …
Discover MoreAysen's rivers are forces of nature; immense bodies of water that carry glacial melt from the ice cap to the ocean. Kayaking along these rivers gives you access to some wildly …
Discover MorePatagonia is a vast and varied region, with a wealth of things to see and do, a range of places to stay and a limited transport network.
Why not let us do the hard work for you? Our team of experts will work with you to design an adventure to your exact requirements, from hiking and horse-riding trips to wine-tasting tours and undiscovered lodges.
We’ll work around your budget and arrange flights, transfers and buses, to create your perfect trip.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
1-888-970-4571This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Privacy policy