Aisen

Aisen, officially the Aisén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Region and commonly referred to as the Aysén Region, is one of Chile’s 16 regions. It is located in southern Patagonia and is known for its rugged Patagonian scenery, including fjords, mountains, glaciers, and vast ice fields. The regional capital is Coyhaique. The region is divided into two provinces: Coyhaique Province, whose capital is Coyhaique, and Aisén Province, whose capital is Puerto Aisén. The name Aisén derives from the Aisén River and the Aisén Province.

Geography and climate: The landscape features a combination of temperate rainforest, steep Andean relief, and extensive coastal fjords. It includes parts of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field and protected areas such as San Rafael National Park. The climate is cool and wet, with frequent precipitation and strong westerly winds, shaping the region’s ecosystems and daily life.

Economy and infrastructure: Traditional economic activities center on fishing and aquaculture, livestock ranching, and forestry. Tourism has grown to emphasize nature and outdoor recreation, including hiking, kayaking, and scenic drives. The Carretera Austral (Route 7) is the main transportation corridor, linking communities across the interior and along the coast. Air travel is served by regional airports such as Balmaceda near Coyhaique, while coastal towns like Puerto Aisén rely on road and sea connections.

Demographics and culture: The region is sparsely populated, with most residents concentrated in Coyhaique and Puerto Aisén. Indigenous and cultural influences, including Huilliche communities, contribute to the area’s traditions, cuisine, and crafts, alongside a mix of settlers and modern development.