O'higgins

Villa O'higgins lies at the end of the Carretera Austral and at the beginning of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. At the mouth of the Río Mayer, the town sits opposite Lago O'higgins, which was formed by the O'higgins Glacier. At 836 m deep, it is described as the deepest lake in the Americas. If you are looking for a vacation rental in O'higgins, you can plan your stay around hiking, water activities, or the town’s history.

Hiking trails in Parque Glaciar Mosco

Parque Glaciar Mosco is a protected national asset administered by the Municipality of Villa O'higgins and has a network of trekking trails. The park administration and the trailhead for this network, as well as the Ruta Patrimonial Glaciar Río Mosco, are located about 100 m east of the main square in the center. The differences between the trails can help you plan your day: Sendero Mirador del Valle is rated easy, is about 4 km long, and is listed as taking approximately two hours round trip.

Several longer options are more challenging. Sendero La Bandera is a moderate to challenging mountain hike of about 3.4 km; the round trip is listed as taking approximately two and a half hours. The moderate Sendero Cóndores follows a loop of about 5.5 km, takes approximately four hours, and connects La Bandera with Sendero Mirador del Valle. The routes therefore differ in their ratings, distances, and hiking times.

For considerably longer hikes, consider Sendero Río Mosco Norte and Sendero La Dormilona. Río Mosco Norte, also known by its registered name “Refugio,” is moderate to challenging, about 8 km long, and listed as taking approximately eight hours round trip between the park administration and the shelter. La Dormilona is a challenging mid-mountain hike of about 12 km; the hiking time is approximately 14 hours round trip between the park administration and the La Dormilona viewpoint. These details can help you factor the length of a hike into your accommodation choice and schedule.

Heritage route and nature

The Ruta Patrimonial Parque Glaciar Mosco is a linear route, about 12.4 km long, with signs along the entire route. It partly follows an old path used by the area’s first residents in 1930. Along the route, the forest provides habitat for Huemuls, Andean deer, Culpeo foxes, and, occasionally, pumas. Here, a tangible trace of history meets the wildlife of the forest.

Lakes, kayaking, and glaciers

Lago Cisnes is 11 km north of Villa O'higgins and 6 km long. It is suitable for fishing, birdwatching, and recreational boating. On its southern shore is a 2 km-long main beach, used by locals and visitors as a swimming spot during the summer season. Kayaking activities on the lakes of the municipality are offered in Villa O'higgins with local guides. These include trips on Lago Cisnes, outings on the Río Mayer, and the Three Lakes Traverse. A full-day boat expedition to the O'higgins Glacier and Chico Glacier is also offered from Villa O'higgins.

Mountain skiing, snowshoeing, technical mountaineering, and ice climbing in the Southern Ice Fields are also listed for Villa O'higgins in connection with local guides. Whether you choose hiking, water activities, or tours in the ice fields, this focus shapes the character of your trip and, in turn, the best base for your stay.

Getting there and other routes

From Coyhaique, the Carretera Austral leads to Villa O'higgins over a distance of about 575 km and a drive of approximately twelve hours. The route includes long gravel sections and a mandatory ferry crossing. Another connection runs from Villa O'higgins to Chaltén in Argentina: the 130 km binational route combines trekking and boat travel, passes through sections of Laguna del Desierto, and cannot be traveled by vehicle.

The town’s history is also part of the destination. The Museo de la Patagonia Padre Antonio Ronchi is housed in a Catholic church that served as a community center and supply collection point from 1974 to the end of 1987. The museum presents the architecture and symbolism of the old church, as well as the history of settlement in the municipality. This lets you include an insight into local history alongside nature and outdoor experiences.

As another destination, you can discover Cochrane.

For the broader travel overview: Capitán Prat Province.