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The first settlers likely arrived at Puerto Bertrand around 1920, but it wasn’t until the 1940s that the town was officially incorporated. The town is located along the shores of Lake Bertrand, at the beginning of the Baker River, which has the largest volume of water of any river in Chile. The area’s turquoise waters are a paradise for lovers of fly fishing and also provide a great setting for other outdoor activities, including rafting, boat rides, bird watching, day trips in kayak, or longer trips, including a gorgeous excursion along the river to Tortel. It’s also the starting point for beautiful, little-explored trekking routes that wind through Chile’s Northern Icefields.
You’ll find cabins, guest houses, and campsites in Puerto Bertrand. There are also several fishing lodges along the river.
From Coyhaique, drive 176 miles south on the Carretera Austral until you reach Puerto Bertrand. The town is also only 10 miles from the El Maitén intersection, which connects to Route CH-265, the route to Puerto Guadal and Chile Chico. Chile Chico is located 85 miles from Puerto Bertrand.
If you’re coming from Cochrane, drive 31 miles north along the Carretera Austral.
Buses from Coyhaique to Cochrane stop in Puerto Bertrand. Companies offering this route include Águilas Patagónicas, Sao Paulo, Acuario 13, and Don Carlos.
If you’re coming from Puerto Natales, you can take the ferry to Puerto Yungay. From Puerto Yungay, drive 82 miles north on the Carretera Austral until you reach Cochrane. From Cochrane, continue on to Puerto Bertrand.
Sky and LATAM Airlines offer daily flights to Balmaceda Airport, located 34 miles south of Coyhaique. At Balmaceda, you can rent a car or take a bus. The Carretera Austral is just 7.5 miles west of Balmaceda.
There is no visitor’s center at this time.
In February, locals celebrate their town’s anniversary. They also hold various fishing championships during the same month.
Kayaking classes are available during the summer.
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