Puerto Ibáñez’s microclimate makes it an ideal place for agriculture, one of the reasons why the first settlers came here in the early 20th century, traveling from the north of Chile or from Argentina. Incorporated in 1924, today the town’s farms set the tone for this quiet, tranquil place, also known for pottery made with clay from the Ibáñez River.

Puerto Ibáñez is also an important strategic point for the region’s connectivity. Ferries crossing Lake General Carrera––the second-largest lake in South America––set out from its shores and arrive at Chile Chico after a voyage of around 2 hours.

Lodging, Food, and Activities

In Puerto Ibáñez, you’ll find cabins, restaurants, guest houses, and other options for accommodations. For more information, go to:

Region

Río Ibáñez

Province

General Carrera

Population

1.000

Climate and Rainfall

Rainy and Temperate, 24 inches annually

Nearest National Park(s)

Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo

Patagonia National Park

Don’t Miss

  • Visit the Río Ibáñez falls, an impressive waterfall that was formed after the Hudson Volcano’s most recent eruption. The falls are located only 4 miles from Puerto Ibáñez.
  • Visit the artisanal vendors in Puerto Ibáñez and buy the accessories sold at the market. Among other handicrafts, you can find items knit from wool and leather goods.
  • Lovers of bird-watching will want to visit La Pollola Laguna, which lies 11 miles from the Pallavicini Pass. There, you can see Black-Necked Swans, Coscoroba Swans, and others.
  • Explore the area’s small farms, which are very fertile thanks to the region’s microclimate. Local farmers harvest fresh fruits and vegetables to make jam and liquors.
  • Walk along the shore and swim in the lake in summer.
  • Picnic on the Levicán Peninsula, which has beautiful beaches and is located 19 miles from Puerto Ibáñez.
  • Drive the «Las Ardillas» route, which connects Villa Cerro Castillo and Puerto Ibáñez via the beautiful Route X-723. Along the way, you can glimpse Lake Tamango and get an unparalleled view of the Cerro Castillo mastiff, along with gorgeous views of other lakes and the Río Ibáñez falls.

How to get

Puerto Ibáñez lies 72 miles south of Coyhaique, on a paved road. It’s also very close of the Pallavicini Pass, where you can cross into Argentina.

Various buses travel daily from Coyhaique to Puerto Ibáñez. For more information, contact: Minibús Eben Ezer (Luis Risopatrón #91 / phone: +56 67 2 242303 / +5699 83404425), Freddy Morales (Puerto Ibáñez Lautaro 592 / phone: +569 89448847).

Puerto Chacabuco is the region’s main port and is located 120 miles from Puerto Ibáñez.

Two-hour ferry trips are also available between Puerto Ibáñez and Chile Chico. Prior reservations are required: http://www.barcazas.cl

Balmaceda Airport is located 57 miles from Puerto Ibáñez. The road to the airport is paved.

Tips

  • For more information about the border crossing, visit: http://www.pasosfronterizos.gov.cl/complejos-fronterizos/aysen/paso-ingeniero-ibanez-pallavicini/.
  • In the visitor’s center, you can find maps and more detailed information about the various activities and tourist attractions in the area.
  • Remember to reserve your ferry tickets between Puerto Ibáñez and Chile Chico well in advance. For more information, go to: http://www.barcazas.cl.
  • You can find a post office and laundromat in Puerto Ibáñez. There is no gas station.
  • The municipal library (Padre Antonio Ronchi 159) has free Wi-Fi.
  • Try Puerto Ibáñez’s craft beer, which is the first sustainable beer brewed in Patagonia: www.cervezahudson.cl/.
  • Tour the «La Paramela» family farm, where the owners grow different kinds of herbs used for cooking, perfumes, and medicines.
  • To reserve private transportation, contact Sixto Martínez (+569 89194262 / +56 9 57656815) or Transportes Tilo (+569 7549 2216).

Basic Services

  • “Caja Vecina” (Rural Bank Services)
  • Rural Health Services
  • Auto Repair Shop
  • Cell Service
  • Police Station
  • Visitor’s Center

Visitor’s Center

Address

Avenida Costanera commercial center

Important Dates

During the second week of January, locals from the Levicán Peninsula celebrate the «Chivo (Goat) Festival,» and during the third week of January, they organize a festival featuring equestrian demonstrations and other traditional activities.

The second week of February, the town hosts the «Calafate Festival,» and the fourth week of February they celebrate another traditional festival called «Threshing, the way my grandfather did it.»

Copyright 2018 Ruta de los Parques de la Patagonia