Few fjordlands in the world can match the elegant beauty of Chile's southern region. Its entire coast is composed of thousands of little-explored islands, canals, and sounds. A few companies offer trips through these remote channels south to Puerto Chacabuco in the Aysén region, principally Naviera Austral. Navimag offers a popular trip through the southern fjords as far as Puerto Natales in Southern Patagonia, and to the Laguna San Rafael Glacier, as do the luxury liners Skorpios and, in a class of its own, Nomads of the Seas' Atmosphere. Please note that the itineraries can vary, and you need to reserve a berth well in advance of your trip.
Ferry Services -- Puerto Montt is the hub for ferries heading south. If you are planning a trip down the Carretera Austral, you'll need to travel to or from Puerto Montt or Chiloé by ferry (unless you enter through Argentina). During the summer, passengers and autos can cross to Pumalín Park and Caleta Gonzalo by ferry. This route is preferred but available only from December to March. For information about ferry crossings to Caleta Gonzalo as well as between La Arena and Puelche at the start of the Carretera Austral.
To Chiloé, you need to head to Pargua west of Puerto Montt. Naviera Austral at Angelmó 2187 (in the ferry terminal or Terminal de Trasbordadores) in Puerto Montt (tel. 65/270400; www.navieraustral.cl) offers ferry crossings to Chaitén on the Carretera Austral, the quickest and, in the end, the cheapest way to get a vehicle to the famed highway. Tickets cost $32 (£16) per passenger and $136 (£68) per car.
