15 kilometres west of Puerto Aisen, the busy port of PUERTO CHACABUCO sits dramatically on a natural harbour enclosed by craggy, jagged peaks brushed with snow. Scanning this panorama, it's almost impossible to distinguish any outlet to the sea, so you might think you were standing before a lake. Turn away from the ocean and you're greeted with a very different sight: rows of ugly rish processing factories stagger down the road to the shore, and the jetty is flanked by large, grim-looking warehouses often emitting a nauseating smell of fish. All in all, you won't want to linger for long.
It is, however, the embarkation point for day-trips to one of the most spectacular sights in Chile, the Laguna San Rafael glacier. As the boats set out early in the morning, and get back late, you might want to spend a night here before and after the trip, although the more appealing Puerto Aisen lies only a short distance away.
Puerto Chacabuco also serves as the terminal for ferries to and from Puerto Montt and Quellon.
