Balmaceda, Chile

Balmaceda is a small settlement in Coyhaique Province situated at the edge of the Patagonian steppe in the Aysén Region. It spreads across a flat, open landscape roughly 518 meters above sea level near the Argentine border, with simple buildings and unobstructed views across the surrounding plains.

The settlement was founded in 1917 to provide a home for Chilean families returning from southwestern Argentina. This founding reflected a broader effort to populate the Aysén Region and strengthen ties between communities on both sides of the border.

The village maintains strong ties to ranching and livestock farming that shape daily routines and local gatherings. Visitors can observe horse demonstrations and taste regional dishes that reflect the community's connection to the land.

The place is mainly reached by the local airport, which offers daily flights to Santiago and twice-weekly service to Punta Arenas. Visitors should prepare for cold temperatures, especially in winter months, as conditions can become quite harsh.

Winter temperatures can plunge to minus 25 degrees Celsius, making this one of the coldest inhabited locations in Chile. These extreme conditions have shaped the resilience and resourcefulness of those who call it home.