Port Aguirre

Port Aguirre sits on Las Huichas Island between the Aysén Fjord and Puyuhuapi Channel in Northern Patagonia. The small settlement has around 540 residents and is surrounded by water.

The settlement began in 1940 as a temporary logging camp and received its name in 1942 to honor President Pedro Aguirre Cerda. These early roots show how the area was initially developed for natural resources.

The residents have deep roots in Chiloe maritime traditions and work mainly in fishing and aquaculture. These activities shape daily life and are visible throughout the village.

Visitors should bring Chilean pesos and necessary supplies from larger cities, as the village has limited shops and card payments are not always accepted. Cash is more practical than other payment methods in this remote location.

The village is a starting point for multi-day cruises through the Northern Patagonian fjords, where visitors can reach remote communities and natural hot springs. These cruises are a major reason travelers come to this out-of-the-way place.