Find the pearl of the littoral in Puerto Cisnes

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Undiscovered Patagonia

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Trail stats

Distance: 2.66 mi
Elevation gain: 453 ft
Technical difficulty: Easy
Elevation loss: 472 ft
Max elevation: 262 ft
TrailRank: 29
Min elevation: 23 ft
Trail type: One Way

Coordinates: 351
Uploaded: June 27, 2014
Recorded: June 2014

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near Puerto Cisnes, Aisén (Chile)

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Itinerary description

In the course of a few hours, Puerto Cisnes will fill your senses with tastes, sights, sounds and textures. Meander through coastal landscapes, walk along the beaches, sample local flavors and be amazed by the sounds of an orchestra of frogs and toads in the evening. This self-guided tour will help you learn your way around.

Waypoints

Virgin of the Roses Trail

The ideal place to start is walking up the short Virgin of the Roses Trail, where you will be treated to excellent views of the city. Walk north from the plaza to find the trailhead at the end of Sotomayor Street. It is very well maintained with an entry portal and steps that take you up to the virgin. The stature of the Virgin of the Roses was brought to Puerto Cisnes by former mayor Eugenia Pirzio-Birolli, who immigrated to the area in 1957 from Italy, and was mayor for many years. Her fans emphasize her interest in nature preservation and the rights of those most in need.

Municipal Public Library

The Municipal Public Library, located on the west side of the Plaza de Arms, is also worth a visit. It is a wooden building with a striking façade of columns and a carvings representing the struggle between good and evil. It was designed with a Greco-roman aesthetic by the renowned Italian-Chilean architect, Vittorio di Girolamo and constructed by local craftsmen and carpenters. Inside you’ll find more than books, there are also exhibits of historic photos and documents that highlight the important role that mayor Pirzio-Birolli has played in this town and the area. The exhibit also features the community supported work of Father Antonio Ronchi, a missionary who contributed to pueblos throughout the Region of Aysén, whose legacy is undeniable, and whose memory is celebrated by hundreds of persons in the region who knew and loved his unique personality and style.

The picturesque hanging bridge over the San Luis River

Next you can stroll along the urban trail that connects the two sides of Puerto Cisnes along a beautiful urban trail crossing the picturesque hanging bridge over the San Luis River. The trail winds through the forests that surround the town, comprised of giant trees like coigüe, arrayanes, lumas, tepas and canelos.

San Luis Bridge

Fleet of boats

At the end of this trail, you can descend in the direction of the sea until you arrive at the waterfront (Avenida Arturo Prat), where the port’s fleet of boats rests to your left. If you are interested in navigating to visit the Isla Magdalena National Park or nearby islands, this is the place to contract your captain.

Free Symphony

From here, you can continue walking south along Arturo Prat Avenue along the original overland route between the Carretera Austral and Puerto Cisnes. As you meander, you’ll soon pass a series of narrow curves where the forest comes down to the road. In this sector, during the final hour of almost every day, a countless number of local frogs and toads, including the de rana grande chilena, rana arbórea, sapo cuatro ojos and the sapo de rayas, join forces with the sounds of the nearby ocean to create an incredible natural orchestra. If you’re curious, head back at dusk to enjoy a free symphony, in Patagonian coastal style.

Las Truchas Beach

One kilometer south of town, along Arturo Prat Avenue (Route X-24), you’ll reach the Las Truchas Beach, which is open for swimming between 10:00 and the 20:00 during the summer months, and monitored by the Maritime Authority. It borders a protected cove, with views of the port and town, and is a beautiful place for picnics and camping. There is a wetland nearby which hosts local geese, called caiquénes and various kinds of ducks, ideal for bird watching fans.

Finisterra beer

Without doubt, a great way to finish your tour of Puerto Cisnes is with a visit to Finisterra, (www.cervezafinisterra.cl), an artisan brewery located near the plaza, at #297 José María Caro Street. With seven varieties of beer: pale ale, golden ale, dark ale, and pale ales flavored with calafate, cauchao (the fruit of the Luma tree), honey or aji chile peppers, all 100% organic and made with water from waterfalls in the Queulat watershed. The brewery offers guided tours and tastings or you can enjoy its brews in local restaurants and shops around town.

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