Flights from Independence and Mango Creek Airport

When you fly to Balmaceda Airport (BBA), you'll be landing at the largest airport in the area, which is very close to the Argentinean border. Travelers choose this area because both Argentinean Route 260 and Chilean Route 7 intersect nearby.

Balmaceda is a tiny place of between 400 and 500 people, and travelers just looking to relax away from the hustle and bustle can enjoy a brief stay before heading out toward their final destination.

Attractions

The chief attraction in the area is the Cerro Castillo National Forest Reserve. Its nearly 300,000 acres were set aside by the Chilean government in 1970. Photographers can snap photos of rock formations that resemble a human profile, and outdoor enthusiasts can hike, ride horses, picnic and climb the foothills of the Andes.

Cerro Torre is almost 250 miles away, but there are several smaller peaks near Balmaceda to challenge climbers. For visitors interested in the history of the area, there is the Museo de los Pioneros de Balmaceda, or Pioneer Museum.

Hints and tips

Aisen del General Carlos Ibanez del Campo, is known for being really very dry throughout the year. In the lee of the Andes, Balmaceda only gets about 12 percent as much precipitation as Chile's coastal areas, so drink lots of water during your visit.