Puerto Aysén
A hanging bridge leads from Chacabuco to Puerto Aysén, founded in 1928 to serve the region's burgeoning cattle ranches. Devastating forest fires that swept through the interior in 1955 filled the once-deep harbor with silt, making it all but useless for transoceanic vessels. Nowadays, fishing and salmon farming are the leading economic activities. The town gained some fame in February 2012, when protests here sparked a region-wide revolt over an array of social issues. The busy main street is a good place to stock up on supplies for boat trips to the nearby national parks.
