Cascada de la Virgen
A stunning, easily accessible waterfall on Chile's Carretera Austral, offering refreshing pools and scenic photo opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant natural beauty
Cascada de la Virgen
Best Time
Vibrant natural beauty
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning, easily accessible waterfall on Chile's Carretera Austral, offering refreshing pools and scenic photo opportunities.
"Pictures just can't capture the experience of seeing places like this in person."
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera! Many visitors use Insta360 for unique perspectives and drone shots .
💧 Cool Off
The pools at the base are great for a refreshing dip on a hot day. Bring a towel!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cascading Waterfall
Base of the falls
Witness the impressive cascade up close, feel the mist, and capture stunning photos of this natural wonder.
Street-Level Views
Street at the base of the falls
Even with viewing platforms closed, enjoy beautiful shots of the waterfall from the accessible street.
Refreshing Pools
Near the waterfall base
Cool off on a warm day in the concrete sinks at the base of the falls, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Access and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera! Many visitors use Insta360 for unique perspectives 
💧 Cool Off
The pools at the base are great for a refreshing dip on a hot day. Bring a towel!
💰 Hot Springs Access
Hot springs nearby cost around $4 and require a swim cap. Check if they're open.
🚶♀️ Street-Level Views
Don't worry if platforms are closed; great waterfall shots are still possible from the street.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera! Many visitors use Insta360 for unique perspectives
💧 Cool Off
The pools at the base are great for a refreshing dip on a hot day. Bring a towel!
💰 Hot Springs Access
Hot springs nearby cost around $4 and require a swim cap. Check if they're open.
🚶♀️ Street-Level Views
Don't worry if platforms are closed; great waterfall shots are still possible from the street.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Cascada de la Virgen to be a beautiful and easily accessible natural attraction, perfect for a quick photo stop or a refreshing dip in the pools. While some note that viewing platforms may be closed, the free access and the ability to get close to the waterfall are consistently praised. The nearby hot springs offer an additional attraction for those seeking relaxation.
"Nice place to take a picture for the memories. Looks awesome at night with the color lights, and its for free."
Tony Lucciano
"I promise you pictures just can't capture the experience of seeing places like this in person in Ecuador. You can walk right up to the waterfall and touch it. They have built concrete sinks at the base for public use. I don't know if it's potable, but you can definitely cool off on a hot day. Their is a view from the top of the steps that you can see the hot springs and decide for yourself if you want to go in. The waterfall is free public access. The hotsprings cost like ~$4, + swim cap is required."
Joseph Flohr
"Nice.
Needs maintenance"
Mansour Mansouri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cascada de la Virgen is located on the Ruta 240 between Coyhaique and Puerto Aysén in the Aysén Region of Chile.
Cascada de la Virgen is a natural attraction along the Carretera Austral and is not part of a designated national park. It offers free public access.
Driving is the most convenient way to reach Cascada de la Virgen, allowing you to stop at your own pace. Many travelers include it as a scenic stop on their journey between Coyhaique and Puerto Aysén.
While specific public transport routes directly to the waterfall might be limited, buses traveling between Coyhaique and Puerto Aysén often pass by the area. It's advisable to check local bus schedules.
Yes, Cascada de la Virgen is an excellent stop for a day trip from Coyhaique. It's a relatively short drive and can be combined with other attractions along the Carretera Austral.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cascada de la Virgen offers free public access. You can admire the waterfall and use the pools at its base without any charge.
Cascada de la Virgen is an outdoor natural attraction and is generally accessible at all times. However, for the best experience and safety, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.
No booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit Cascada de la Virgen spontaneously as part of your travels along the Carretera Austral.
Some reviews indicate that the viewing platform may be closed for maintenance. However, you can still get great views and photos from the street level at the base of the falls.
Yes, the nearby hot springs typically have a small entrance fee of around $4 and require visitors to wear a swim cap.
📸 📸 Photography
Daylight hours offer the best natural light for capturing the waterfall's beauty. Evenings can be interesting with potential color lighting, offering a different photographic mood.
Many visitors use action cameras like Insta360 for unique perspectives
Yes, you can walk right up to the waterfall and touch it. The concrete sinks at the base provide a great vantage point for close-up shots.
While the main viewing platform might be closed, the street at the base of the falls offers excellent opportunities for capturing the entire cascade. Exploring slightly different angles from the roadside can yield unique shots.
The main waterfall itself is the primary subject. Additionally, the surrounding lush greenery and the pools at the base offer picturesque elements for your photos.
🎫 💧 Onsite Experience
You can cool off in the concrete pools at the base of the waterfall. Swimming directly in the main cascade is not advisable due to strong currents.
Information on specific facilities like restrooms is limited. It's advisable to use facilities in nearby towns like Coyhaique or Puerto Aysén before or after your visit.
Access to the base of the waterfall from the street is generally straightforward. However, if the viewing platform is closed, navigating potentially uneven terrain might be a consideration.
At night, the waterfall can be illuminated with colored lights, offering a different, more tranquil ambiance. It's a unique experience for those who visit after dark.
Yes, you can walk right up to the waterfall and touch the water at its base. The concrete sinks are also available for public use.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Bring extra clothes and towels for the pools. Ensure children are supervised closely near the water. While there aren't extensive facilities, the natural beauty and the interactive element of the waterfall make it a memorable experience for younger travelers. It's a good opportunity to teach kids about the power and beauty of nature.
🚗 Road Trippers & Photographers
+1 Its easy access from the road makes it a perfect spot to pull over, stretch your legs, and capture some stunning Patagonian scenery. Photographers will appreciate the dynamic subject matter, with opportunities for both close-up shots of the cascading water and wider scenic views.+1Recommendations for road trippers: Consider visiting during daylight for optimal photography conditions. Even if viewing platforms are closed, the street-level access provides excellent vantage points.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Cascada de la Virgen
This impressive cascade tumbles down a rocky face, creating a powerful and beautiful display of nature's artistry. Visitors can get remarkably close to the falls, with many reviews highlighting the ability to walk right up and even touch the water at its base.While the primary attraction is the waterfall itself, the area also offers opportunities for refreshment. Concrete sinks at the base of the falls serve as natural pools where visitors can cool off on warmer days. For those seeking a more therapeutic experience, nearby hot springs are available, though they typically require a small entrance fee and a swim cap.
Photography enthusiasts will find Cascada de la Virgen a rewarding location. Many visitors have shared stunning images and videos captured using various equipment, from action cameras like Insta360 for unique angles
to drones for breathtaking aerial views. Even if viewing platforms are temporarily closed, the street-level access provides ample opportunities to capture the waterfall's grandeur.Navigating the Carretera Austral
Traveling the Carretera Austral is an experience in itself, often involving long drives on gravel roads, stunning vistas around every bend, and a sense of remoteness.When planning a trip that includes Cascada de la Virgen, it's essential to be prepared for the unique conditions of the Carretera Austral. Vehicle choice is crucial; a sturdy vehicle, preferably a 4x4 or a vehicle with good ground clearance, is highly recommended due to the unpaved sections and potential for rough terrain. Navigation can be challenging as cell service is spotty, so downloading offline maps is a wise precaution. Fuel availability is also a consideration, with long stretches between towns, so keeping your tank full is advised.
Cascada de la Virgen serves as a perfect natural pause on this epic journey. It's a place to stretch your legs, marvel at the power of nature, and capture some incredible photos before continuing your adventure. Many travelers use it as a scenic stop between the larger towns of Coyhaique and Puerto Aysén,
appreciating its accessibility and natural beauty amidst the vast Patagonian wilderness.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit