Map of Patagonia Aysen

Patagonia is a vague geographical area. Its borders vary depending on who is defining them and from where they are being defined. As the Patagonia “concept” has begun to have a comercial value there are an increasing number of claims to Patagonianism from an alarming number of sources.

Two borders are clear, the Atlantic coast to the east and the Pacific coast to the west (though many Argentines would disagree saying Patagonia ended at the border). To the south there is little argument that Patagonia, on both sides of the border includes Tierra del Fuego but to the north it is less clear.

The region covers 109 052 km2 of which 51 630 km2 are protected wilderness areas. According to the 1992 census there are a little over 80.000 inhabitants living here, more than half live in Coyhaique, the regional capital. Population density is given as 0.8 inhabitants per km2.