About the Chilean Patagonia

The People & Community

The Chilean Patagonia has a rich cultural history steeped in the age-old traditions of its original inhabitants

Due to its long, narrow shape and geographic isolation in relation to the rest of South America, Chile is a place like no other. Its culture has been influenced by Spanish colonial elements and the traditions of its indigenous people (mostly Mapuche), as well as other immigrant cultures. The Chilean Patagonia has a rich cultural history steeped in the age-old traditions of its original inhabitants, as well as baqueanas, the Chilean cowboys similar to Argentine gauchos.

The salmon industry is the largest driver of the economy in the Chilean Patagonia (regions 10, 11, 12). Our industry has created economic growth, political stability, and supported the creation of more than 4,000 small- and medium-sized enterprises and over 70,000 jobs, helping to propel the nation’s overall growth. In Chile’s southern regions, we have helped provide jobs and infrastructure, such as schools, leaving a lasting impact on the local communities in which we live and work.

The people our industry supports are also our neighbors, our families, and our friends. We are proud of the work we’ve done to revitalize our collective communities, bring a fresh, nutritious and sustainable protein source to our own tables, and advance our country’s image as a leading international food producer.

Chileans adding shellfish to the Curanto, Chiloe Island
The salmon industry is the largest driver of the economy in the Chilean Patagonia