Commanded by Enrique Simpson in the early 1870s, the ship participated in the exploration of the fjords and archipelagoes of Aysén Region in northern Patagonia.

[2] These travels led to the re-discovery of San Rafael Lake and the establishment of Aysén Fjord as the principal access to the inland of Aysén Region.

[2] In 1876 Chacabuco transported governor of Magallanes Diego Dublé Almeyda to the Falkland Islands bringing back sheep, thus initiating the Patagonian sheep farming boom of the late 19th century.

[3] From 1879 onwards the corvette fought in the War of the Pacific.

Puerto Chacabuco in Aysén Fjord is named after the ship.