Francisco Hudson Cárdenas (Curaco de Vélez, Chile, July 1, 1826 – March, 1859) was a Chilean naval officer and hydrographer notable for his explorations of Southern Chile and Chilean Patagonia. Hudson sailed on behalf of the Chilean government several times to Peru and Ecuador, assisted the German immigrants arrive to Valdivia but gained notoriety for his explorations and investigations of Maullín River, Roca Remolino and the channels of Aysén Region. Hudson was interested in investigating the possible existence of a sailing route through internal waters from Chiloé Archipelago to Straits of Magellan, but was came to realize that the Isthmus of Ofqui made this impossible. However his hydrographic works laid the groundwork for Hans Steffen's exploration of Aysén Region in late 19th century.