Carretera Austral Road Trip Itinerary
The Carretera Austral Road Trip is an incredible journey through the stunning landscapes of Chile. Starting in Puerto Montt and ending in O'Higgins, the route is approximately 1175 km long and takes approximately 8 days to complete. The best time to drive is typically during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the days are long. Along the way, you will pass through the towns of Chaitén, Coyhaique, and Cochrane, each of which has its own unique attractions to explore.
The road trip is full of breathtaking views of vast mountain ranges, dense forests, and glistening glacial lakes. However, it is also important to be aware that the road conditions can be poor in some areas, and that seasonal road closures due to weather conditions may occur. The roads are often curvy, so it is important to drive with caution.
Despite these potential challenges, the Carretera Austral Road Trip is an incredible experience that will provide you with memories to last a lifetime. It is suitable for every driver, and can be managed on a fair budget.
8
number of days
1,211 km
route length
moderate
budget
explorer
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Puerto Montt
Distance 1,211 km
Driving time 28.9 h
Pace: slow
278.6 kWh
Airports
PMC
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Puerto Montt is the ideal starting point for taking the iconic Carretera Austral Road Trip. This delightful city, located in the southern region of Chile, is a must-see for any traveler.
The city of Puerto Montt offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Andes mountains, with the snow-capped peaks of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes providing the backdrop. Here, travelers can find excellent seafood restaurants, quaint cafes and interesting local shops. Be sure to visit the Angelmo Fish Market and the Museo Nao Victoria for a unique cultural experience.
The closest international airport to Puerto Montt is El Tepual Airport (PMC). Once there, travelers can rent a car to make their road trip more comfortable. There are several car rental companies at the airport, offering a wide selection of vehicles.
Puerto Montt is the perfect starting point to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Carretera Austral Road Trip. From here, travelers can embark on a unique adventure, discovering the majestic glaciers, pristine lakes and breathtaking fjords of this incredible region.
So, if you’re looking for a truly memorable road trip, Puerto Montt is the perfect place to start.
1
Puerto Montt
- Chaitén
Distance 228 km
Driving time 6.2 h
Pace: slow
52.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Puerto Montt to Chaitén? This 191 km journey will take you less than 7 hours, with plenty of attractions to discover along the way. You'll start your journey crossing the Reloncaví Estuary by ferry, and then you'll drive through the beautiful landscapes of the Andes Mountains. During the journey, you'll be able to admire the stunning views of the volcanoes, lakes, and rivers. You'll also find some historical sites, as well as picturesque landscapes. Keep in mind that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally. Although this is one of the stages of a longer tour, it's still worth taking the time to explore the area. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Get ready for an amazing adventure!
Chaitén - Chile - South America - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
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2
Chaitén
- Puyuhaupi
Distance 193 km
Driving time 3.3 h
Pace: modest
50.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Chaitén, Chile to Puyuhaupi! This 193 km journey will take you less than 5 hours, and will take you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region. Along the way, you'll see the majestic Pumalín Park, the majestic Chiloé National Park and the beautiful Queulat National Park. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the charming towns of Chonchi, Castro and Ancud, and to enjoy the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Please note that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so be sure to check the "Itinerary" section for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Make sure to take lots of pictures, and enjoy your journey!
Puyuhaupi - Chile - South America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Puyuhaupi
- Coyhaique
Distance 232 km
Driving time 4.1 h
Pace: modest
60.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an incredible road trip from Puyuhuapi to Coyhaique and discover the stunning beauty of Chilean Patagonia! This 233km journey will take you fewer than 5 hours, and you will be able to admire the spectacular views of the Andes Mountains, the lush forests, and the pristine lakes. It is recommended that you use a 4WD car, as some sections of the route may be closed seasonally.
On your way, make sure to visit the picturesque Puyuhuapi Fjord and the breathtaking Lago Verde. You can also take a short detour to the Queulat National Park and explore the amazing natural wonders of the region. Don't forget to take a few photos of the Queulat Hanging Glacier!
Continue your journey to Coyhaique and visit the Cerro Castillo National Park. Here you can admire the impressive mountain peaks and explore the lush forests. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, so make sure to keep an eye out for some of the local species.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Coyhaique - Chile - South America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Coyhaique
- Puerto Río Tranquilo
Distance 193 km
Driving time 3.3 h
Pace: modest
50.3 kWh
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Embark on a road trip from Coyhaique to Puerto Río Tranquilo and explore the breathtaking landscapes of Chilean Patagonia. This 193 km stretch of road will take you about 5 hours to complete, and a 4WD car is highly recommended. Along the way, you'll find stunning viewpoints, historical sites, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Start your journey in Coyhaique and make sure to visit the Cerro Castillo National Park for its stunning glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains, and native vegetation. Then, take a break at the Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez to admire the beautiful views of the Simpson and Palena Rivers. Further down the road, you'll find the small town of Cochrane, where you can take a tour of the nearby national park and explore the native flora and fauna.
Finally, you'll reach Puerto Río Tranquilo, a picturesque town surrounded by glaciers and beautiful lakes. Here, you can explore the Marble Caves, a unique geological formation, and kayak around the waters of General Carrera Lake. Keep in mind that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, so make sure to check the local conditions before heading out.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, don't wait any longer and start planning your trip!
Puerto Río Tranquilo - Chile - South America - Road Trip - Pikist
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5
Puerto Río Tranquilo
- Cochrane
Distance 134 km
Driving time 2.7 h
Pace: modest
35.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a 134km journey from Puerto Río Tranquilo to Cochrane and explore the wonders of Chilean Patagonia! This road trip will take you fewer than 4 hours and is best done with a 4WD car. Along the way, you'll be mesmerized by the stunning scenery, so make sure to keep your eyes open and take plenty of pictures!
Your first stop should be the breathtaking Exploradores Glacier and the nearby Lago Exploradores. Here you can take a boat tour of the lake and get a closer look at the glacier. From there, you'll drive to the small village of Cochrane, where you can explore the local shops and restaurants.
On the way back, be sure to stop at the La Junta Lookout, where you'll have a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You'll also find some great camping spots here.
Although this is just one stage of a larger tour, you'll have plenty of time to explore the area and take in the beauty of the Chilean Patagonia. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please see the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Cochrane - Chile - South America - Road Trip - – Vikipedija
Cochrane - Chile - South America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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6
Cochrane
- O'Higgins
Distance 230 km
Driving time 9.4 h
Pace: slow
52.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a road trip from Cochrane to O'Higgins and explore the wonders of Patagonia! This 230 km journey will take you less than 8 hours and will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the region. We recommend that you take a 4WD car for this journey as some sections of the route may be closed seasonally. As you drive, you'll be taken through winding roads, so make sure to keep your eyes open for the scenic views. Along the way, you'll be able to visit some of the most interesting places, such as Cochrane, where you can explore the history of the area, and O'Higgins, where you can admire the breathtaking views of the Patagonian mountains. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore the wonders of Patagonia!
O'Higgins - Chile - South America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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O'Higgins
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The end of your Carretera Austral Road Trip is the city of O'Higgins, Chile. Located in the beautiful Aysen region of Chilean Patagonia, O'Higgins is the perfect way to end your journey.
Start your exploration of O'Higgins with a visit to the city's main square and plaza, Plaza de Armas, where you'll find the beautiful Cathedral of San Joaquin and the City Hall. From the plaza, take a stroll down to the banks of the O'Higgins River, where you can take in some of the most spectacular views of the region.
Just outside of O'Higgins is where you'll find some of the area's most breathtaking sites. Spend a day exploring the Corcovado National Park, where you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and bird-watching. The park is also home to the Corcovado Volcano, from which you can get amazing views of the surrounding landscape.
If you're looking for a bit of culture and history, the nearby town of Coyhaique is worth a visit. Here you'll find the Coyhaique Museum, which houses a variety of artifacts from the region's indigenous cultures.
To get to O'Higgins, you can take the Carretera Austral Road Trip or fly into Balmaceda Airport (BBA). From there, you can easily access O'Higgins and the rest of the Aysen region.
End your Carretera Austral Road Trip in the beautiful city of O'Higgins, Chile. Here you'll find a wealth of natural beauty, culture, and history, as well as plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
O'Higgins - Chile - South America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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Carretera Austral Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Puerto Montt
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End:
O'Higgins
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Distance:
1,211 km
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Stay:
8 days
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Getting there:
El Tepual Airport (PMC)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, April, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Carretera Austral, also known as Route 7, is a breathtaking journey that traverses the remote regions of Patagonia in southern Chile. Stretching approximately 1,240 kilometers (770 miles) from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins, this epic Road Trip can take upwards of 8 to 10 days, offering an immersive experience of the country's diverse and rugged landscapes. As travelers navigate this mostly unpaved route, they'll encounter an array of ecosystems, including rainforests, fjords, and the Andean mountains, showcasing Chile's rich ecological tapestry.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
The journey includes captivating stops like the enchanting town of Chaitén, near the foot of an active volcano; Coyhaique, the largest urban center along the route and a gateway to the beautiful Queulat National Park; and Cochrane, a gateway to the pristine Patagonian wilderness. Notable highlights are the Cerro Castillo National Reserve with its dramatic peaks, the Marble Caves on Lake General Carrera, and the breathtaking Patagonian Ice Fields. The untouched nature of Pumalín Park and the hanging glacier of Queulat National Park are sights that epitomize the raw beauty of Chile's wilderness.
Best Time to Go:
Although the Carretera Austral can be traversed year-round, the optimal time to undertake this Road Trip is during the austral summer months, from December to February. The weather is warmer and more stable, and the extended daylight hours offer more time for exploration and sightseeing.
Potential Risks:
The Carretera Austral is known for its challenging conditions, including unpaved sections, steep ascents, and occasional landslides. The remoteness of the route means amenities can be sparse, so travelers should plan accordingly. Seasonal weather patterns can lead to Road closures, particularly during the winter months, when snow and ice make certain sections impassable.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
This journey is an adventure of a lifetime for nature lovers and those seeking solitude away from tourist hotspots. The Carretera Austral provides opportunities for various outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing in some of the most secluded and untouched parts of the world. Accommodations range from camping and hostels to cozy lodges, accommodating various travel budgets.
Interesting Facts:
- The Carretera Austral was commissioned by Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet in the 1970s to connect isolated communities.
- The Road was constructed through extremely difficult terrain, requiring years of painstaking labor and engineering.
- The route passes through several national parks and protected areas, making it a haven for biodiversity conservation.
- The Carretera Austral is a part of the longer Patagonian Route of Parks, a network of 17 national parks spanning 2,800 kilometers.
A good choice for:
The Carretera Austral Road Trip is more than just a drive; it's an exploration of Chile’s untamed heart, offering a profound connection with nature and a sense of tranquility that comes with the remote beauty of Patagonia. Each twist and turn reveals another picture-perfect vista, ensuring that every moment of this journey will be etched in the memory of those who traverse this legendary Road.
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