Carretera Austral Road Trip

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

The above itinerary will become a perfect inspiration for your future holiday excursions.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a template that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original highlights of your choice.
If car travel is a travel option you prefer, there are a number of vital road rules to follow and a number of elements to be mindful of to make your trip smooth. The following road rules will surely become useful for all tourists who are considering car hire or hiring a camper in Chile.
Moving around Chile in a car requires you to obey the local road rules. When moving around Chile in a car, try to stay away from alcohol at any cost. Drivers ought to remember that the amount of alcohol you can consume is very low and amounts to only 0.3‰. In order to avoid a speeding fine, it is best to never exceed 50km/h, which is the maximum permissible speed around the city. When travelling in rural areas, you should stick to the maximum speed of 80km/h. While on highways, the speed limit is 100km/h. In order to stay safe, it is best to drive with your headlights on at daytime and equip your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
The majority of travellers are also interested in the travel expenses of the whole road trip. Of course, depending on the budget option that you aim for, the amount of money that you have to pay for your travel expenses may differ. Let’s have a look at the budget options.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 7 stages while travelling around Chile will equal as much as 163 EUR. Economy accommodation options can cost holidaymakers around 319 EUR. The travel expenses connected with food and restaurants within this option will cost up to about 192 EUR. Travellers will have to pay around 432 EUR if they are interested in the budget car hire option as well. Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be roughly 674 EUR without vehicle rental and 1,106 EUR with vehicle rental.
Drivers who are interested in greater comfort and the standard option will pay approximately 213 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the trip. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should keep in mind that the costs may amount up to approximately 682 EUR. Holidayers may expect that the standard option in terms of restaurants and food will cost around 288 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire vehicle should expect a cost of around 792 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 1,975 EUR for travellers who would like to try vehicle rental and 1,183 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will come up to the expectations of the most demanding travellers. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay around 3,586 EUR for the whole Carretera Austral Road Trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle hire will spend approximately 2,146 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the itinerary in a premium hire vehicle should expect a cost of about 1,440 EUR. When it comes to the premium configuration of the tour, you should expect the average cost of roughly 288 EUR when it comes to gasoline. Travellers who will go for top services in all aspects of their trip should expect to pay roughly 384 EUR for food and restaurants and approximately 1,474 EUR for overnight stays.
Our tour will also measure up to the expectations of all camper enthusiasts. Tourists have to pay roughly 1,800 EUR for the service of camper rental. You will spend roughly 313 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the road trip. Holidayers who choose camper rental should expect to pay approximately 440 EUR for overnight stays and roughly 192 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section presents all the mentioned details in a straightforward way.
The part of Chile showed in our road trip idea is superb to be explored between October and April. There are countless thrilling road adventures that are available on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip options. We hope that the wide spectrum of options will definitely cater to the needs of the most demanding holidayers.