Discover the Carretera Austral, the preferred destination for travelers in campers seeking to explore the beauty of Chile. This guide covers the entire route, allowing flexibility in the combination and duration of places to visit.
A unique scenic journey in Patagonia, with over 1,400 km of pristine nature that captivates those who travel it.
You can arrange your itinerary between Puerto Varas and Villa O'Higgins to visit some destinations on the way south and the rest on your return journey north.
Your door to Patagonia.
Lago Llanquihue, Volcán Osorno, Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales.
Hornopirén
Cochamó Valley, Chile's Yosemite. Puelo River, global angler's haven.
Hornopirén: starting point to board ferries at Fiordo Comau to Leptepu. Then, a 15-minute land journey to Fiordo Largo and the final stretch to Caleta Gonzalo.*
*We highly recommend booking the Hornopirén–Caleta Gonzalo ferry in advance, especially during the busy summer season. You can make your reservation at www.barcazas.cl.
Sector Parque Pumalín: Lago Río Negro, Lago Río Blanco, Volcán Michinmahuida y Volcán Chaitén, El Amarillo.
Ferry departs Hornopirén around 10 AM, reaching Caleta Gonzalo in the afternoon, where you can enter to. Pumalín Park, wich has diverse camping options. Explore rainforest, trek trails, and waterfalls. Horseback ride around Michimauda volcano, venture through lush larch forests, home to diverse bird species.
Lago Yelcho
Make sure to pass by Lake Yelcho on your way back.
Futaleufú: the adventure rafting and kayaking paradise, with more tranquil options in the Futaleufú National Reserve.
Queulat
Eternal forests, golden legends, magical trails; marvel at the Hanging Glacier and enjoy water sports. Experience both adventure and serenity in this paradise
Laguna Cerro Castillo, Las Horquetas, Portezuelo Ibañez, Cuesta del Diablo, Bosque Muerto. Cerro Castillo aims to be the new Torres del Paine in southern Chile. Stay in Coyhaique for better hiking infrastructure and enjoy the stunning road through Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo.
Carrera
Puerto Río Tranquilo, Catedrales de Mármol, Glaciar Exploradores, Lago Bayo, Puerto Bertrand, Confluencia ríos Baker - Neff.
Patagonia
This part of Carretera Austral is ESSENCIAL. Parque Nacional Patagonia, Sector Jeinimeni, Chile Chico, Valle Chacabuco, Reserva Tamango.
Tortel, the city of walkways, with its wooden structures connecting the picturesque town. Discover the Baker River mouth and sail to the mysterious Isla de Los Muertos, commemorating workers lost at sea in a tragic shipwreck.
You did it! The end of the Carretera Austral. To reach Villa O'Higgins, cross the Mitchell Fjord and drive for 4 hours. Return via Puerto Guadal, Chile Chico, and take a ferry across General Carrera Lake.