The Enchanting Carretera Austral: A Journey Through Patagonia's Wild Heart
Explore the breathtaking Carretera Austral, a stunning highway in Patagonia, Chile, offering unparalleled natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Carretera Austral, or Austral Highway, is a breathtaking route in Patagonia, Chile, renowned for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and rivers. This iconic road offers an unforgettable travel experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
A brief summary to Carretera Austral
- Carr. Austral, Cochrane, Aysén, CL
Local tips
- Plan your trip during the summer months for the best weather and accessibility.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife along the way.
- Consider renting a 4x4 vehicle for easier navigation on unpaved sections of the road.
- Make sure to stock up on supplies in larger towns, as services can be sparse in remote areas.
- Take your time and enjoy the scenic viewpoints; the journey is as beautiful as the destination.
Getting There
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Car
If you're traveling by car, the Carretera Austral begins at Puerto Montt. From there, take Route 5 south to the town of Puyuhuapi, where you will encounter the start of the Carretera Austral (Route 7). The journey from Puerto Montt to Puyuhuapi takes approximately 12-14 hours, depending on road conditions. Along the way, you will find stunning landscapes, including fjords and lakes. Ensure you have sufficient fuel and supplies, as gas stations can be sparse. Keep an eye on the weather conditions, as they can change rapidly in Patagonia.
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Bus
For those opting for public transportation, several bus companies operate routes from Puerto Montt to destinations along the Carretera Austral. You can take a bus from Puerto Montt to Coyhaique, which is a major hub in the Aysén region. The journey takes around 24 hours, so be prepared for a long trip. From Coyhaique, you can catch local buses that travel to other towns along the Carretera Austral, such as Puerto Río Tranquilo or Cochrane. Make sure to check the bus schedules in advance, as they can vary.
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Ferry
An alternative route to reach the Carretera Austral is by taking a ferry from Puerto Montt to the town of Chaitén. This ferry ride takes about 12 hours and offers beautiful views of the Chilean fjords. Once in Chaitén, you can continue south on Route 7 (the Carretera Austral) towards towns like Puyuhuapi and Coyhaique. Ferry tickets can be purchased online or at the terminal, and it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
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Local Transportation
Once you are on the Carretera Austral, local transport options such as shared taxis or 'colectivos' are available for shorter distances. These can be hailed from towns along the route. In places like Cochrane, you can also find rental car services if you prefer to drive locally. Keep in mind that car rentals may require a valid driver's license and insurance.
Discover more about Carretera Austral
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lodge at Valle Chacabuco
16.5 km
Discover tranquility and adventure at the Lodge at Valle Chacabuco, a hidden gem in Patagonia National Park, surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich wildlife.
Rio Chacabuco
20.7 km
Explore the stunning Rio Chacabuco, a hidden gem in Aysén, Chile, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Patagonia Frontiers
40.2 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty and adventure of Patagonia Frontiers in Aysén, Chile, a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Hacienda Tres Lagos
42.0 km
Discover the enchanting beauty of Hacienda Tres Lagos, a lakeside retreat in Aysén, Chile, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Mallin Colorado Ecolodge
43.6 km
Discover Mallin Colorado Ecolodge: Your Eco-Friendly Retreat in the Heart of Patagonia's Stunning Landscape.
Bahia Catalina
43.7 km
Experience the tranquility of Bahia Catalina, a log cabin retreat in Aysén, Chile, surrounded by stunning nature and endless outdoor adventures.
Lodge y Restaurante El Mirador de Guadal
46.3 km
Discover the beauty of Patagonia at El Mirador de Guadal, where comfort meets breathtaking landscapes and exceptional Chilean cuisine.
Patagonia 47g Alojamiento y Desayuno
48.8 km
Discover the charm of Patagonia 47g Alojamiento y Desayuno, your perfect base for exploring the stunning landscapes of Chile Chico in Aysén.
Adventure Travel Patagonia Chile
69.6 km
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Destino Patagonia
69.7 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia with unforgettable boat tours through Río Tranquilo's stunning waterways.
Chelenko Lodge
81.0 km
Discover the tranquility of Chelenko Lodge in Aysén, Chile – a perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Unmissable attractions to see
Centro de visitantes del Parque Nacional Patagonia
16.4 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife of Patagonia at the Centro de Visitantes, your gateway to nature's wonders.
Parque Nacional Patagonia
46.6 km
Explore the pristine wilderness of Parque Nacional Patagonia, a national park in Aysén, Chile, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Reserva Nacional Lago Jeinimeni
63.3 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Reserva Nacional Lago Jeinimeni, a stunning national park in Chile's Aysén region, perfect for adventure and relaxation.
Marble Cathedral
65.5 km
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Marble Caves
65.6 km
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Patagonia andina
66.0 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Patagonia Andina in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Capillas de Mármol
69.5 km
Explore Chile's breathtaking Capillas de Mármol, a natural wonder of marble formations and stunning turquoise waters surrounded by majestic landscapes.
Cabaña Valle Exploradores
69.6 km
Experience the beauty of Patagonia at Cabaña Valle Exploradores, a serene cottage in Puerto Río Tranquilo, the gateway to stunning natural wonders.
EcosPatagonia
69.6 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Patagonia with EcosPatagonia, your premier sightseeing tour agency in Puerto Río Tranquilo.
Puerto Río Tranquilo
69.6 km
Explore Puerto Río Tranquilo – a tranquil haven in Chile’s Patagonia with breathtaking Marble Caves and endless outdoor adventures.
Kayak Catedrales de Mármol Cormorán Expediciones
69.7 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Marble Caves with Cormorán Expediciones, offering unforgettable kayaking adventures in Aysén, Chile.
El Puesto Expediciones
69.8 km
Explore the natural wonders of Patagonia with El Puesto Expediciones, offering unforgettable tours in Puerto Río Tranquilo, Aysén, Chile.
Marble Cathedrals
69.8 km
Explore the stunning Marble Cathedrals of Patagonia, where nature's artistry meets the azure waters of Lake General Carrera.
ValleGlaciares
69.8 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of ValleGlaciares in Aysén, Chile, where unforgettable boat tours unveil the majesty of glaciers and pristine landscapes.
99% AVENTURA
69.8 km
Experience the thrill of adventure in Patagonia at 99% AVENTURA, your gateway to unforgettable activities in Puerto Río Tranquilo.
Essential places to dine
RESTAURANT EL LENGAL
45.8 km
Discover authentic Chilean cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere at Restaurant El Lengal in Aysén.
Patagonia Tropical
69.7 km
Experience exquisite gluten-free and vegan cuisine at Patagonia Tropical in Aysén, where every bite is crafted with fresh local ingredients.
Restaurant Manuel Negro
98.4 km
Discover exquisite local cuisine at Restaurant Manuel Negro in Valle Bahia Jara - a true culinary treasure for travelers in Chile Chico.
