Known by many as the most beautiful scenic highway in the world, the Carretera Austral connects the Chilean city of Puerto Montt, in the Los Lagos Region, with the town of Villa O’Higgins, both in the south of the country. Also known as Route 7, it’s a must-do for adventurous road trip enthusiasts.
The Carretera Austral stretches for 1,240 kilometres, transforming into an unforgettable adventure where you can experience true freedom with every meter. “Nature in its purest form” is the phrase that best defines this route. Next, I’ll tell you why you should do it at least once in your life if you’re passionate about road trips.
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Why is a road trip along the Carretera Austral one of the most spectacular road trips in South America?
The natural beauty of the Carretera Austral is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. The forests and landscapes it traverses have barely been altered by humans, remaining practically in a wild state. Turquoise rivers, ancient glaciers, Patagonian forests… The connection with nature offered by the Carretera Austral is unlike anything else, and that’s what makes travellers fall in love with it.
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How many days do you need to travel the Carretera Austral by car?
At Passporter, your travel organiser, we recommend a minimum of 10 days. You can drive the Carretera Austral for a few days (one way only). But if you can dedicate between 14 and 20 days (or more), all the better; the route allows for it. You’ll be able to explore the different stops at your own pace and go beyond the essentials. Remember that the less of a rush you have while travelling the Carretera Austral, the more you’ll enjoy it.
Carretera Austral by car: how to plan your route step by step
Where to start the Carretera Austral: Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, or further south
Officially, the Carretera Austral begins in Puerto Montt (the northernmost point of the Carretera Austral); This is where kilometre zero is located. However, many tourists choose to start in Hornopirén, further south. In fact, it’s so popular as a starting point that this town is considered “the northern gateway to the Carretera Austral.”
This is mainly because in Hornopirén, it’s mandatory to take a ferry to continue the route south. Since it requires prior reservation, to avoid logistical complications and setbacks, tourists often prefer to start from this point. If you choose to start here, you should know that this will reduce the total route by about 100 kilometres.
In any case, the most common way to start the Carretera Austral route is to fly from the capital, Santiago, to Puerto Montt airport, where you can pick up your rental car. Then, if you have limited travel time (about 7 days or less), I do recommend starting in Hornopiré. But if you have enough time, start from Puerto Montt so you can see places like Alerce Andino National Park.
How to divide the stages without spending too much time behind the wheel
The Carretera Austral is divided into two sections: the Carretera Austral Norte (from Puerto Montt to Coyhaique) and the Carretera Austral Sur (from Coyhaique to Villa O’Higgins). Many tourists with limited time choose to travel only one of the two sections, so that’s also an option. But if you have enough time and want to explore the whole region, I suggest the following (for a 10-day trip, which is the minimum):
- Day 1: Puerto Montt – Hornopirén
- Day 2: Hornopirén – Caleta Gonzalo – Chaitén
- Day 3: Chaitén – Futaleufú or La Junta
- Day 4: La Junta – Puyuhuapi/Queulat
- Day 5: Puyuhuapi – Coyhaique
- Day 6: Coyhaique – Cerro Castillo
- Day 7: Cerro Castillo – Puerto Río Tranquilo
- Day 8: Puerto Río Tranquilo – Cochrane
- Day 9: Cochrane – Caleta Tortel
- Day 10: Tortel – Villa O’Higgins
When is it worth doing a round trip and when is it better to return through Argentina
The most practical option is to return to your starting point, but not in your own car, as it would be too long. There are several points south of the route where many car rental companies allow you to leave your car. Then, you can return to Santiago, Chile or take a combination of a small plane and a regular plane. For me, it’s the most convenient option.
If you do the entire Carretera Austral route and go all the way to Villa O’Higgins, the most common thing to do once you finish is to backtrack to Balmaceda Airport (which will take you two days) to leave your vehicle and board the plane that will take you directly to Santiago, Chile.
Route along the Carretera Austral: essential stops
Hornopirén, coves and ferries of the first section
As we mentioned, Hornopirén is the most common starting point for the Southern Route. It’s located 109 kilometres from Puerto Montt and is surrounded by a stunning natural environment, most notably the natural park of the same name. With trails that wind through ancient forests, a beautiful route to Lake Pinto Concha, and a spectacular trek to the summit of a volcano, it’s a stop you can’t miss, whether you start here or in Puerto Montt.
We also recommend hiking the Río Blanco trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall, as well as the one that ends at Lake Cabrera; and relaxing after a long walk at Termas Pichicolo hot springs. Remember that to get to Hornopirén from Puerto Montt, you have to take a ferry, a journey of about 45 minutes, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Then, from Hornopirén, to continue along the Carretera Austral, you have to take another ferry, which requires prior reservation.
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Pumalín Park and the green landscapes of the northern Carretera Austral
This 325-hectare park offers endless activities and trails. Hiking trails, treks, horseback riding, mountain biking… There’s something for everyone. It is located in the heart of the Lake District, and its greatest treasures are: the Michimahuida volcano, the Vodudahue waterfalls, and the Cahuelmo hot springs.
Coyhaique and its surroundings as a base for exploring the central region
Coyhaique is a good place along the way to fill up your gas tank (as well as some extra jerrycans) and to withdraw cash, since some towns on the Carretera Austral don’t accept cards. But this city is not only a strategic point for obtaining supplies, it also has very important tourist attractions in its surroundings, such as Cerro Castillo National Park, where the following stand out: the Laguna Cerro Castillo viewpoint and the Estero Parada trail.
Puerto Río Tranquilo and the Marble Caves
The Marble Caves in Puerto Río Tranquilo are one of the best experiences you can have on the Carretera Austral. They are caves and rock formations in the middle of the sea that can be visited by kayak. Another essential site to visit at this point along the route is the Exploradores Glacier, where you can walk among ancient ice.
Baker River, Cochrane and Patagonia National Park
Baker River is a must-see for lovers of water activities like rafting or boating, so I encourage you to join in these kinds of activities. Cochrane, for its part, is known as the “province of glaciers,” and nearby are must-see spots such as the Paso San Carlos National Monument, which offers beautiful views of the Baker River, and the Tamango National Reserve, with a wide variety of hikes suitable for all levels.
Finally, a few kilometres south of the city of Cochrane, you’ll find Patagonia National Park, where you can immerse yourself in a unique environment, either on foot or by car.
Caleta Tortel and the final stretch towards Villa O’Higgins
We finish this list of must-sees on the Carretera Austral with the coastal town of Caleta Tortel, one of the most beautiful destinations on this route. But before arriving, you absolutely must stop at the viewpoints overlooking Lake Chacabuco and Los Ñadis.
Once in Caleta Tortel, explore its long boardwalks on foot and leave your car to the side.
Then, the journey to the end of the route is one of the wildest and most pristine sections.
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Carretera Austral by car: roads, gravel, and real driving difficulty
The southern region of Chile through which the Carretera Austral runs has a very challenging geography. This results in two things: constant repairs and a large part of the route not being paved. Furthermore, there are areas where the road is incomplete and where sections must be traversed by ferry. Despite these conditions, the experience of driving the Carretera Austral remains one of the best in the world; If anything, they add adventure points.
Another aspect to consider is that high speeds are not possible on the road, mainly due to the uneven terrain and the presence of gravel (unpaved roads made of stones, gravel, and dirt). Therefore, driving must be very attentive. In addition, there are quite a few curves and very narrow roads in certain sections.
Despite these terrain conditions, the Southern Route is perfectly passable; however, in winter, caution is advised due to the snow and ice that accumulates on the road, which can make driving difficult.
Is it worth driving the Carretera Austral independently?
Absolutely! Driving the Carretera Austral is one of the best ways to experience this route, as it offers complete freedom of movement and allows you to reach every possible corner. Renting a 4×4 is highly recommended to make driving much easier, but some people also travel it by motorcycle or bicycle (a much more demanding option). On the other hand, there is also the option of taking the route by bus, but it’s a completely unique experience.
Carretera Austral with Friends: Ideas for a Group Road Trip
How to share driving
The best advice I can give you in this regard is that not all driving shifts should last the same amount of time, since not all kilometres of the Carretera Austral are equally tiring. There are paved sections that are more relaxed and gravel sections that are more tiring and require more concentration. In that sense, these last shifts should be shorter.
On the other hand, the co-driver must have a very active role. It is advisable to have some offline maps downloaded, since in some sections there is no signal, and this person should help the driver detect possible animals or potholes that may be in the way.
Finally, I don’t recommend driving at night, as there’s very little lighting on the road and wild animals can cross without you noticing. Oh! And before starting your vehicle each day, check that everything is in order, including the tires and fluids.
Accommodations, campsites, and cabins that work well for groups
For the best road trip routes in Europe, the Park4Night app works very well for finding available parking and campsites. However, it is an application more focused on this continent. To explore all the available campsites along the Carretera Austral, I recommend downloading iOverlander, an app that operates globally and provides information on available accommodations and campsites.
Where to sleep on the Carretera Austral
On the Carretera Austral, there are overnight options to suit all tastes, from hotels to campsites. Many tourists choose to travel this route in a campervan, so you can easily use these spaces to sleep in your van.
These are the areas that offer the most accommodation options and that tourists most often use for overnight stays along the way: Hornopirén, Chaitén, La Junta, Puyuhuapi, Coyhaique, Villa Cerro Castillo, Puerto Río Tranquilo, Cochrane, Caleta Tortel, and Villa O’Higgins.
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Best time to travel the Carretera Austral by car
Summer and spring in the Southern Hemisphere: more services, better weather, and more travelers
The best time to book trips to Chile and explore the Carretera Austral by car is from November to March, during spring and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. The weather is very favourable during this period: there is less rain, the days are longer, and the temperatures are more pleasant. Ferries also operate more frequently, and you can enjoy more activities in the natural surroundings.
However, summer is when you’ll find the most tourists, and when those pesky horseflies start to appear, which you might particularly hate when you’re out trekking. To keep them away and avoid getting bitten, you can bring mosquito repellent.
Winter and Autumn: Fewer People and More Uncertainty with the Weather
Although there are far fewer people in autumn and winter, I don’t recommend driving the Carretera Austral during this time; Rainfall is more frequent, some tourist services close, temperatures drop, and driving in snow becomes much more difficult.
Practical Tips for Driving the Carretera Austral
Coverage and Food
In some areas of the Carretera Austral there is no internet connection, so I recommend downloading some maps so you can access them offline. You can even download the entire route to have it with you at all times. However, whenever you travel abroad, we recommend getting a digital data SIM card. It will allow you to have a connection as soon as you land and provide much more stable internet access by using local operators’ services. Discover: What is the best eSIM for internet in Chile?
As for food, the Carretera Austral is a unique opportunity to sample some flavours of Patagonian cuisine, such as lamb on a spit and hake or southern salmon.
What to pack in your car for a more peaceful trip
- Spare tires.
- Extra fuel can.
- Tow strap.
- Replacement windshield washer fluid.
- External battery for charging mobile phones.
- Headlamp.
- Snacks.
- Water bottle.
- Blanket and sleeping bag.
How to Adapt to the Changing Climate of Chilean Patagonia
Although summer is the best time to travel along Chile’s Carretera Austral, it’s true that the weather is very changeable and you can even experience all four seasons in a single day. It’s quite normal to wake up to bright sunshine, experience torrential rain in the mid-afternoon, and end the day with very strong winds.
To cope with these changes without problems, the main thing is to dress in layers and wear good grip, waterproof hiking boots, even if you’re not planning any hikes that day. On the other hand, the Patagonian sun is very strong and burns the skin because the ozone layer is thinner in the south, so always wear sunscreen even if it doesn’t feel very strong.
On the other hand, due to the strong winds, always hold the car door firmly when opening it to avoid bending the hinges or hitting another car.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Carretera Austral and the Carretera Austral by Car
This is very subjective, but many travellers agree that the southern section is the most spectacular due to its wild nature.
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Key Entities: Passporter + How to plan a road trip along the Carretera Austral + Guide to travelling the Carretera Austral by car: how to plan the route, how many days to dedicate, and essential stops such as Pumalín, Coyhaique, the Marble Caves, or Caleta Tortel. Includes driving tips, accommodation, best time to travel, and adventure plans in Chilean Patagonia.
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