Organising your road trip on the Carretera Austral
The Carretera Austral is one of the most beautiful roads in South America. Built under the regime of Augusto Pinochet, it connects the remote regions of Chile. Over recent years, it has become a truly iconic tourist route thanks to the stunning beauty of its landscapes. Here is how to organise your road trip on the Carretera Austral.
Planning your road trip on the Carretera Austral
The itinerary
The Carretera Austral connects the towns of Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins over 1,240 km, passing through villages, national parks and lakes with breathtaking scenery. Depending on your itinerary and what you want to see, you can cover it in a few days or over several weeks. Before setting off, it is important to plan your route carefully, as certain sections involve ferry crossings, for example, which do not run all year round.
Time of year
While it is feasible to organise your road trip between October and April, we recommend doing it during the austral summer, between December and February. Winter is not the most advisable season due to poor weather conditions. It does, however, offer spectacular scenery — provided you are very well equipped and organised for your trip.
Mode of transport
While many travellers opt for a private car hire on the Carretera Austral, it is also possible to travel it by motorbike, bicycle, public transport or hitchhiking. Bear in mind, however, that some stretches of road are unpaved and lightly trafficked.
Organising your trip on the ground
Food
While the Carretera Austral is very popular in summer, towns are few and far between, so it is important to stock up on food in key spots such as Chaiten, Puerto Cisnes, Puerto Aysén or Coyhaique. For restaurants, you can easily find them in small villages, where cervecerias are found in abundance.
Money
In most remote locations, cash payments are preferred. Make sure you withdraw enough money from ATMs in larger towns to cover the various activities and other expenses along the way.
Accommodation
Finally, accommodation is available all along the Carretera Austral. If you are on a tight budget, you can opt for campsites and youth hostels. If you prefer more comfort, hotels, private rooms and unique stays are also widely available.
The must-sees of the Carretera Austral
National parks
Although it passes through a few towns, the Carretera Austral is best known for traversing national parks with unique flora and fauna. You can discover the Pumalín Park, home to the enormous Coigüe trees and the Chilean hummingbird; the Queulat National Park with its vast hanging glacier; the Cerro Castillo National Park, where you can complete several hikes or spot the huemul, an endangered South Andean deer; the Laguna San Rafael National Park with its famous glacier; and the Patagonia National Park.
Other places and activities
As well as exploring the national parks, the Carretera Austral takes you to unique places. You can admire Lago General Carrera, the second largest lake in South America. In its turquoise waters lie the marble cathedral, chapel and cavern — mineral formations sculpted by the water that can be explored by boat or kayak. Finally, you can head to the Exploradores Glacier and trek across it for a magical experience on the ice.
Organising a road trip on the Carretera Austral is a guaranteed way to live an unforgettable experience. Travelling this legendary route, you can discover unique landscapes and exceptional wildlife on a journey that will undoubtedly stay with you forever.
Check out the Torres del Paine National Park.
