Planning a 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. In recent years it has become a true tourist route, thanks to the stunning beauty of its landscapes. Here's how to plan a 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 and Villa O'Higgins over 1,240 km, passing through villages, national parks and lakes with breathtaking scenery. Depending on your itinerary and preferences, you can cover it in a few days or several weeks. Before you set off, careful planning is essential, as some sections involve ferries, for example, which don't run year-round.
Time of year
While it's feasible to plan your road trip between October and April, we recommend travelling during the austral summer, between December and February. Due to harsh weather conditions, winter is not the most advisable season. It does, however, offer stunning landscapes — provided you are very well equipped and organised for your trip.
Getting around
While many travellers opt for hiring a private car on the Carretera Austral, it's also possible to cross it by motorbike, bicycle, public transport or hitchhiking. Bear in mind, however, that some road sections are unpaved and see very little traffic.
Planning your trip on the ground
Food
While the Carretera Austral is very popular with tourists in summer, towns are few and far between, so it's important to stock up on food at key stops such as Chaiten, Puerto Cisnes, Puerto Aysén and Coyhaique. When it comes to restaurants, you can easily find them in small villages, where cervecerias are plentiful.
Money
In most remote areas, cash is the preferred method of payment. Make sure you withdraw enough money from ATMs in larger towns to cover the various activities and other expenses along the way.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available all along the Carretera Austral. If you're on a tight budget, campsites and hostels are a great option. If you prefer more comfort, hotels, private rooms and unique stays are also widely available.
The unmissable highlights of the Carretera Austral
National parks
Although it passes through a few towns, the Carretera Austral is best known for crossing national parks with unique flora and fauna. You can explore Pumalin Park, home to the enormous Coigüe trees and the Chilean hummingbird; the Queulat National Park and its vast hanging glacier; Cerro Castillo National Park, where you can tackle several hikes or spot the huemul, a southern Andean deer facing extinction; Laguna San Rafael National Park and its famous glacier; and Patagonia National Park.
Other places and activities
Beyond the national parks, the Carretera Austral gives you access to truly unique places. You can take in Lake General Carrera, the second largest lake in South America. Its turquoise waters are home to the Marble Cathedral, Chapel and Cavern — mineral formations sculpted by the water, best admired by boat or kayak. Finally, you can head to the Exploradores Glacier and trek across the ice for an unforgettable experience.
Planning a road trip on the Carretera Austral is a guarantee of a truly unique experience. Along this legendary route, you'll discover extraordinary landscapes and exceptional wildlife on a journey that will, without doubt, stay with you forever.
Check out the Torres del Paine National Park.
