Stretching for 1,240 kilometers, the Carretera Austral cuts through remote forests, fjords, rivers, and mountains. Completing the full route requires at least three ferry crossings and many hours of travel. For this reason, some travelers explore only selected sections, while others commit to the full journey to fully immerse themselves in Patagonia’s wilderness.
Whether by car or by bike, the Carretera Austral offers one of the most unforgettable road adventures in South America.
Exploring the Carretera Austral by Car
Traveling by car is the most practical and flexible way to experience the Carretera Austral, allowing visitors to cover longer distances comfortably while stopping at major highlights along the way.
Puerto Montt
The journey usually begins in Puerto Montt, traveling from north to south toward Chaitén. From here, the road winds through Patagonian fjords and the dense forests of Pumalín National Park. The park features around a dozen well-marked hiking trails that cut through lush vegetation toward the imposing Chaitén Volcano. One of the most popular walks is the Gonzalo–Cascadas trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall deep within the forest.
Puyuhuapi Bay
Continuing south, Puyuhuapi Bay opens onto a dramatic landscape shaped by glaciers and rainforests. Nearby lies Queulat National Park, famous for the Ventisquero Colgante, the hanging glacier suspended above a powerful waterfall. A hike to the viewpoint offers the most impressive panorama of this massive ice formation.
Puerto Río Tranquilo
Set on the shores of Lake General Carrera, the second-largest lake in South America, Puerto Río Tranquilo is home to one of Patagonia’s most iconic sights: the Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol). Rising directly from the turquoise waters, these sculpted marble formations display swirling shades of blue and white. Boat tours departing daily from the village provide the best way to explore them.
Cochrane
Between Lake General Carrera and Cochrane, the road follows the Baker River, renowned for its striking turquoise color. A stop along its banks is highly recommended. Cochrane is the largest town in the southern stretch of the Carretera Austral and serves as a gateway to Patagonia National Park, which offers an extensive network of hiking trails.
Villa O’Higgins
At the southern end of the road lies Villa O’Higgins, the final destination of the Carretera Austral. Surrounded by lakes, rivers, and glaciers, it is one of the most remote and scenic stops. The Sendero Altavista is among the most popular hikes, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Nearby, the O’Higgins Glacier stands out as one of the most impressive glaciers in the region.
Exploring the Carretera Austral by Bike
Cycling the Carretera Austral is a slower, more immersive way to experience Patagonia, ideal for adventurous travelers with time, stamina, and a love for remote landscapes.
Starting from Puerto Montt, cyclists follow the same route south, but the journey becomes deeply physical and intimate. Gravel roads, changing weather, river crossings, and ferry rides demand flexibility and preparation, yet reward riders with unmatched access to Patagonia’s raw beauty.
Passing through Pumalín National Park, cyclists are surrounded by dense forests and volcanic peaks, with opportunities to camp close to nature. The stretches near Puyuhuapi and Queulat National Park offer dramatic contrasts between glaciers, fjords, and rainforest-covered slopes.
Riding along the shores of Lake General Carrera, the changing colors of the water and the sight of the Marble Caves make Puerto Río Tranquilo a memorable milestone for cyclists. Continuing south, the route along the Baker River delivers some of the most visually striking cycling days, with wide valleys and powerful rivers accompanying the road.
For many cyclists, reaching Villa O’Higgins represents both a physical and symbolic finish line—a remote outpost surrounded by glaciers and wilderness, marking the end of one of the world’s most legendary long-distance cycling routes.
A Road for Every Kind of Traveler
Whether driven or pedaled, the Carretera Austral is not just a road but an experience—one that unfolds slowly through Patagonia’s untamed heart. Traveling by car offers comfort and efficiency; traveling by bike delivers connection and adventure. Either way, it remains one of Chile’s most unforgettable journeys
