Austral Highway

A Stunning 1240km Route Through Remote Patagonia

The Austral Highway is a 1240km road that runs through Chilean Patagonia from the Lake District in the north to the mountains and glaciers in the south. The area is known for its outstanding beauty and in particular, its abundant forests and crystal clear waters. The forests are home to a variety of wildlife and are covered with vegetation like moss and lichen. The waters can be found in many forms, including lakes, rivers, waterfalls, glaciers and fjords.

The area is perfect for self-drive and as you travel through the landscape, you can't help but be captivated by the amazing views. There are many activities and highlights to enjoy including fly fishing, trekking in one of the National Parks, exploring delightful villages, rafting in one of the abundant rivers and relaxing in one of the many natural hot springs.

The Area

You can explore the Austral Highway by car or bike if you are feeling adventurous. If you have the time then you can drive the whole 1240km from Puerto Montt in the north to Villa O’Higgins in the south. However, for a more relaxing pace. it is possible to cut this down and drive the northern or southern half of the route. You will find the northern half greener and covered with forest while the southern half is more mountainous. For self-drive we would recommend a 4x4 vehicle.

Best Time to Go

The Austral Highway scenery is beautiful year-round but the best time to visit is from July to April as the winter months can be cold.

If you would like to begin creating your perfect Chile holiday, Simply complete the enquiry form to get in touch, or call our Travel Specialists on 020 8546 6222.

Looking for inspiration? Check out some of our Chile itineraries.