Self-Drive the Carretera Austral

Carretera Austral – The Ultimate Adventure

A self-drive on the Carretera Austral is the ultimate road trip. This is a truly unique adventure in one of the world’s last wildernesses.

You’ll start your trip in Santiago, Chile's bustling and vibrant capital, before heading south to Puerto Montt. You’ll then pick up your car to enjoy a drive along part of the iconic Carretera Austral – Chile’s Southern Highway. You'll marvel at majestic mountain ranges and incredible wildlife, all at your own pace so you can stop as often as you like to contemplate the truly outstanding and picturesque scenery.

Highlights

• Explore the fascinating landscapes of Patagonia from the iconic Carretera Austral
• Start your driving adventure in Puerto Montt – a port city surrounded by majestic volcanoes, infinite mountain ranges and glacial lakes 
• Visit the spectacular scenery and incredible wildlife of Queulat & Pumalín National Parks 
• Discover the turquoise blue waters of General Carrera Lake and its vast network of caves, including the famous ‘Chapel’ and ‘Cathedral’ caverns

Quick Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart the UK

Days 2 & 3 - Santiago

Day 4 - Santiago – Puerto Montt – Hornopiren

Day 5 - Hornopiren – Caleta Gonzalo

Day 6 - Caleta Gonzalo and Pumalín Park 

Day 7 - Caleta Gonzalo – Risopatrón Lake – El Pangue

Day 8 - El Pangue – Queulat National Park – Coyhaique

Day 9 - Coyhaique – Puerto Río Tranquilo

Day 10 - Puerto Río Tranquilo

Day 11 - Puerto Río Tranquilo – Caleta Tortel

Day 12 - Caleta Tortel – General Carrera Lake

Day 13 - General Carrera Lake

Day 14 - General Carrera Lake - Coyhaique

Day 15 - Coyhaique - Balmaceda – Santiago

Day 16 - Depart Santiago

Day 17 - Arrive back in the UK

Truly Individual Holiday

Any element of this holiday can be tailormade to your requirements, including the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today.

Ready to start planning your Chile Holiday? Simply complete our enquiry form to get in touch or call one of our Travel Specialists directly on 020 3820 3655.

Day 1 - Depart the UK

Today you will depart the UK on your international flight to Santiago, Chile

Days 2 & 3 - Santiago

Upon arrival at Santiago airport, you will be met and taken to your hotel. The Chilean capital is a modern, clean and bustling city framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. The city has a colonial atmosphere due to its architecture and a number of small squares and parks. We highly recommend you explore the thriving restaurant scene, with an array of options available. 

Day 4 - Santiago – Puerto Montt – Hornopiren

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Puerto Montt.

Puerto Montt – Hornopiren (62 miles)

Upon arrival, you’ll pick up your car and start this fantastic trip along the Carretera Austral. You will pass the towns of Chamiza and Metri before arriving at the ferry crossing at Caleta La Arena. After a 45-minute boat trip to Caleta Puelche, you will the continue driving through Patagonia's natural beauty for approximately 2 hours until you reach the town of Hornopiren.

Day 5 - Hornopiren – Caleta Gonzalo (6 miles)

Enjoy a 3-hour ferry ride to Leptepu, observing impressive views of the Andes Mountain Range and Patagonian Fjords. After arriving in Leptepu, you’ll take a short drive to your final ferry which will take you to Caleta Gonzalo. 

Day 6 - Caleta Gonzalo and Pumalín Park 

Take the day to explore your surroundings at your own pace. We recommend visiting Pumalín Park, Chile's largest private nature reserve. The conservation area not only provides a spectacular wilderness experience but also protects the area's threatened ecosystem and species. 

Day 7 - Caleta Gonzalo – Risopatrón Lake – El Pangue (125 miles)

Today’s drive will take you further south along the humid evergreen forests of Northern Patagonia, passing the marvellous Lago Yelcho and the town of La Junta. Your final destination for the day will be Risopatrón Lake.

Day 8 - El Pangue – Queulat National Park – Coyhaique (140 miles)

Continue south, witnessing ever-changing landscapes. To break up your drive we recommend visiting the Queulat National Park and the spectacular Ventisquero Hanging Glacier, before continuing on towards the city of Coyhaique.

Day 9 - Coyhaique  – Puerto Río Tranquilo (154 miles)

This dry region will gradually give way to green forests, and you'll cross the famous pass leading to the Cerro Castillo National Park. Continue south towards Puerto Río Tranquilo where you'll spend the night. 

Day 10 - Puerto Río Tranquilo

Today you will have the day at leisure. A hike to the Exploradores Valley and its lookout point, from where you can observe an impressive glacier, is highly recommended. A visit to the Marble Caves would be a great activity for the afternoon.

Day 11 - Puerto Río Tranquilo – Caleta Tortel (147 miles)

After about an 8-hour drive, you will reach the unique village on stilts, Caleta Tortel. As there are only wooden pedestrian walkways, the village is inaccessible by road so you will leave your car just outside and take a gentle 2.5km walk down the staircases.

Day 12 - Caleta Tortel – General Carrera Lake (123 miles)

Today you will start to head back up north. On your way to General Carrera Lake, we recommend stopping to visit either the Tamango National Reserve or the Chacabuco Valley, both part of the relatively new Patagonia National Park. Marvel at the stunning scenery that is part of the world’s most ambitious rewilding project. 

Day 13 - General Carrera Lake

Spend a day exploring your surroundings, General Carrera Lake is the biggest lake in Chile and is home to several outdoor activities including hiking, horseback riding and fishing. 

Day 14 - General Carrera Lake - Coyhaique (172 miles)

Todays scenic drive skirts along the iconic General Carrera Lake and back through the dramatic landscapes of Cerro Castillo National Park, to return to Coyhaique.

Day 15 - Coyhaique - Balmaceda - Santiago (56 miles)

According to your flight schedule, you will drive from Coyhaique to Balmaceda Airport and drop off your car. After arrival at Santiago Airport, a private transfer will take you to your hotel.

Day 16 - Depart Santiago

Transfer to Santiago Airport for your onward flight.

Day 17 - Arrive back in the UK

Today you will land back in the UK from Chile.

Ready to start planning your Chile Holiday? Complete our enquiry form to get in touch or call one of our Travel Specialists directly on 020 8038 9158.

Price from £4,799 per person

(2024 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room)

Includes:

• International flights

• 14 nights’ accommodation

• 14 meals: 14 breakfasts

• 11 days car hire with unlimited mileage

• Full insurance cover

• Road map and directions

• A one-way car drop-off fee

• Ferry tickets

• Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary

Excludes:

• Meals not indicated in your itinerary

• Local departure taxes payable locally

• Where applicable locally payable car hire-related charges

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc

• Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)

• Camera or video fees at any sites

• Fuel