Chile Carretera Austral Road

Self-Drive the Carretera Austral

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.

Chile General Carrera Lake

General Carrera Lake's vast network of caves

Chile Austral Highway Sign

The Carretera Austral Highway

Carretera Austral – The Ultimate Adventure

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, where you can 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.

Route
Multi-stop Tour

Visit several regions in Chile

Bed
14 Nights

Accommodation detailed in itinerary

Dining
14 Meals

14 breakfasts

Plane
Flights & Transfers

Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary

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ATOL Protected

Our holidays are ATOL Protected

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Travel Specialists

We will help you plan your holiday

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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
What's Included
  • 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

Prices from £5,299 pp

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

Quick Itinerary

Chile
Day Description
Day 1-3 UK - Santiago View
Day 4 Puerto Montt - Hornopiren View
Day 5 Hornopiren – Caleta Gonzalo View
Day 6 Caleta Gonzalo and Pumalín Park View
Day 7 Caleta Gonzalo – Risopatrón Lake – El Pangue View
Day 8 El Pangue – Queulat National Park – Coyhaique View
Day 9 Coyhaique – Puerto Río Tranquilo View
Day 10 Puerto Río Tranquilo View
Day 11 Puerto Río Tranquilo - Caleta Tortel View
Day 12 Caleta Tortel - General Carrera Lake View
Day 13 General Carrera Lake View
Day 14 General Carrera Lake - Coyhaique View
Day 15 Coyhaique - Balmaceda - Santiago View
Day 16-17 Santiago - UK View

Self-Drive Carretera Austral 17-Day Itinerary

Days 1-3 UK - Santiago

On Day 1, you will depart the UK on your international flight to Santiago, Chile. 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.

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International Flight
International Flight
Chile_SantiagoNeptune Fountain night view, Santiago
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 two hours until you reach the town of Hornopiren.

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Flight
Domestic Flight
Compass white (1)
Activity
Ferry Crossing
Panoramic view, Puerto MonttWhite river, Hornopirén
Day 5 Hornopiren – Caleta Gonzalo (6 miles)

Enjoy a three-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.

Compass white (1)
Activity
Ferry Crossing
Caleta Gonzalo by the Pumalin National ParkHornopirén waterfront
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. 

Chile_Pumalin_ParkCarretera Austral by the Pumalin National Park
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.

Cottage, edge of Lago YelchoChile red winged blackbird, Cochamó Valley
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.

Chile_Ventisquero Hanging GlacierCoyhaique valley with beautiful mountains view
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. 

Road in Coyhaique valleyHuemul, Cerro Castillo National Park
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.

Chile_Marble Cathedral at Puerto Rio Tranquilo, PatagoniaGlacier Exploradores, Puerto Río Tranquilo
Day 11 Puerto Río Tranquilo – Caleta Tortel (147 miles)

After about an eight-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.

Chile_Caleta Tortel TownCaleta Tortel with mountains in the background
Day 12 Caleta Tortel – General Carrera Lake (Puerto Guadal)

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. 

Magellanic woodpecker, Tamango National ReserveTamango National Reserve
Day 13 General Carrera Lake (Puerto Guadal)

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. 

Woman kayaking on General Carrera LakeBoat aground on the beach of the General Carrera Lake
Day 14 General Carrera Lake - Coyhaique (172 miles)

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

Aerial view of General Carrera bridgeCarretera Austral, General Carrera Lake
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.

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Flight
Domestic Flight
Road in Coyhaique valleyAndes Mountains and Carretera Austral, Coyhaique
Days 16-17 Santiago - UK

On Day 16, you will transfer to Santiago Airport for your onward flight, arriving back in the UK on Day 17.

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Flight
International Flight

Why Book Our Self-Drive the Carretera Austal Holiday?

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