Exploring The Carretera Austral
Tour Introduction
This magnificent, self-drive tour takes you south along Chile’s famous Carretera Austral, a 770 mile long road that runs down through the Andean spine of Patagonia.
Imposing mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes and expansive forests make up the majority of the landscape here, with fascinating communities that continue to carve out an existence in this most rural and remote southern region of the continent.
Driving along some of the most scenic sections of road in the world, you are completely liberated to take the journey at your own speed, stopping to take photos or just take a breather and soak up the dramatic views whenever you choose.
The self-drive route begins in the Lake District town of Puerto Montt, travelling through ‘Green Patagonia’ to Coyhaique where the rugged southern Carretera begins, continuing to Caleta Tortel then returning to Balmaceda. It will take you across turquoise lakes and deep fjords (including by car ferry); through Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park with its ancient, enormously tall Patagonian Cypress trees; to the base of Ventisquero Colgante, the Hanging Glacier; Coyhaique, the charming small capital of the Aysen region; around the foothills of Cerro Castille National Park with its distinctive peaks; and to the extraordinary Marble Caves of General Carrera Lake.
Full Itinerary
Met on arrival in Santiago and transfer to hotel in the vibrant, bohemian Lastarria neighbourhood.
Staying at Hotel Cumbres Lastarria. Includes No Meals.
Transfer to Santiago Airport and fly to Puerto Montt. Here you will pick up your four hire car at the airport and begin your self drive journey down the majestically scenic Carretera Austral. A ferry crossing and a relatively short day's driving will see you end the day in Hornopiren. Time permitting there are a few waterfalls that can be visited in the area.
Staying at Hosteria Catalina. Includes Breakfast.
You will begin the day with another ferry crossing. This three-hour-thirty-minute crossing through the Cholgo Channel will allow you to take in mountain views and tumbling waterfalls before disembarking in Leptepu. It is a 15 minute drive then a further 45 minutes by ferry to arrive at Caleta Gonzalo, gateway to Pumalin Douglas Tompkins National Park.
Staying at Lodge Caleta Gonzalo. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
A day of leisure to explore Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park. The 400,000-hectare reserve was created by Tompkins Conservation and was only designated as a National Park in 2018. One of the park's highlights is the presence of the majestic Patagonian Cypress (alerce tree), a cousin of the giant sequoia. Wander the towering forests to find 60 metre high specimens, some more than 3,000 years old.
Staying at Lodge Caleta Gonzalo. Includes All Meals.
Weave your way through the humid, evergreen forests of Northern Patagonia through small towns and past scenic lakes framed by mountains. Arriving at Puyuhuapi Fjord cross by boat to your accommodation nestled on the shores of the fjord, and a well-earned soak in the thermal pools.
Staying at Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Today relax at the lodge, or visit Ventisquero Colgante (also known as the Hanging Glacier), located in Queulat National Park.
Staying at Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa. Includes All Meals.
Take the boat back to the Carretera Austral and continue climbing and descending through forested river valleys dwarfed by mountains, past scenic lakes and tumbling waterfalls, to the town of Coyhaique, the capital of the Aysen region.
Staying at Raices Bed & Breakfast. Includes Breakfast.
Continuing south through sweeping valleys bordered by snow-capped Andean mountains. You will travel around the edge of Cerro Castillo National Park, with its distinctive castle like peak of the park's namesake, following river valleys to the small town of Puerto Rio Tranquilo on the shores of General Carrera Lake.
Staying at Hostal El Puesto. Includes Breakfast.
In the morning enjoyed a shared boat trip on the turquoise waters of General Carrera Lake to the famed Marble Caves. These extraordinary rock formations have been carved through the centuries by wind and water creating a place of true natural wonder. Return to the town in the late morning and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore the local area.
Staying at Hostel El Puesto. Includes Breakfast.
Today you will predominantly travel south west, first along the shores of the gigantic General Carrera Lake, then between Laguna San Rafael National Park and Tamango National Reserve.
Then leave the Carretera Austral, heading on a smaller road west to the coast and its deep fjords. The extremely picturesque town of Caleta Tortel awaits you for the night, with its stilt houses and wooden walkways.
Staying at Entre Hielos Lodge. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
After rejoining the Carretera Austral you will head back north, this time spending three nights in a comfortable lodge on the south-western shore of General Carrera Lake. Along the route you may want to visit Patagonia National Park, Tamango National Reserve or Chacabuco Valley.
Staying at Mallin Colorado Ecolodge. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Enjoy a variety of inclusive privately guided activities including hiking trails, horseback riding or boat trips.
Staying at Mallin Colorado Ecolodge. Includes All Meals.
Another day to enjoy some privately guided activities.
Staying at Mallin Colorado Ecolodge. Includes All Meals.
Early departure and head north on Carretera Austral to Balmaceda Airport. Leave the hire car and fly to Santiago. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Staying at Hotel Cumbres Lastarria. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to Santiago Airport for flight home.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Hotel Cumbres Lastarria
Overview
Hotel Cumbres Lastarria is a stylish boutique hotel situated in Santiago’s vibrant and bohemian Lastarria district, known for its rich cultural heritage, museums, and culinary scene. It is built on the site of a former emporium. Its 70 spacious rooms feature modern design and artistic touches, including custom wooden headboards inlaid with Chilean artwork. Guests may enjoy amenities like a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Andes and Parque Forestal, a tapas bar, and the refined Punto Ocho restaurant.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Room categories include: Standard Double, Superior Twin Double, Superior Duplo Matrimonial, Junior Suite, Standard Single.
Standard Rooms inlcude: heating, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, Cable TV, 42" TV, King bed, Coffee machine with 4 complimentary capsules, digital safe, separate bathroom area from the vanity, minibar with still and sparkling mineral water, Key card access.
Hosteria Catalina
Overview
When travelling along Chile’s Carretera Austral, the town of Hornopiren makes an obvious choice for an overnight stop, before boarding the ferry in the morning to continue south. The location of the town also allows for magnificent views of the Hornopiren volcano.
Hosteria Catalina is a comfortable lodge with a homely feel. Rooms and communal spaces are rustic but clean and warm. The Wi-Fi connection is good and its hugely welcoming owners are happy to help you with any local or regional information and advice you require. As well as the double or twin rooms, there are private bungalows, ideal for families or groups.
The shops and restaurants of the town centre are only a short walk away, whilst the hostels close proximity to the ferry terminal mean that your commute to the water’s edge in the morning should be quick and hassle free.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi access, complimentary breakfast, restaurant (with a fireplace), private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, TVs with cable channels, heating, garden, meeting facilities, shared lounge, games room with pool table, free parking.
Optional Activities
Lodge Caleta Gonzalo
Overview
Lodge Caleta Gonzalo is the ideal base to discover and venture into the beautiful Pumalin Douglas Tompkins National Park. The area is surrounded by sea, rivers, mountains, ancient forests and even volcanoes.
Lodge Caleta Gonzalo has rustic and comfortable little cabins and a brilliant restaurant that will provide you with a Patagonian experience with an authentic feel. The property was designed and built by Doug and Kris Tompkins. Its wonderful staff will provide fantastic hospitality that will enhance your stay in Northern Patagonia, or your journey on the Carretera Austral, to become an unforgettable experience.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant serving good food, Wi-Fi (available in the restaurant only). The Cascadas hiking trail begins directly next to the lodge. Knowledgeable guides can provide guided walks on the park’s trails.
There are seven cabins and two larger ones that are self-contained with a kitchenette. None of the rooms have TV’s.
Optional Activities
Hiking trails in Pumalin Douglas Tompkins National Park, excursions by boat to see a sea lion colony
Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa
Overview
Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa is uniquely sited in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The whole property faces out onto a stunning bay, hidden deep in the fjords of this part of Chilean Patagonia. There are no roads leading to this lodge, access is solely from across the water, from the other side of the channel.
Many rooms have floor to ceiling windows, with an aspect enabling unobstructed views across the bay. Chefs prepare a selection of carefully curated dishes from a menu that is changed daily, using herbs and vegetables grown in the greenhouses on site. There are three outdoor pools, on the banks of the fjord, including a natural pool.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, spa (with treatments and massage services), swimming pool.
Rooms are categorised into Superior Rooms, Superior Rooms with and extra bed, or Captaincy Rooms. Rooms have a private bathroom, safety deposit box and breakfast is included.
*Do please note that there is no WiFi or phone signal throughout the hotel, however landline phones are available for your use.
Local Wildlife
Magellanic woodpecker, upland goose, black-necked swan, ringed kingfisher, chucao tapaculo, kodkod, pudú, coypu.
Optional Activities
Carretera Austral self-drive route, the hanging glacier falls, wildlife watching and hiking trails in Queulat National Park.
Raices Bed & Breakfast
Overview
Raices Bed & Breakfast is a welcoming, family-run guesthouse set in the heart of Coyhaique, offering easy access to the town’s main plaza, shops, and restaurants. With just six rooms, each featuring private bathrooms, cable TV, and Wi-Fi, the property provides a warm and intimate atmosphere complemented by homemade breakfasts and a shared lounge with a fireplace. Guests can relax in the garden or on the terrace, browse local crafts in the on-site souvenir shop, and enjoy personalised service in a tranquil, wood-paneled setting ideal for exploring the Aysén region.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathrooms, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, homemade breakfast, shared lounge with fireplace, garden, terrace, souvenir shop, free parking, transfer service (on request).
There are four types of room category: Double, Triple, Family, and Superior Double.
Optional Activities
Hiking, kayaking, visiting Osorno Volcano, exploring Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, seeing Petrohué Falls, walking the Puerto Varas waterfront, discovering German heritage sites, dining at local restaurants, attending cultural events and festivals.
Hostal El Puesto
Overview
Located in Puerto Río Tranquilo, this homely lodge has a strong ethos of sustainability. It has been built from locally sourced timber, has solar panels to power the heating and electricity, and even has its own vegetable garden that supplies the on-site restaurant, serving wholesome meals from traditional recipes. It also serves a delicious daily breakfast.
There are cosy communal areas like the lounge with its wood burning stove, perfect to put your feet up in front of after a long days driving on the Carretera Austral. The rooms are simple but comfortable and warm, with en suite bathrooms. The restaurant will provide you with box lunches to take away on a days excursion, if requested to the friendly and welcoming hostel staff, who are also more than happy to book you on a variety of local tours.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, communal lounge area with wood burning stove, free on-site parking, free Wi-Fi in communal areas (low quality), laundry service, activity booking service at reception, box lunches to takeaway on request, en suite bathrooms.
Entre Hielos Lodge
Overview
This delightful lodge is situated on a sheltered hillside within the unique and picturesque village of Caleta Tortel, at the southern end of Chile’s Carretera Austral. The village is characterised by a network of raised walkways and boardwalks, connecting houses on wooden stilts. There are no roads throughout the village.
A key point to note is that you can only park at the top of the village, about a two kilometre walk away, so you will only want to carry an overnight bag with you to the accommodation, from your vehicle.
The rooms are simple and rustic, yet fresh, clean and full of character. A cosy fireplace will have you warmed up in no time, while relaxing in the lounge and dining area. The lodge’s restaurant serves sumptuous, wholesome cuisine using local ingredients that are sustainably sourced. Natural goose down bedding will ensure you have a restful sleep before either spending some time in the village and local area, or continuing your journey.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Café, restaurant, communal lounge, dining and kitchen area with a fireplace.
There is free parking available, but a fair walk to the lodge, due to the primary infrastructure being boardwalks throughout the village.
The six guest rooms all have private bathrooms, central heating and Wi-Fi, although this is only available at certain times. Due to the remote location of Caleta Tortel, power is only available to guests from 7am - 10am and 8pm to 12am on Mon to Fri, as well as 10am - 1pm and 8pm - 12am on weekends.
Optional Activities
The owner's husband will take guests on excursions down the Baker River on his small boat.
Mallin Colorado Ecolodge
Overview
Lago General Carrera lies in the Aysén region of Chile, but spans east, over the border into Argentina. Mallin Colorado Ecolodge is situated at the western edge of this colossal lake, conveniently beside the famed Carretera Austral route, with splendid wilderness views.
A central building, the Club House, is used as a communal space while another, Casa Lenga, has six en suite rooms, with double or twin bed set-ups. Four unique cabins, separated from the main buildings, sleep up to six or seven people. A traditional ‘Quincho’ is fired up to provide guests with a barbecue-style dinner with wonderfully cooked lamb. The area is fantastic for its trails, whether exploring by foot, horseback or bike, and boat trips can be taken out onto the lake to see the marble caves.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Club House with communal space, four cabins, six private bedrooms. Barbecues evenings hosted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served in the communal dining room.
Local Wildlife
Condor, guanaco, south Andean deer, puma, grey fox, austral parakeet.
Optional Activities
Hiking, horseback riding, marble caves boat tours.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
British Airways operates four direct flights per week from London Heathrow to Santiago. Other flight options from the UK to Santiago include Air France via Paris, Iberia via Madrid, LATAM via Madrid or Sao Paulo, and Avianca via Bogota.
Best Visited:
October to March
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
For those wishing to arrive at the end of the Carretera Austral at O’Higgins Lake an additional two nights can be added to the itinerary. Or alternatively to shorten the drive travel from Puerto Montt to Balmaceda, or Balmaceda to Caleta Tortel (or further to O’Higgins Lake).
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
So good to be able to have the holiday organised for us and to be collected/guided by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides. Nice for the majority of the accommodation to be all inclusive. Met all our expectations. Nice to be able to review and select our hotels.
