The Carretera Austral: The Ultimate Adventure
Begin your journey in Santiago, Chile’s lively capital, where leafy parks, cultural districts and excellent museums sit beneath the snow-tipped Andes. It is a vibrant starting point before you venture south into some of Patagonia’s most remote and rewarding landscapes.
From Santiago, fly to Puerto Montt, the gateway to the Lake District and northern Patagonia. Here, you will collect your car and begin your self-drive adventure, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace and linger wherever the scenery captures your attention.
Your route then follows the iconic Carretera Austral, Chile’s celebrated Southern Highway. As you travel through dramatic mountain ranges, dense forests and quiet fjords, there are countless opportunities to stop, walk and admire the surroundings. With remarkable wildlife, ever-changing scenery and peaceful stretches of road, this journey offers a wonderfully flexible and immersive way to experience Patagonia.
Visit several regions in Chile
Accommodation detailed in itinerary
14 breakfasts
11 days car hire with unlimited mileage
What you'll experience
- Explore the fascinating landscapes of Patagonia from the iconic Carretera Austral: Travel along Chile’s celebrated Southern Highway, surrounded by forests, fjords and dramatic mountain scenery.
- Start your driving adventure in Puerto Montt, a port city framed by volcanoes, mountain ranges and glacial lakes: Collect your car and enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, stopping to admire the region’s remarkable vistas.
- Visit the spectacular scenery and incredible wildlife of Queulat and Pumalín National Parks: Discover hanging glaciers, dense temperate rainforest and diverse wildlife in two of Chile’s most impressive protected areas.
- Discover the turquoise blue waters of General Carrera Lake and its vast network of caves, including the famous Chapel and Cathedral caverns: Take to the water to explore these striking marble formations, shaped over centuries by wind, waves and shifting light.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Speak to a dedicated Chile Travel Specialist today
All our Chile itineraries can be tailored to your unique requirements. Enquire about our Self-Drive the Carretera Austral holiday and let us plan your perfect Latin American adventure.
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