Carretera Austral Self-Drive
Pristine and unseen Chilean Patagonia
This relatively untouched part of Chile takes advantage of the stunning Carretera Austral (Southern Highway), that stretches for over 1,000km through rural Patagonia. The road was only finished in the late 1980's and attracts a fraction of the visitors that head to either the Lake District to the north or Torres del Paine to the south. This is partly because it is not the easiest route to navigate, but we think that is part of the attraction and lure of this incredible road trip with truly epic scenery.
Fly to Puerto Varas, in Chile's Lake District
Met upon arrival at Puerto Montt airport and transferred to Casa Molino for 2 nights in Puerto Varas, on a B&B basis. On your first morning, your 4WD rental vehicle will be delivered to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, to explore Lake Llanquihue and the surrounding area.
Puerto Varas to Hornopiren
After a day at leisure in Puerto Varas, drive to Hornopiren and check into Hosteria Antupiren, Hualaihue for 1 night, B&B.
Hornopiren to Caleta Gonzalo
Drive, via the car ferry to Caleta Gonzalo (ferry ticket included). Check in to Cabañas Caleta Gonzalo for 1 night B&B, staying in your own cabaña.
Caleta Gonzalo to Queulat
Drive to La Posada Queulat and check in for 2 nights on a half-board basis (breakfast & dinner), in a private cabin. The next two days at yours to explore the beautiful Queulat National Park, home of the remarkable Hanging Glacier.
Queulat to Coyhaique
Drive to Coyhaique and check into Patagonia House for 1 night, B&B. Welcome to Patagonia House, your home in Patagonia, Aysen. The property is located in July 18th Ranch, surrounded by a beautiful natural environment on the Mckay Hill, with panoramic views of mountains and glaciers, and the Coyhaique Valley.
Coyhaique to Puerto Gaudal
Drive to Guadal and check into El Mirador de Guadal for 4 nights, B&B. El Mirador de Guadal is the ideal lodge for you to discover the southern part of the Carretera Austral. Situated on the southern border of Lake General Carrera all the rooms have a unique view of the turquoise waters of the lake and the glaciers of the Northern Ice Field. Famous natural resources like The Marble Caves, The Exploradores Valley and The Patagonia National Park in the Chacabuco Valley are all about an hour drive away.
Puerto Gaudal to Coyhaique
Return to Coyhaique and check in to Patagonia House for 1 night, B&B.
Coyhaique to Balmaceda and flight to Santiago
Drive to Balmaceda airport and return rental car. Fly direct to Santiago. Met at arrivals and transferred to Casa Real Hotel in the Maipo wine valley, for 1 night, B&B.
Your flight home
Transferred to Santiago for your international flight home.
