Aysen Region, Patagonia · Chile
A 1,240 km road through remote Patagonia, fjords, glaciers, marble caves and hanging glaciers.
Photo: Rodolfo Castro Reyes · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Carretera Austral, officially Route 7, runs about 1,240 kilometres through the wild, sparsely populated region of Aysen in Chilean Patagonia. Built in the 1970s and 1980s to connect isolated communities, it is now a world-famous road trip, passing glaciers, fjords, rainforest and turquoise rivers.
Highlights include Queulat National Park with its hanging glacier, the Marble Caves of Lake General Carrera near Puerto Rio Tranquilo, the Cerro Castillo trek, Coyhaique as the main town, and the southern end at Villa O'Higgins. Much of the road is gravel, and parts need ferries, so plan extra time and fuel.
The best way to explore is with a rental car, though buses and hitchhiking are also popular. Services are limited and distances long, so book accommodation ahead in summer. The reward is a quiet, beautiful corner of the world.
Why visit
The Carretera Austral is for travellers who love space and wilderness.
Fjords, glaciers and mountains.
Blue sculpted caverns.
A true wilderness.
Cerro Castillo and Queulat.
Stop anywhere.
Main attractions
The route offers a series of highlights from north to south.
A hanging glacier above a rainforest valley.
Tip Short walks.
Blue marble formations on Lake General Carrera.
Tip Visit by boat.
A jagged peak with a famous multi-day trek.
Tip Hike three days or a day trip.
The regional capital and service centre.
Tip Stock up.
A lakeside village, base for the caves.
Tip Book boats early.
The remote southern end of the road.
Tip Ferry onward to El Chalten.
Things to do
Slow down and enjoy the journey.
Take your time.
Tip Check road conditions.
Best in good light.
Tip Go in the morning.
A three-day trek.
Tip Start early.
On Patagonian rivers.
Tip Hire a guide.
A short trail.
Tip Wear rain gear.
Quiet nights.
Tip Carry supplies.
Local food
Food is simple and meaty.
Spit-roast lamb.
Where to try it Coyhaique restaurants.
River catch.
Where to try it Lodges.
Pastries.
Where to try it Bakeries.
Jams and drinks.
Where to try it Shops.
Herbal tea.
Where to try it Everywhere.
Accommodation
Book ahead in summer.
Transport
Fly to Balmaceda or drive from Puerto Montt.
Rental car is best.
When to go
Summer gives the longest days and driest weather.
Warm and long days.
Autumn colours.
Spring.
Cold, wet, services closed.
Worth planning around: Winter, when many services close.
Itinerary
A northern-to-central route.
Arrival
Mountains
Lake
Glacier
Rainforest
Hot springs
Coyhaique
Travel tips
Be prepared for remote roads.
FAQ
Recommended.
A week or more.
Yes with care.
December to March.
Yes but slowly.
Not always.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Carretera Austral, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Magallanes Region, Chilean Patagonia, Chile
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in southern Patagonia, famous for the W Trek, the O Circuit, Grey Glacier, guanacos and pumas.
Don't miss Hiking to the base of the three granite towers at sunrise, when they glow red.
Explore Destination — Torres del PaineLos Lagos Region, southern Chile, Chile
An island archipelago with 16 UNESCO-listed wooden churches, palafito stilt houses, Chilote cuisine, penguin colonies and folklore.
Don't miss Eating curanto cooked in an earth pit, then watching penguins from a boat.
Explore Destination — ChiloeLa Araucania Region, Lake District, Chile
A lakeside adventure town with a volcano climb, rafting, hot springs, araucaria forests and Mapuche culture.
Don't miss Climbing the active Villarrica volcano at dawn and sliding down on your boots.
Explore Destination — Pucon and VillarricaRead next
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