The Carretera I Need to Do It Again
Traveling the Carretera Austral can get a lifetime gamble for anybody. The legendary Southern road offers incredible scenery, a unique ecosystem, and a thrilling feeling of being in the wilderness. If you lot want to become off the beaten track, find new places, exercise wild hikes and run across wonderful people, Chilean Patagonia is the correct identify for you.
We spent one calendar month exploring the Carretera. During that time we did several long-distance treks in Patagonia, spent weeks camping in the wilderness, and visited many off-the-browbeaten-path places. Nosotros absolutely loved this unspoiled region and definitely want to come up back i solar day to explore more of the Carretera Austral, the ultimate place to travel for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. If you accept to choose a couple of places to visit in Republic of chile I'd say the Carretera and the Atacama desert are not to miss here.
Carretera Austral facts
- Total altitude – 1240km/770 miles
- Starting betoken – Puerto Montt
- Finishing point – Villa O'Higgins
- Road conditions – ongoing road works, half of the way has been already paved, one-half is nonetheless in process.
- Best season to travel – Dec – March, Patagonian summer
- The cost of traveling – from US$xv (very budget) to Usa$xc (comfy)
Reasons to travel the Carretera Austral
- The Carretera Austral is an unspoiled and incredibly beautiful region.
- There are many outdoor activities to practise here similar hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, cycling, etc. It'due south a real paradise for nature lovers.
- There are many amazing day hikes in Patagonia; the majority of them don't crave special permits or guides.
- Despite existence a wild region there are no unsafe animals like bears or wolves to be worried virtually. There are pumas living in the expanse just they're very shy and try to stay away from people.
- Patagonia is a relatively rubber place (as safe as a wild place can be).
- Traveling the Carretera is a lifetime experience.
History of the Carretera Austral
Until the 80s of the final century at that place was no road in Chilean Patagonia, to get anywhere y'all had two options to wing or to go by boat. The construction of the Carretera Austral started in 1976. The construction was done mostly past the Chilean ground forces, about 10 000 soldiers were involved in the edifice process. It was i of the most complicated and expensive constructions in the history of the state. Finally, in the 90s a dirt road connecting Puerto Montt with Villa O'Higgins was finished.
Information technology's all the same an ongoing process, some parts of the road are paved, some are still a clay road. In the time to come, the road will be paved all the mode which volition make the Carretera Austral more than attainable, nowadays to reach some parts of it you demand a 4×4 vehicle.
Carretera Austral travel toll
Accommodation
Camping is the about budget option here considering that in many places you tin can do wild camping if y'all don't listen beingness without basic facilities of course. You tin can find established campsites in every town or village on the Carretera Austral. Average price CLP 5000-6000/Us$7-eight per person/per tent (depending on the camp).
Some bigger towns like Futaleufú or Coyhaique take traditional hostels with shared rooms and facilities, they price nearly CLP 10000/Usa$xiii per person.
Hotels/guest houses are very common in the area there are many from very basic cabins to luxury spa lodges, hither everything depends on your budget, be set up to pay from CLP 12000/US$17 to CLP 35000/U.s.a.$50 per person. In general, for the toll you pay in Patagonia in other countries, you can go amend facilities.
Send
Hitchhiking is the cheapest choice to move around though it tin be a bit frustrating and time-consuming. Cycling won't cost much money as well simply it will definitely take a lot of time, to cycle 1200km partly on the gravel road is quite a mission.
Taking buses is not crazy expensive but sometimes you might get stuck in a place due to irregular autobus service or no open spots on the bus. Buses practice connect main towns on the Carretera and it'southward possible to get around this way simply you'll have to plan in advance buses to some places go only a couple of times a week. In this postal service, you'll find a spreadsheet with buses on the Carretera Austral. The boilerplate price for a ride is between CLP 7000/US$10 and CLP 10000/US$fourteen depending on the distance.
Renting a machine is the well-nigh comfortable fashion to travel the Carretera Austral and probably the most expensive though it depends on what car you rent and between how many people you share it. The longer the rental period is the cheaper it gets per 24-hour interval. To rent a 5-seat sedan in Puerto Montt for 5 days will cost from United states of america$160 or The states$32 per day if you lot're more than two people it might be cheaper than taking buses. You can e'er find someone to share a car with once yous hit the route.
Food
Making your own food is by far the cheapest way to swallow in Patagonia, food in shops is more expensive than in the rest of Chile only it's still quite affordable. Eating out is quite expensive in Patagonia considering what you become, the food is pretty bones hither. If you want to save some money, make sure to volume places with a kitchen or to carry a camping ground stove (if camping). Buying food in shops will price CLP 7000/US$x per person per day. Eating out from CLP 7000/US$x per repast.
Activities and entrance fees
Hiking is basically free here, except in some places where you pay the entrance fee but it's usually not also much CLP 6000/United states$9 or and so. Other activities are more than pricey, e.g. doing a boat tour in Queulat National Park costs CLP 30000/US$40 per person, hiking on Exploradores Glacier in Puerto Río Tranquilo CLP 45000/US$62, etc.
How much to upkeep for the Carretera Austral
Backpacking (camping, hitchhiking, making ain food, doing free activities like hiking) – from The states$15 per person per day.
Traveling with more condolement (upkeep hotels, buses, making food, some paid activities) – from U.s.$50 per person per mean solar day.
Comfortable holiday (nice hotels, rental auto, making nutrient/eating out, paid activities) – from The states$90 per person per 24-hour interval.
Travel insurance for Patagonia
Whether you're going to hike, cycle or just travel effectually, Southern Patagonia is a very remote area which, of class, makes it very heady to travel hither merely when going to such places, it'southward recommended to take travel insurance in case something unexpected happens.
Traveling the Carretera Austral similar whatsoever other take chances involves risks of getting an injury or losing some of the gear due to unpredictable weather conditions or just unfortunate circumstances. I know what I'chiliad talking about I lost my entire backpack with everything in it while hitchhiking on the Carretera Austral, it cruel out of the truck. We had to spend a couple of extra days in Coyhaique doing shopping.
World Nomads travel insurance company has special packages for outdoor and hiking lovers that cover you in case something goes wrong. Their insurance policy is very flexible you can buy information technology online while traveling for the whole flow of a trip just to embrace a specific action. It takes simply a couple of minutes to fill the class online and get your insurance.
For the ultimate adventurous and hiking holiday combine a trip along the Carretera Austral with backpacking in Torres del Paine National Park which offers a slap-up variety of trails from easy day-hikes to challenging multi-mean solar day treks.
The road conditions
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Tarred road surface, northern part of the Carretera Austral -
Gravel part of the Carretera Austral, road from Villa Cerro Castillo to Puerto Rio Tranquilo
The Carretera Austral of Ruta vii is a permanent road structure site due to difficult rocky terrain, narrow fjords, mountains, rivers, and lakes it takes a lot of time to pave the road. Add to these unpredictable Patagonian weather; snow in winter, potent current of air and rainfalls in summer and very isolated location it takes a long time to go necessary construction vehicles hither.
As for 2019, the Carretera tin can exist divided into ii parts; from Puerto Montt to Villa Cerro Castillo – this part is mostly paved with a bit of gravel road here and there and from Villa Cerro Castillo to Villa O'Higgins – this office is by and large gravel route. When plan your trip keep it in listen for obvious reasons it much faster to travel on the paved route than on the gravel.
Dissimilar ways of traveling the Carretera Austral
Renting a machine
This is by far the almost comfortable and the easiest easy way of traveling the Carretera Austral. Though we hitchhiked the whole way and it was fun merely next time when we come this way nosotros'll definitely rent a automobile it'll save then much time and we'll be able to visit some off-the-beaten-path places that we could reach hitchhiking.
It's more expensive than taking a charabanc merely you'll have the freedom to go anywhere you desire considering that buses don't go everywhere. If you're two and more people renting a car it might be fifty-fifty not much more than expensive than taking a bus.
Renting a motorcar will help you lot to salve some money on adaptation camping is much easier if you have a machine and on food, you can buy a lot of stuff in supermarkets in Puerto Montt where everything is significantly cheaper than on the Carretera.
If you're only two people renting a car you lot might be able to notice travelers to share the toll on the Carretera, at one of the campsites or hostels. Many people attempt to hitchhiking and get sick of information technology pretty before long and buses are not e'er available.
Important to remember! If you're going to travel the Carretera in the high season (end of December – January) remember about several ferries on the road, program your trip according to the timetable and rather try to buy tickets a twenty-four hour period before you go to secure the spot.
Ferries on the route
Caleta La Arena – Caleta Puelche – daily, basically 24 hours a day from 6 am to 4.30am, at least to ferries every hr, have 30min. Price CLP 10000/The states$ per car, passengers/pedestrians don't pay.
Hornopirén – Caleta Gonzalo (Pumalín park) – daily, at nine am, the journey takes four hours. Return daily at 3 pm. Toll CLP 9200 per person, CLP 55000/United states$ per car. Strongly recommended buying tickets in advance.
Puerto Yungay – Barcaza Rio Bravo – daily, from November to March at 10 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, and 6 pm. From April to Oct at 12 pm and 3 pm. The journey takes 45min. Price – free for everybody.
Traveling by bus
It's a good alternative if renting a car is non an option considering information technology'southward besides expensive, nobody to share with, no driver's license, etc. and hitchhiking doesn't sound too appealing. Buses is ane of the most popular means of traveling the Carretera Austral simply in high flavor they get very decorated and sometimes it's hard to get a spot. Buses don't become everywhere but they practice get to the main towns on the route.
If you go past motorcoach there is no need to worry about ferries your bus ticket includes whatsoever ferry ride that is on the way. We didn't use buses only saw one time how people couldn't get on a motorbus because there was no space, it was at Villa Cerro Castillo, at that place was only one bus a solar day going from Coyhaique towards Puerto Rio Tranquilo.
Carretera Austral buses timetable
Keep in mind, times and prices tin can alter someday, confirm departure at the bus final/ticket office. If yous accept any updates, delight, comment at the end of the post and nosotros'll make changes in this timetable. These are just the buses that we know about in that location are more than buses, peculiarly in the superlative flavor.
| Route | Days | Time | Duration | Cost |
| Puerto Montt – Hornopirén Kemel Double-decker | Mon – Saturday Mon – Fri Sat, Sun Mon – Lord's day Mon – Lord's day | 8.00 eleven.30 12.00 14.30 17.00 | iii hours | US$17 |
| Puerto Montt – Chaitén Kemel Bus | Mon – Lord's day | 7.00 | 9 hours | Usa$25 |
| Puerto Montt – Coyhaique | Fri | 7.00 | 18 hours | Us$56 |
| Puerto Montt – Coyhaique Transaustral Bus | Sun | 11.00 | 18 hours | Us$55 |
| Chaitén – Puyuhuapi | Mon, Wednesday, Fri | 16.00 | 3 hours | US$ix |
| Chaitén – Coyhaique | Wed, Sun | eleven.30 | 9 hours | United states of america$33 |
| Chaitén – Futaleufú | Daily | 16.00 | 3h30min. | Usa$7 |
| Chaitén – Futaleufú – Coyhaique | Daily | eleven.00 | 11 hours | Us$35 |
| Coyhaique – Cochrane | Daily | 9.00 | 8 hours | US$22 |
| Cochrane – Villa O'Higgins | Wed, Sabbatum | 8.30 | 6h30min. | US$10 |
Getting to the Carretera Austral past a ferry
There are several port towns in the area where it's possible to get by ferry it might be a good choice for those who desire to go to Patagonia from Chiloe Island or those who prefer boats to buses and cars. Depending on who far you go by gunkhole you'll skip some parts of the Carretera, mainly the northern part.
Ferries
Puerto Montt – Chaiten – leaves Monday, Thu, Friday at 11 pm. Information technology takes 9 hours. Price CLP 17000/United states of america$23.
Puerto Montt – Puerto Natales – leaves every Saturday at iv pm. Information technology takes three days. Operates from mid-October to April. Price from Usa$450.
Quellón (Chiloe) – Puerto Cisnes – leaves every Wed at vii pm and Sat at 5 pm. It takes 12 hours. Price CLP 11500/United states$sixteen.
Quellón – Puerto Chacabuco (makes 9 stops on the route) – leaves every Wed and Saturday at 11 pm. It takes 31 hours. Cost CLP 18000/US$25.
Joining a tour
We personally not tour travelers but I know some people like doing activities in a group especially if they travel alone. Patagonia is a challenging region and traveling here is quite unpredictable if you're non an experienced traveler and feel a piffling chip uncomfortable embracing this journey along a minor group tour might be a great choice for you.
Nosotros always recommend going with a reliable company that can guarantee your experience will be up to the standards without sudden cancellations and delays. We've met many people all around the world traveling with One thousand-Adventures and Intrepid Traveler and everybody e'er seemed happy with them. In fact, I even have friends working there. Both companies take some interesting adventure tours in Patagonia, here are some of them;
- Hike Patagonia in-depth (K-Adventures)
- National Geographic journeys. Discover Patagonia in-depth (Thou-Adventures)
Hitchhiking the Carretera Austral
It might be the most fun way of traveling the Carretera (you lot'll meet many locals, brand new friends, etc.) and at the aforementioned time the most time-consuming and sometimes frustrating. In the peak flavor, in that location are and then many people hitchhiking that sometimes it can take hours till you get a ride.
Nosotros spent two months hitchhiking the Carretera Austral and other parts of Patagonia and loved it but as I said before 1 time was enough, next fourth dimension we'll rent a auto and will definitely terminate to pick up hitchhikers! Hitchhiking does work pretty well in Patagonia and in Republic of chile in general merely remember if y'all go in January, February you'll have a lot of competition mainly from local students that are on holiday.
Hitchhiking tips
Patagonia is a pretty safe place for traveling we saw many girls hitchhiking solitary, we personally never heard any bad stories from the road, all the people we met at that place were extremely dainty and helpful. We don't want to say nothing can ever happen to you but chances are pretty small compared to the most places in Due south America.
Hitchhiking is a part of Chilean civilisation many people who picked usa up told us they did the aforementioned when they were younger and now they experience they have to give the favor back.
Don't get disappointed and give up easily. Many kickoff-time hitchhikers after an hour of waiting on the road give upwards, be patient and sooner or later on someone volition pick yous upwardly.
Always make a big sign saying where you desire to go.
Attempt to be original, funny, different that you can stand out northward the crowd. Recall, in that location will be many people hitchhiking in that location. Often Chileans are more curious and interested to conversation with foreigners, make information technology articulate you're from far abroad, write the proper noun of your country or describe a flag on your sign.
Talk to people in hostels, campsites are overnice and social, at that place is a expert chance you'll meet someone who will invite you to bring together for a trip for gratis or to share petrol cost.
Many drivers told u.s.a. they stop merely for female travelers or couples considering ether they feel sorry for girls or only feel safer. If you're a guy traveling alone try to team up with a girl or two information technology'll increment your chances to be picked up.
Cycling forth the Carretera
It's probably the ultimate gamble on the Carretera Austral and nosotros would love to do it one mean solar day. When we were there we were quite jealous of cyclists, it's a completely different mode of experiencing the region and seeing things. We met both first-time cyclists (not many though) and experienced travelers and for both cycling in Patagonia seemed to be quite challenging.
The weather here is very unpredictable, it gets very windy, all of a sudden it starts raining so you must be prepared for tough days and long distances. Accept the right gear and a skilful bicycle is quite important too. It can exist very challenging to cycle all 1200 km if you're non a seasoned cyclist, it's better to choose a part of the route.
Edge crossing points on the Carretera Austral
There are several places forth the route where yous can cross the edge between Chile and Argentina, here they are;
- Palena
- Futaleufú
- Balmaceda
- Chile Chico
- Candelario Mancilla (ferry from Villa O'Higgins), only on foot or with a bicycle.
Accommodation on the Carretera Austral
Depending on your upkeep and preferences you can cull betwixt camping ground in your own tent, which is the cheapest option, staying at hostels – more expensive but more comfy or having more privacy and paying more for staying at guesthouses or hotels. Most of the towns and villages take all the listed options though hostels might be hard to find in smaller places.
For camping you'll demand your ain gear; tent, mat, sleeping bag – near of the campsites provide designated camping expanse with a kitchen and ablutions but they don't rent tents and gear. We camped a lot and it was great and very social, especially in the evenings but sometimes subsequently hiking and camping for a week in the wild you don't feel like pitching a tent again and sleeping on the ground, we'd advise combining camping with staying at hostels/hotels to get a bit of a intermission.
Highlights of the Carretera Austral
Cash vs cards on the Carretera Austral
- Puerto Montt – a very busy boondocks with many shopping malls and ATMs.
- Hualaihue, two ATMs on the main square only one of them works with international cards, supermarkets accept cards.
- Caleta Gonzalo (Pumalin park), no ATMs, only cash.
- Chaitén, no ATMs, credit/debit cards accepted in a few places, can buy motorcoach tickets but past greenbacks.
- Puyuhuapi, no ATMs, no cards accepted.
- Coyhaique, a couple of ATMs, credit/debit cards accepted.
- Villa Cerro Castillo, no ATMs, simply greenbacks.
- Puerto Río Tranquilo, no ATMs, some tour operators have cards, some shops have cards.
- Cochrane, two or three ATMs on the primary square.
- Caleta Tortel, null to do without cash.
- Villa O'Higgins, no ATMs, some shops accept credit/debit cards, campsites and ferries only cash.
Puerto Montt
The first of the Carretera Austral and the terminal big boondocks for the next 660km till you attain Coyhaique so make sure to depict money and stock supplies if yous drive a car I'd propose to practise a big shopping here. As well existence the starting point of the Carretera the boondocks itself is quite nice and cute. If you have time we'd suggest staying here for a couple of days and exploring the surface area there are quite a few things to practise;
Visit Chiloé island, it's a curt trip past motorbus and ferry. There are several daily buses from Puerto Montt to Castro and Ancud (two chief towns on the island) they include the ferry ride to the island as well. To go to Castro takes 3h30min., costs from CLP 6000/US$ one fashion. Getting to Ancud is faster, 2 hours and costs from CLP 3700/United states$ one way.
Do a day trip to Osorno Volcano and Petrohué waterfalls. The all-time fashion to visit both is to rent a automobile or join a bout.
- Hiking Osorno Volcano, Petrohue Falls & Emerald Lake
- Petrohué Waterfalls and Peulla Village Bout
Visit Puerto Varas, one of the coziest towns in Chile, it's located at the beautiful Llanquihue Lake. Puerto Varas is merely 22 km away from Puerto Montt, information technology'south easy to get there by bus, there are many daily buses that connect two towns, it takes 30min., price CLP 900/US$1.
Go for a short hike in the Alerce Andino National park just 30km exterior of Puerto Montt. There are no public buses going there y'all'll need a machine or a shuttle to go to the park.
Spend some time exploring the town, go to Plaza de Armas, the Costañera (waterfront), the Cathedral, the Historical Museum of Puerto Montt etc.
Adaptation in Puerto Montt
- Budget | Mi Hostal Tu Casa | Islanet Hostel & Bar | Habitacion en Acojedor departamento |
- Centre cost | Habitaciones con vista al mar | Hostal Posada Angelmo | Hostal Copiapo 9 Pto Montt |
- Luxury | Apart HOTEL SUVERAL | Hotel Presidente Suites Puerto Montt | Hotel Don Luis Puerto Montt |
Hornopirén
A first stop on the Carretera Austral there is a couple of other places before only they're very modest with non much infrastructure. Many people stay in Hornopirén for the night simply because they take to wait for a morning ferry every bit we did but actually there are some interesting things to do in the surface area, like hiking in the Hornopirén National park.
The entrance to the park is located about 18 km away from the town, it's possible to drive the start 11 km till the road finishes, the last 7 km are on the footpath. You tin can get more info at the park information part in the town (Bernardo O'Higgins street). At that place are two hiking trails in the park; 3 km and three,6 km.
Accommodation in Hornopirén
- Upkeep | Cahuin Hostel | Camping Hornopirén | Camping Bosqué Nativo |
- Middle price | Cabañas Palafito | Hosteria Catalina | Pichical Ruka |
- Luxury | Cabañas y turismo Lahuan | Cabañas Quechucaví | Cabañas El Mirador |
Pumalín Park
At that place are 2 admission points to the park; Caleta Gonzalo and Sector Río Amarillo. If y'all coming from Puerto Montt yous get outset to Caleta Gonzalo, the ferry from Hornopirén arrives hither. This park is an incredible place with many hiking trails and several campsites. It was a complete surprise for us we didn't programme to terminate here only in the stop, nosotros spent five days hiking and camping ground in Pumalín Park. The entrance is complimentary.
Chaitén
It'southward a very modest town with non much to see it's located along the Carretera betwixt two access points to the Pumalín park. If you lot're planning to visit both parts of the park Chaitén is a adept place to stop for a night to stock food supplies, charge your devices and get a hot shower.
The town is connected by passenger vehicle and ferry with Puerto Montt. At that place are buses from here towards Coyhaique and Futaleufú.
Accommodation in Chaitén
- Budget | Camping Tierra Viva | Hostal & Camping ground Las Nalcas |
- Center price | Cabañas Los Chilcos | Departamentos Emanuel | Chucao Bosque y Cabañas |
- Luxury | Tranqueras del Monte | Paraiso Patagonico | Ecolodge el Fandango |
Futaleufú
A beautiful town on the border with Argentina, the first point on the Carretera Austral where you can cross to the neighbor country. The scenery around Futaleufú is breathtaking; pine woods, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, the ideal place for outdoor activities.
Things to do in Futaleufú
- Hiking, there are many trails near the town east.g. Piedra del Águila, Garganta del Diabolo, Excursion Las Escalas.
- Kayaking/Rafting
- Horseback riding
- Rock climbing
- Rappelling/ziplining
Futaleufú is quite a detour, 77 km due east from the Carretera most people stop here on the manner to Argentine republic but even if you're not planning to cross the border it's well worth coming here. At that place are public buses from Chaitén and Puyuhuapi.
Accommodation in Futaleufú
- Budget | Hostería Outdoor Patagonia | Turismo Rural Los Alpes |
- Middle cost | Pumallen | Cabañas Lonco-Lafken |
- Luxury | Cabaña | Hotel Antigua Casona Patagonia | Hotel El Barranco |
Puyuhuapi
The scenery on the stretch betwixt Chaitén and Puyuhuapi is fantastic; turquoise lakes, waterfalls, fast rivers, mountains, etc. If you drive a auto or bike you're lucky because there are many places on the route to cease and have photos.
Puyuhuapi is some other minor cozy town on the route, nosotros stayed hither for one nighttime on the fashion to Queulat National park. The town is located in the fjord adjacent to the water in the summer don't miss the sunset here it's beautiful. The town is very small and quiet, there is a nice sandy beach where y'all tin relax, swim or rent a boat.
Accommodation in Puyuhuapi
- Budget | Hostal Scarlett | camping La Sirena | camping Adhonai | camping Tía Chela |
- Centre price | Hostal Don Luis Puyuhuapi | Hostel Y Cabañas Augusto Grosse |
- Luxury | Cabana Senderos Puyuhuapi | Cabañas Río Pascua | Departamentos Rossbach |
Queulat National park
A groovy place to come up for a 24-hour interval, located but km from Puyuhuapi the park offers several one-twenty-four hour period hiking trails with scenic views of the Colgante Glacier, lakes and rivers. Entrance fee – CLP 5000/US$7.
Activities
Hiking, there are 2 trails, the longer one to the Mirador (viewpoint) and the shorter one to the lake.
Kayaking
Boat ride to the glacier
Accommodation in Queulat
| Camping Ventisquero Colgante (just before the entrance) | Camping Experiencia Austral (inside the park) |
Puerto Cisnes
A small port town nigh xxx km west from the actual Carretera Austral. Information technology'south the get-go identify on the route where you can get by ferry from Chiloé Island. Almost people finish here on the style from the ferry to the Carretera. In that location is a small sandy beach in the town, you can rent a kayak or do a boat trip or short hikes from the town. In that location are three trails; Sendero Cerro Gilberto (uphill to the viewpoint), Sendero Dos Lagunas (to the lakes) and Sendero Virgen de Las Rosas (to a small chapel).
Accommodation in Puerto Cisnes
- Budget | Hostal Chucao | Alojamiento en casa privada de Puerto Cisnes |
- Centre toll | Hostal Bellavista | Profe Nelson |
- Luxury | La Casa Amarilla |
Puerto Chacabuco/Puerto Aysén
Though these are two different towns they are located but xiv km apart. Puerto Chacabuco is connected by ferry with Puerto Montt and Chiloé Isle. Puerto Aysén is located more than inland, on the way from Chacabuco to the Carretera Austral. Like Puerto Cisnes these two towns are mainly visited every bit an archway indicate to the Chilean Patagonia.
Accommodation in Puerto Chacabuco
- Budget | Hospedaje Daniela |
- Eye price | Cabañas Lomas del Salto |
- Luxury | Loberias Del Sur |
Accommodation in Puerto Aysén
- Budget | KIXIE COT | Hospedaje Melchor |
- Middle cost | HOSTAL HUDSON | Casa de familia compartida |
- Luxury | Hotel Aysen Austral | Hotel y Cabañas Patagonia Green |
Coyhaique
The first biggish boondocks on the Carretera Austral with a couple of supermarkets and gear shops a expert place to stock nutrient supplies. There are not many activities y'all tin can do from the town, it'southward a stopover kind of place with the best infrastructure you lot can find in the area. Nosotros spent two days here mainly because I lost my backpack on the way (it vicious out of a truck that picked us upwardly on the road) so nosotros had to then quite a scrap of shopping.
Accommodation in Coyhaique
- Budget | Habitación Independiente | Aumkenk Aike Hostel | Donde Lupe |
- Middle price | Patagon Backpackers | Hospedaje familiar | Hostal Casa Arrayán |
- Luxury | Borde Simpson Hotel Boutique | Hostal Los Teros | The Patagonian Guild |
Villa Cerro Castillo
A tiny village on the Carretera, information technology's worth stopping here but if you're planning to hike in Cerro Castillo National Park otherwise yous can only skip information technology. In that location are two trekking routes; a short twenty-four hours hike up to the lake and back to the village and a four-24-hour interval Cerro Castillo expedition. For the second one, you'll have to carry camping gear and nutrient supplies. Park entrance fee CLP 8000/US$11 per person.
In busy months (January, February) it might exist difficult to get a bus from hither all buses come from Coyhaique and are normally already full when they stop. We saw some people couldn't get in and were forced to hitchhike.
Accommodation in Villa Cerro Castillo
| Camping ground Rustik Patagonia | Camping ground Araukaria | Camping El Mirador| Hostal El Rodeo | Refugio Cerro Castillo | Cabañas El Tropero |
Puerto Río Tranquilo
The whole mode from Villa Cerro Castillo to Río Tranquilo the route goes past stunning blueish, turquoise, and light-green color lakes and rivers. The boondocks itself located at General Carrera Lake an impressive and huge emerald color lake. If you accept a take a chance, check the lake out at different times of the solar day, the colour changes depending on the lite from nighttime blue to calorie-free green.
Río Tranquilo is a great place to terminate for a day or two and enjoy some run a risk activities other than hiking. Here y'all can practice a boat tour to the Marble Caves (CLP 10000/U.s.$ or hike Exploradores glacier wearing crampons and a helmet and carrying an water ice axe. It is the cheapest glacier hike you lot can do in Patagonia, CLP 45000/US$65 per person including transportation and gear.
Unfortunately, the weather here is very unpredictable and boat trips are often canceled due to very strong winds. Yous don't want to mess with this lake, a couple of years back information technology became famous due to the decease of Douglas Tompkins (the founder of North Face) during a kayak trip.
Accommodation in Puerto Río Tranquilo
- Budget | Camping Río Chirifo | Camping ground Lerun | Camping La Peninsula |
- Center price/Luxury | Terra Patagónica | Cabañas la Estrella | Cabañas Patagon Explorador |
Chile Chico
This town similar Puerto Río Tranquilo is located on the shore of General Carrera Lake then stunning views are guaranteed. Republic of chile Chico is 100 km east from the Carretera Austral on the edge with Argentine republic, it's the concluding point to cross the border before the dead-end in Villa O'Higgins.
There are several activities to practice from here just yous'll need a car or a shuttle to become in that location first;
- Enjoy the scenery at the Laguna Verde, on the mode, about 20 km before the town
- Hiking to the Jeinimeni Lake in Jeinimeni National Reserve
- Hiking the Piedra Calvada Circuit, 10 km route with a steep rise and a subsequent descent. This route can be combined with the Jeinimeni Lake, it'south on the way.
Accommodation in Republic of chile Chico
- Budget | Mate Dulce | Hotel Ventura |
- Centre toll | Hotel Austral | Cabañas Cueva del Indio |
- Luxury | Costanera Apart | El Engaño South.P.A. |
Cochrane
This town is often unnoticed by the tourists which is easy to explicate after days of exploring the natural wonders of the Carretera Austral and several hikes travelers experience like finally getting to the finish of the route there are just too many amazing places here. Though Cochrane deserves a stop for a solar day. I'd rather stay hither than in Caleta Tortel.
The town has good infrastructure and several cozy guesthouses. It's located close to Cochrane Lake and Tamango National Reserve another hidden gem of Patagonia. There are a couple of hiking trails in the park and along the lake that offers beautiful scenery. The entrance fee CLP 5000/US$7.
Accommodation in Cochrane
- Budget | Casa raíces | Residencial Horstmeyer |
- Center price | Hostal Lejana Patagonia | Residencial rubio | Cabañas Rincon del Sur |
- Luxury | Loft Kalfu Patagonia | Cabañas Los Ñadis | Hotel Último Paraíso |
Caleta Tortel
A tiny port-like village with a wooden boardwalk instead of streets I guess it's the master allure here. The Landscape was quite impressive; fjord with mint color water, wood, hills, etc. We didn't stay here just came by for a couple of hours and to be honest, nosotros didn't feel similar staying here longer. From all the reviews we've read about different guesthouses hither nada sounded good and everything looked overpriced. If you take a car it's worth coming here on the style otherwise I'd skip Tortel.
Villa O'Higgins
The stop of the legendary Carretera Austral and the dead-terminate of the road. If yous bulldoze a car there is no way to go forward for you to go anywhere from here you'll have to drive back. For people, without a vehicle, it's possible using ferries and walking/cycling to cross from Chile to Argentina and continue your hiking adventure in El Chalten or visit the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier. If you similar exploring off the beaten rail areas you might like a hiking trail to O'Higgins Glacier.
The town is very pocket-size with only a gravel road that connects it to the rest of the world, it does requite a feeling of beingness somewhere in a very isolated place, literally at the end of the world.
Adaptation in Villa O'Higgins
- Budget | Hotel/campsite El Mosco |
- Eye price/luxury | Cabanas San Gabriel | Puesto Cánogas Hostal | Robinson Crusoe Deep Patagonia |
Full general tips for traveling the Carretera Austral
Bring a tent, you lot'll demand information technology every day, information technology saves a lot of money and increases your chances to find accommodation during the peak flavor.
Always have snacks with yous in case you get stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Every time you are in a place with an ATM, draw money, information technology tin can be a problem in Patagonia, in some places, information technology'southward difficult to go cash.
If you run out of cash and in that location are no ATMs nearby you can effort to find a petrol station (ordinarily they accept cards). Wait for a automobile to come and ask the driver if you can pay by carte for his petrol and he pays you lot back in cash, explain your situation. In fact, y'all tin can do the same in a shop.
Always have the greenbacks to pay archway fees to the park, none of them have cards.
It's handy to have a stove and cooking gear up because not all campsites have a kitchen. Moreover to buy meals in cafes and restaurants is expensive, cooking will save a adept portion of your budget.
Be set to have bad or no Cyberspace connection, if yous want to download books/movies/maps practise it before you starting time the Carretera Austral.
Everything in Patagonia is more than expensive in order to save money, buy all the necessary gear and clothing beforehand.
What to pack for the trip?
Those who're planning to camp and hike in Patagonia will definitely need camping ground gear and nosotros'd recommend bringing good quality stuff particularly regarding a tent, you'll need one that can deal with very stiff winds and pouring rain.
A sleeping bag should be for condolement, we had one summer sleeping bag (14C comfort) and had to use it with a fleece inner otherwise information technology was as well cold to sleep in it.
A sleeping pad can be either a inexpensive foam one or a accident-up, we prefer the second choice it's more comfortable for sleeping and it tin be fit in the backpack.
Cooking gear will exist quite handy though many campsites in towns have some sort of kitchen yous'll nonetheless need your own pots and utensils equally those are usually scares. You'll definitely need a cooking ready when going on a multi-day trek. Gas for camping stove tin can be bought almost at any shop on the Carretera.
Comfortable shoes are a must-take for those who're planning to hike, waterproof shoes are better as you can become quite a bit of rain fifty-fifty in summer. For more than details on gear and vesture for Patagonia check out our Patagonia packing guide.
Recommended books and guidebooks
- Lone Planet Republic of chile & Easter Isle (Travel Guide). Kindle and paperback.
- Lonely Planet Argentine republic, Travel Guide. Kindle and paperback.
- Classic Hikes of the World; 23 Scenic treks by Peter Potterfield. To get some inspiration for future adventures. Hardcover.
- Patagonia on a upkeep by Matthew Morgante. How to travel Patagonia on US$thirty a mean solar day, Kindle.
- Walking Patagonia by Caspian Ray. Don't wait a hiking guide, it's a fiction story about a young guy who went to Patagonia in search of take a chance and dear.
Source: https://stingynomads.com/hitchhiking-carretera-austral/
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