Carretera Austral Express

Carretera Austral Express

HIGHLIGHTS

Puerto Tranquilo - Coyhaique - Puerto Chacabuco - Balmaceda - Cochrane

from
4090
HIGHLIGHTS

Puerto Tranquilo - Coyhaique - Puerto Chacabuco - Balmaceda - Cochrane

days 7
  • Navigate through the spectacular fjords of Chilean Patagonia to the impressive San Rafael Glacier.
  • Explore the remote landscapes surrounding Calluqueo Glacier at the foot of Mount San Lorenzo.
  • Discover the world-famous Marble Chapels, sculpted by centuries of wind and water.
  • Travel along the iconic Carretera Austral, one of South America's most scenic routes.

Experience one of Patagonia's most rewarding journeys as you travel through the heart of Chile's legendary Carretera Austral. Combining glacier expeditions, fjord navigation, turquoise lakes, and remote wilderness, this itinerary showcases some of the region's most extraordinary natural wonders while connecting charming Patagonian towns and breathtaking landscapes rarely found on traditional routes.

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Itinerary
Day 1

Start of your Adventure - Puerto Chacabuco

Chilean austral road

 

  • From Balmaceda to Puerto Chacabuco

We will begin our journey upon your arrival at Balmaceda Airport, from where we will travel along the Carretera Austral toward the town of Puerto Chacabuco.

The route follows the region’s main scenic highway, the Carretera Austral, covering 134 km of paved road and offering the chance to admire beautiful landscapes accompanied by the Simpson River and countless waterfalls. Along the way, we will stop at the Virgen Waterfall for photographs.

Overnight at Hotel Loberías del Sur.

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Chilean austral road
Day 2

Navigation through Fjords and Channels - Coyhaique

Catamaran Laguna San Rafael chile

 

  • Full Day Laguna San Rafael / Coyhaique

In the morning, we will head to the hotel to complete the check-in process and then make a short transfer to the pier, where we will board the catamaran and begin an unforgettable experience. The vessel is equipped with all the necessary comforts to fully enjoy the journey.

We will sail for several hours through fjords and channels, where native forests merge with the sea in a breathtaking landscape typical of Chilean Patagonia. During the navigation, we will enjoy lunch on board while admiring iconic areas such as the Tres Cruces Gulf and the Elefante Estuary.
Along the way, we will make a stop without disembarking in front of a bay, where we may observe a small colony of sea lions. As we continue sailing, icebergs of various sizes will begin to appear, signaling our approach to the impressive San Rafael Glacier.

Upon reaching the glacier, we will transfer in assigned groups to zodiac boats to approach within approximately 300 meters of the ice mass. We will have time to contemplate this spectacular natural setting before beginning the return navigation to Puerto Chacabuco.

Finally, we will continue our journey overland to Coyhaique, where we will stay overnight at Hotel Raíces or similar.

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Catamaran Laguna San Rafael chile
Day 3

Next Destination: Cochrane

View of a river in the Carretera Austral road trip in Chile.

 

  • Coyhaique / Aeropuerto Balmaceda.

In the morning, you will have breakfast and, at the agreed time, you will be transferred to the airport.

  • Transfer Coyhaique Hotel / Cochrane Hotel

At the specified time, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cochrane.

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View of a river in the Carretera Austral road trip in Chile.
Day 4

Calluqueo Glacier - Cochrane

View of calluqueo glacier

 

  • Half-Day Calluqueo Glacier Approach – Cochrane

One of the most impressive expressions of Patagonian ice is revealed with the approach to Calluqueo Glacier, a vast mass of ancient ice descending along the western slope of Mount San Lorenzo. At its base lies a gray-toned lagoon, formed by sediments carried down from the mountain waters, creating a landscape of striking beauty and character.

The excursion departs in the morning from Cochrane, followed by an approx. 1-hour transfer to the glacier viewpoint, where an introductory briefing is provided. Afterwards, the lagoon is crossed aboard a small boat (15–20 min), marking the beginning of an approx. 1.5-hour hike to reach the glacier front.

Once there, there will be time to admire the scenery, take photographs, and enjoy a picnic lunch in front of one of the region’s most breathtaking landscapes. At the end of the experience, return is made along the same route, crossing the lagoon once again before heading back to Cochrane.

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View of calluqueo glacier
Day 5

Continue your trip in Puerto Tranquilo

puerto tranquilo

 

  • Transfer Cochrane Hotel / Puerto Tranquilo Hotel

At the specified time, you will be transferred to the hotel in Puerto Tranquilo.

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puerto tranquilo
Day 6

Navigation & Marble Caves - Puerto Tranquilo

A group of peolple in a boat exploring the marvel caves

 

  • Half-Day Marble Chapels boat tour

At the agreed time, you must arrive at the designated meeting point.

We will begin a motorboat navigation across Lake General Carrera —the second largest lake in South America— towards the National Monument and Nature Sanctuary known as the “Marble Chapels.” These calcium carbonate formations have been sculpted over thousands of years by the lake’s waves, creating caverns, tunnels, and polished walls of extraordinary scenic beauty, where white, gray, and blue tones intensify depending on the light and water conditions.

During the journey, we will sail through striking turquoise waters, accessing the cavities and rock formations that make this place a unique natural wonder in the world. This is a must-see experience that combines geology, landscapes, and contemplation in one of Chile’s most iconic destinations.

At the end of the excursion, return to the hotel is on your own.

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A group of peolple in a boat exploring the marvel caves
Day 7

End of your trip through the Carretera Austral

balmaceda camina

 

  • Transfer Tranquilo Port / Balmaceda Airport

At the appropriate time, we will be transferred to the Balmaceda Airport.

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balmaceda camina
Prices per person
Accomodation INN & B&B
From
4090
pricing
  • Prices in US Dollars.
  • Valid until April 2027 (ask for prices at Christmas and New Year).
  • Prices are per person, based on 2 people in double occupancy. Single rates are available on request.
  • Flights are not included in the price but can be arranged on request.
Accommodation Note

Accommodation options along the Carretera Austral vary by destination due to the remote nature of the region. In places such as Puerto Tranquilo, Coyhaique, Puerto Chacabuco, Balmaceda, Cochrane, we offer properties within our Inn, Comfort, and Superior categories, although the available standard may differ from one destination to another. We carefully select the best options in each location to ensure a comfortable and authentic experience throughout the journey.

included
  • 1 Night in Puerto Chacabuco
  • 1 Night in Coyhaique
  • 2 Nights in Cochrane
  • 2 Nights in Puerto Tranquilo
  • Transfers & Meals mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Tours described in the itinerary.
  • Bilingual guides (English/Spanish) when mentioned in the itinerary.
not included
  • Fees & Mandatory Documentation (For more information click HERE).Except when mentioned in the itinerary.
  • International or Domestic Flights (quoted separated if requested).
  • Travel / Medical Insurance – To get a free quotation please follow this link: Travel Insurance.
  • Tips: For more information click HERE.
  • Hotels, transfers, tours and other services not described in the itinerary.
Flights needed for this itinerary

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ESTIMATED COST FOR THE FLIGHTS ON THIS TRIP: Local flights cost from $200 per person per segment. We offer special rates on flights for this tailor-made itinerary.

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This is a Carbon Neutral Trip

We deeply care about our planet, just like you do. When you book with us, you’re not only fulfilling your travel dreams but also leaving a positive impact on the destination you’re about to discover. We are proud to plant 10 trees in damaged zones of Patagonia for every traveler. It feels good to do it right. Let’s move beyond sustainable!

Carretera Austral Express
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