Carretera Austral – Marvel Caves & Patagonian Lakes

Carretera Austral – Marvel Caves & Patagonian Lakes

HIGHLIGHTS

Puerto Tranquilo - Puerto Guadal - Cochrane - Chile Chico - Coyhaique

from
5025 USD
HIGHLIGHTS

Puerto Tranquilo - Puerto Guadal - Cochrane - Chile Chico - Coyhaique

days 8

Navigate Lake General Carrera to reach the surreal Marble Caves, polished by centuries of wave and wind.
Raft the turquoise Baker River and later saddle up for a Patagonian-style horseback ride guided by local hosts.
Walk the iconic wooden boardwalks of Caleta Tortel, a village like nowhere else.
Marvel at the Calluqueo Glacier, descending from the massive Mt. San Lorenzo.

Best time to travel: October to April — when spring blooms, summer sunlight, and long days make this remote route feel wide open and welcoming.

This journey stretches across forests of notro and coigüe, deep valleys, river confluences that stop you in your tracks, and tiny Patagonian communities where life moves at its own rhythm. It’s the kind of trip where every day brings a new landscape, a new color of blue, a new story.

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Itinerary
Day 1

Start of your Adventure! - Balmaceda

balamceda-chile

 

  • Transfer Balmaceda Airport / Puerto Tranquilo – Lago General Carrera

Arrival at Balmaceda Airport on a flight no later than midday. Meet and greet, followed by the start of the journey along the Southern Highway (Carretera Austral) heading south for 183 km to the town of Puerto Tranquilo, located on the shores of Lake General Carrera.

Along the way, enjoy the sight of beautiful forests of lenga, Chilean firetree (ciruelillo or notro), coigüe, and ñire. Iconic landmarks such as Chiguay Lagoon, Piedra del Conde, and Cuesta del Diablo will be crossed, offering stunning views of the impressive Cerro Castillo. The route passes along its slopes and through the namesake village, a typical Patagonian town. During this stretch, the journey traverses the Cerro Castillo National Park.

The trip continues through valleys and rivers, passing the Murta River Valley, which in spring is blanketed with colorful lupines, until reaching the vastness of Lake General Carrera. Several stops will be made along the way for photographs.

Finally, arrival at Puerto Tranquilo to embark on a navigation to the “Marble Caves” Nature Sanctuary — a site of exceptional scenic beauty, where the lake’s waves have eroded and polished the limestone, creating stunning natural caves.

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balamceda-chile
Day 2

From Puerto Tranquilo to Exploradores Valley - Puerto Tranquilo

Enjoy Carretera Austral amazing woods!

 

  • Exploradores Valley Viewpoint – Puerto Bertrand

In the morning, enjoy breakfast before beginning a new day surrounded by the unique landscapes of the Carretera Austral. Departure from Puerto Tranquilo towards the Exploradores Valley, heading west to venture into an area of pristine and untamed nature.

After traveling approximately 50 km, a moderate-difficulty hike begins, crossing an evergreen forest and then a moraine until reaching the viewpoint of the Exploradores Glacier. If weather conditions allow, it will be possible to admire the vastness of the Northern Ice Field, the impressive Mount San Valentín, and the Exploradores Glacier.

Return to Puerto Tranquilo and lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue south for approximately 70 km to the area of Puerto Bertrand, enjoying the spectacular scenery and natural beauty that accompany the route.

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Enjoy Carretera Austral amazing woods!
Day 3

Rafting & Horseback Riding - Puerto Bertrand

a group of people rafting in River Baker Chile

 

  • Rafting on the Baker River – Horseback Riding

In the morning, after breakfast, a day of adventure begins with two unmissable activities in Patagonia.

The first activity is a rafting experience on the Baker River, lasting approximately 2 hours. This consists of navigating white waters on inflatable rafts, facing rapids of varying difficulty, mainly class 2 and 3+. The route covers the first 6 km of the Baker River, starting from Lake Bertrand, where the necessary equipment is prepared. This experience is designed for those who enjoy adrenaline and don’t mind getting wet. After rafting, return to Puerto Bertrand to head back to the lodge and have lunch.

In the afternoon, the adventure continues with a horseback riding excursion of approximately 3 hours, in the purest Patagonian style. During the ride, a local host will guide participants to the most impressive viewpoints of the Baker and Nef River basins. In addition to enjoying spectacular landscapes, participants will learn about the history and anecdotes of the pioneers of Aysén, their relationship with animals, and life in the region, finishing the experience with a moment of mate shared with the hosts.

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a group of people rafting in River Baker Chile
Day 4

Explore Cochrane

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

 

  • Full Day Patagonia National Park, Tamango Sector / Cochrane

In the morning, after breakfast, a day full of stunning landscapes and the majesty of southern Patagonia awaits.

Transfer of approximately 15 minutes south along the Carretera Austral to the source of the powerful Baker River, an unmissable spot in the region. A few kilometers away, you will see the confluence of the Baker and Nef Rivers, a truly impressive scene and a perfect spot for photographs.

After taking time to enjoy this natural wonder, continue southeast, traveling approximately 50 km along the Baker River to reach the town of Cochrane. From there, proceed 5 km northeast to the Tamango Reserve, now part of Patagonia National Park, where a 20-minute boat ride along the Cochrane River will be enjoyed. Afterwards, a guided walk through the park will take place, with the possibility of spotting huemules if luck is on your side.

During the day, a box lunch will be provided en route. Return to the town of Cochrane afterwards.

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View of a river in the Carretera Austral road trip in Chile.
Day 5

Discover Caleta Tortel! - Cochrane

Couple walking in the wood walkways in caleta tortel

 

  • Full Day Caleta Tortel

In the morning, after breakfast, the journey begins south along the Carretera Austral to the picturesque town of Caleta Tortel, approximately 128 km away (about 2 hours and 30 minutes). This village has been declared a Zona Típica for its unique architecture and way of life.

In Caleta Tortel, the streets have been replaced by wooden walkways made of Guaitecas cypress, which run throughout the town and help preserve the local biodiversity. Its cool, rainy climate, along with the lifestyle of its inhabitants, has shaped the character and identity of the community. The hospitality and warmth of the local people make it an unforgettable destination, perfect for exploring on foot along its traditional and unique walkways.

Lunch at a local restaurant in the town.

In the afternoon, return north along the same Carretera Austral to the town of Cochrane.

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Couple walking in the wood walkways in caleta tortel
Day 6

From Cochrane to Chile Chico

chilean-patagonia-carretera-austral-aysen- trekking-mallin- colorado2

 

  • Calluqueo Glacier View-Point / Chile Chico Town

In the morning, after breakfast, departure to the Calluqueo Glacier, located just 50 km from Cochrane. This glacier is an incredible natural attraction that descends from Mount San Lorenzo, the second-highest peak in Patagonia. Once in the area, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the mountain, the glacier, the lagoon, the surrounding hills, and the steep walls, an impressive natural spectacle perfect for photography and contemplation.

Lunch will be served as a set menu at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue the journey for approximately 4 hours (180 km) to the town of Chile Chico, traveling along the General Carrera Lake and enjoying the scenic landscapes of the Carretera Austral.

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chilean-patagonia-carretera-austral-aysen- trekking-mallin- colorado2
Day 7

General Carrera Lake Navigation

Women relaxing in Lago General carrera

 

  • Puerto Ibañez / Coyhaique

In the morning, after breakfast, and according to the ferry departure time, transfer to the Chile Chico pier to begin a navigation of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes across General Carrera Lake to the town of Puerto Ibáñez.

Before continuing to Coyhaique, a visit will be made to the must-see Saltos de Puerto Ibáñez, a natural wonder of the region.

Lunch will be served in the Villa Cerro Castillo area or as a box lunch en route, depending on the navigation schedule.

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Women relaxing in Lago General carrera
Day 8

End of your Adventure!

balmaceda camina

 

  • Transfer Coyhaique / Balmaceda Airport

At the agreed time, transfer to the airport to catch your flight to your next destination – 55 km – approximately 50 minutes.

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balmaceda camina
Prices per person
Accomodation INN & B&B
From
5025 USD
pricing
  • Prices in US Dollars.
  • Valid until April 2026 (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.
included
  • 1 Night in Puerto Tranquilo
  • 2 Nights in Puerto Guadal
  • 2 Nights in Cochrane
  • 1 Night in Chile Chico
  • 1 Night in Coyhaique
  • 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 – Marvel Caves & Patagonian Lakes
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