Carretera Austral – Self Drive

Carretera Austral – Self Drive

HIGHLIGHTS

Puerto Tranquilo - Puerto Guadal - Caleta Tortel - Cochrane - Coyhaique

from
2760 USD
HIGHLIGHTS

Puerto Tranquilo - Puerto Guadal - Caleta Tortel - Cochrane - Coyhaique

days 10
  • Begin in Balmaceda, a laid-back Patagonian hub surrounded by rivers, lenga forests, and peaks, perfect for easing into the adventure
  • Follow the Carretera Austral to Puerto Tranquilo, gateway to marble caves, glacier-fed waters, and unforgettable lake navigation
  • Continue along the shores of General Carrera Lake to Puerto Guadal
  • Reach Caleta Tortel, a one-of-a-kind village built on wooden walkways surrounded by fjords
  • Explore the southern stretch around Cochrane, with access to wild national parks, rivers, and some of Patagonia’s most remote corners

Carretera Austral – Self Drive is an open-road invitation into the wild heart of Chilean Patagonia. Behind the wheel, with time on your side, you will move between remote towns, turquoise lakes, glaciers, and quiet moments that only Patagonia knows how to deliver. Starting in Balmaceda, this journey blends raw nature with small comforts, giving you the freedom to explore deeply, pause often, and travel at your own rhythm. This self-drive journey is about more than getting from point A to point B. It is about the freedom to stop when the view asks you to, breathe deeply, and feel Patagonia unfolding mile by mile. Prices valid through April 2026.

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Itinerary
Day 1

Start of you Carretera Austral Journey!

Carretera Austral amazing landscape, river, mountain and trees!

 

  • Self-Drive from Balmaceda Airport to Puerto Tranquilo

Please note that the driving times are estimated and can often be longer — sometimes much longer — considering stops for refueling and taking photos of the landscape. We begin the journey from Balmaceda Airport towards Puerto Tranquilo.

Along the way, you will enjoy views of lenga, coigüe, ñire, and firebush (notro) forests. You will pass iconic landmarks such as Laguna Chiguay, La Piedra del Conde, and the Cuesta del Diablo, from where you can appreciate the magnitude of the impressive Cerro Castillo. The drive continues through valleys and rivers, passing the Río Murta Valley, until reaching the vast General Carrera Lake.

There are several opportunities to stop for photographs, as the route skirts the massif and passes through Villa Cerro Castillo, a typical Patagonian village. Part of the drive also goes through the Cerro Castillo National Park.

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Carretera Austral amazing landscape, river, mountain and trees!
Day 2

Catamaran Navegation

Catamaran Laguna San Rafael chile

 

  • Full-Day Navigation San Rafael Lagoon

At the agreed time you will go on your own to the Oxxean Port in Puerto Chacabuco where we will board the catamaran that has all the necessary comforts to make this trip an unforgettable experience.

We will sail through native forests merging into the sea, between fjords and channels of this part of Chilean Patagonia. Lunch is served around noon, in time to witness the Tres Cruces Gulf and the Elephant Estuary. On the way, a stop (without descent) is made in front of a bay where it will be possible to see a small colony of sea lions.Continuing with the navigation, icebergs of all sizes will come out indicating that we are very close to the San Rafael Glacier.

 Once in front of the glacier, we will transfer, in assigned groups, to zodiac boats, to approach up to 300 meters from the ice massif. Afterwards, we will be able to contemplate this beautiful natural scenery for about 2 hours, and then begin the return trip to Puerto Chacabuco.

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Catamaran Laguna San Rafael chile
Day 3

From Puerto Tranquilo to Puerto Guadal

a group of people rafting in River Baker Chile
  • Self-Drive from Puerto Tranquilo to Puerto Guadal

Please note that the driving times are estimated and can often be longer — sometimes much longer — considering stops for refueling and taking photos of the landscape.

 

  • Half-Day Rio Baker Rafting

Experience the thrill of rafting on the Baker River, the most voluminous river in Chile — an adventure that combines nature, excitement, and adrenaline.

The activity consists of navigating white waters aboard inflatable rafts, passing through class II and III+ rapids along a route of approximately 6 km. The descent begins at Lake Bertrand, where participants receive a safety briefing and equipment orientation before starting the adventure. Over the course of two hours, they’ll enjoy the power and turquoise color of the Baker River, surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

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a group of people rafting in River Baker Chile
Day 4

From Puerto Guadal to Caleta Tortel

Couple walking in the wood walkways in caleta tortel

 

  • Self-Drive from Puerto Guadal to Caleta Tortel

Please note that the driving times are estimated and can often be longer — sometimes much longer — considering stops for refueling and taking photos of the landscape.

 

  • Day at leisure in Caleta Tortel

You have the day off to enjoy Caleta Tortel.

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Couple walking in the wood walkways in caleta tortel
Day 5

Continue Exploring Caleta Tortel

caleta tortel - carreta austral - boats

 

  • Half-Day Navigation Island of the Dead

At the appropriate time you must go on your own to the meeting point to begin this excursion.

The Isla de los Muertos, declared a National Monument in 2001 and cataloged as a historical circuit and interpretation of the flora of the Aysen region, is located in the Baker River delta, between fjords and Patagonian channels, near the town of Caleta Tortel. It is a mysterious place full of energy, being a must-see in this locality.

The navigation departs from Caleta Tortel, and takes about 40 minutes to Isla de Los Muertos. This island is the reflection of a historical process lived in the early years of colonization, exploitation and exploration of the Aysen region, in its southern end. Covered with native vegetation and immersed in the Patagonian fjords, we will relive the history of the Pisagua tragedy at the hands of the explorer Hans Steffens in 1898, while we have the opportunity to marvel at the local flora and fauna.

Inside the island there are marked trails and wooden walkways. In its surface of approximately 248 m2 there are 33 wooden crosses, which are vestiges of a series of individual tombs dating from 1906. The niches correspond to the bodies of 120 workers of the Compañía Explotadora del Baker. Although there is no official version of the reason for the deaths, there are several theories that you can learn about in this destination.

At the end of the tour, the return to your destination will be on your own.

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caleta tortel - carreta austral - boats
Day 6

From Caleta Tortel to Cochrane

Enjoy Carretera Austral amazing woods!

 

  • Self-Drive from Caleta Tortel to Cochrane

Please note that the driving times are estimated and can often be longer — sometimes much longer — considering stops for refueling and taking photos of the landscape.

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Enjoy Carretera Austral amazing woods!
Day 7

From Cochrane to Puerto Tranquilo

A group of peolple in a boat exploring the marvel caves

 

  • Self-Drive from Cochrane to Puerto Tranquilo

Please note that the driving times are estimated and can often be longer — sometimes much longer — considering stops for refueling and taking photos of the landscape.

 

  • Half-Day Marble Chapels boat tour

At the agreed time, you must be present at the meeting point indicated. We will sail across Lake General Carrera to the National Monument Nature Sanctuary “Capillas de Mármol” where you can enjoy these unique rock formations in the world and marvel at the landscape where the waves of the lake have sculpted the limestone, forming captivating caves.

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

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A group of peolple in a boat exploring the marvel caves
Day 8

From Puerto Tranquilo to Coyhaique

carretera austral - coyhaique

 

  • Self-Drive from Puerto Tranquilo to Coyhaique

Please note that the driving times are estimated and can often be longer — sometimes much longer — considering stops for refueling and taking photos of the landscape.

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carretera austral - coyhaique
Day 9

Half-Day Trek in Cerro Castillo National Park

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

 

  • Enjoy your Day in Cerro Castillo National Park

Today, you will make your way on your own to the previously agreed meeting point in the town of Cerro Castillo.

Once at the park entrance, you will begin an approximately 7 km hike through lenga and ñire forests, passing by the Birds’ Viewpoint and enjoying views of Cerro Palo and Cerro Chocolate.

During the hike, you will have the opportunity to observe the area’s native flora and fauna, including notable species such as the black woodpecker, rayadito, huet-huet, and many other bird species, if luck is on your side.

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chilean-patagonia-carretera-austral-aysen- trekking-mallin- colorado2
Day 10

End of your Jounet through Caretera Austral

carretera-austral-road-trip-through-chile

 

  • Self Drive – Car Drop off

Rental car drop off at Balmaceda Airport

At the end of your journey, continue exploring Chilean and Argentine Patagonia. Destinations such as El Calafate, Ushuaia, and Torres del Paine offer unforgettable landscapes and experiences. Do not hesitate to contact us to keep exploring Patagonia.

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carretera-austral-road-trip-through-chile
Prices per person
Accomodation INN & B&B
From
2760 USD
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.
included
  • 3 Nights in Puerto Tranquilo
  • 1 Night in Puerto Guadal
  • 2 Nights in Caleta Tortel
  • 1 Night in Cochrane
  • 2 Nights 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

plane-icon No internal flights needed for this trip

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 – Self Drive
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