Outings and excursions · Coyhaique

Carretera Austral: a road trip guide

Photos: Rakela / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Some 1,240 km of forests, fjords, glaciers and lakes between Puerto Montt and Villa O'Higgins. What to know before you set off.

Photo: Rakela, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Carretera Austral (Route 7) runs about 1,240 km through Chilean Patagonia, from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins. It crosses temperate rainforest, fjords, hanging glaciers and lakes of improbable colours. Coyhaique, halfway along, is the largest town and the ideal base to plan the trip.

The road

It has paved sections and many gravel ones. For example, between Coyhaique and Villa Cerro Castillo the road is paved; further south, compacted gravel dominates. In areas such as Queulat Park, asphalt and gravel alternate with tight bends: slow down, especially in the rain.

Ferries

On the northern section, between Puerto Montt and Chaitén, the route includes ferry crossings that are best booked in advance, especially in summer.

Must-sees along the way

  • Queulat National Park and its hanging glacier.
  • The Marble Caves on Lake General Carrera.
  • Villa Cerro Castillo and its mountain range.
  • The reserve and surroundings of Coyhaique.

Tips

  • Plan your fuel stops: on some stretches stations are far apart.
  • Check road conditions before setting off.
  • Carry a good spare tyre and rain gear.

Plan your trip

See alsoHotels and lodging in Coyhaique

Outings in Coyhaique

Sailing to Lake San Rafael A remarkable voyage leads visitors to the most imposing ancient ice in the Aysén Region and one of the natural wonders on our planet. Read more Coyhaique, its Six Ponds and One Elizalde Through our vehicle windows, we witnessed the most fantastic tour among mountains and nearby rivers, getting to see the valleys and the many geograph… Read more Crystal clear waters of Lake Atravesado Good gravel roads in Coyhaique lead to stunning destinations. One of them is Lake Atravesado. It is worth leaving the traditional routes behind to ge… Read more Sculptural Marble Chapels Lake General Carrera is admired for its size and deep blue water but even more so for a cluster of islets whose interior can be visited. Read more Religious Tourism in Aysén Two altars at the edge of the road summon pilgrims who make promises or thank the saints for favors granted with a pious spirit. Read more At Leisurely Pace We discovered the fantastic surroundings of Aysén and Coyhaique in a horseback ride around the leafy banks of the Simpson River. Read more Tables and Flavors in Aysén Original recipes with various preparations and condiments are served at excellent venues specialized in seafood and regional products in Coyhaique. Read more Queulat National Park and Glacier A motley rainforest stands out among the natural wonders treasured at Queulat National Park. Read more Around the City at a Slow Pace The biggest attractions in this city are unveiled when touring around its avenues, squares and surroundings while trying to discover its secrets and … Read more

Hotels and lodging in Coyhaique

El LeñadorCabinsEl LeñadorCasa BalmacedaBoarding-housesCasa BalmacedaCabañas Refugio PatagoniaCabinsCabañas Refugio PatagoniaEl NevadoBoarding-housesEl NevadoHuimpalayCabinsHuimpalayBorde SimpsonBed & BreakfastBorde SimpsonHostal Viento SurBoarding-housesHostal Viento SurEntre CumbresApart HotelsEntre CumbresVista Patagonia LodgeLodgesVista Patagonia LodgePatagonia IndomitaCabinsPatagonia IndomitaEspañolBoarding-housesEspañolDon TitoBed & BreakfastDon TitoRaicesBed & BreakfastRaicesCabaña Posada de CoyhaiqueCabinsCabaña Posada de CoyhaiqueAumkenk AikeBoarding-housesAumkenk AikeMar LuzBoarding-housesMar LuzTio NinoCabinsTio NinoLa BicicletaBoarding-housesLa BicicletaLos LugareñosBoarding-housesLos LugareñosLago ElizaldeCabinsLago Elizalde