Carretera Austral
Chile, south-america
1,240 km
1,100 m
hard
November-March (Southern Hemisphere summer)
The Carretera Austral is a 1,240-kilometer road running through the remote Aysen region of Chilean Patagonia, from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins. Construction began under the Pinochet government in 1976 and was not completed until 2000. The road traverses one of the wildest and least populated regions in South America, a landscape of temperate rainforests, hanging glaciers, turquoise rivers, and snow-capped volcanoes.
The route passes through the Northern Patagonian Ice Field region, where massive glaciers calve into milky blue lakes. Key highlights include Queulat National Park with its stunning hanging glacier, the turquoise confluence of the Baker and Nef rivers, and the marble caves of General Carrera Lake. Much of the road remains unpaved, and several sections require ferry crossings. The Carretera Austral has become a bucket-list destination for cyclists and overlanders seeking adventure in one of the world's last true wilderness frontiers.
Where is it?
Carretera Austral is located in Aysen, Patagonia, Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -44.0000, -72.1000
Driving Tips
Allow at least 7-10 days to drive the full route. Reserve ferry crossings in advance during peak season (December-February). Carry extra fuel as stations can be 200+ km apart. Weather can change rapidly and rain is frequent year-round. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for unpaved sections. Stock up on supplies in Coyhaique, the only sizeable town along the route.
Road Surface
Mix of paved and gravel (ripio), some rough sections, ferry crossings required
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Region
- Aysen, Patagonia
- Length
- 1,240 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,100 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Surface
- Mix of paved and gravel (ripio), some rough sections, ferry crossings required
- Best Season
- November-March (Southern Hemisphere summer)
- Coordinates
- -44.0000, -72.1000
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