South America

Carretera Austral

Chile

In short: Carretera Austral is a 1,240 km adventure road trip in Chile, typically driven over 10–14 days, best in Nov–Mar. Highlights: Puerto Montt, Parque Pumalín, Chaitén Volcano.

Distance

1,240 km

Duration

10–14 days

Best Season

Nov–Mar

LegendaryHardSUV onlyAdventureOff-road sections

Chile's Ruta 7 is one of the world's great adventure roads, unpaved, remote, cut through Patagonian fjords and ancient rainforest. Glaciers, hanging valleys, thermal pools, and almost nobody ahead of you.

~2 refuels

~4 charges

Practical notes

Large sections remain unpaved gravel with sharp rocks that cause frequent punctures; carry at least two spare tyres. River ferry crossings have limited schedules and seasonal closures. Fuel stations are scarce so fill up at every opportunity and carry a reserve jerry can.

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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

Departure

Puerto Montt

The last large city before the deep south. The fish market at Angelmó harbour is the finest in Chile and the best farewell to urban life.

Hotels

City

Puyuhuapi

A German settler village on a Patagonian fjord. The thermal pools at Termas de Puyuhuapi, accessible only by boat, are among the finest in South America.

Hotels

City

Coyhaique

The only real town on the Carretera Austral. Fly-fishing capital of South America, with the clear Río Simpson running right through the city centre.

Hotels

Arrival

Villa O'Higgins

The end of the road. The Carretera Austral simply stops here at a tiny village. Wild Patagonia stretches beyond with no roads to follow.

Hotels

Things to Do

Parque Pumalín — Nature — Carretera Austral — Chile

Nature
Parque Pumalín
A vast private park preserving the world's southernmost temperate rainforest. Ancient alerce trees here exceed 3,000 years in age.

Chaitén Volcano — Nature — Carretera Austral — Chile

Nature
Chaitén Volcano
Erupted in 2008 after 9,000 years dormant and half-buried the nearby town in ash. The lava dome still steams above the ruined streets.

Queulat National Park — Nature — Carretera Austral — Chile

Nature
Queulat National Park
The hanging glacier Ventisquero Colgante calves ice directly into a turquoise lake below. One of the most dramatic scenes on the entire Carretera.

Capillas de Mármol — Nature — Carretera Austral — Chile

Nature
Capillas de Mármol
Marble caves sculpted by glacial meltwater, accessible only by boat on a lake of impossible turquoise blue. One of Patagonia's most otherworldly sights.

Puyuhuapi Hot Springs — Hot Springs — Carretera Austral — Chile

Hot Springs
Puyuhuapi Hot Springs
Natural thermal pools nestled in lush forests, offering relaxation with stunning fjord views.

Hanging Glacier Trail — Hike — Carretera Austral — Chile

Hike
Hanging Glacier Trail
Scenic trail in Queulat National Park leading to a breathtaking view of the Hanging Glacier.

Marble Caves Boat Tour — Boat Tour — Carretera Austral — Chile

Boat Tour
Marble Caves Boat Tour
Explore the stunning Marble Caves on General Carrera Lake, with their unique swirling patterns.

Puyuhuapi Carpet Factory — Museum — Carretera Austral — Chile

Museum
Puyuhuapi Carpet Factory
Historic factory showcasing traditional carpet weaving techniques introduced by German settlers.

Villa O'Higgins Glacier Trek — Hike — Carretera Austral — Chile

Hike
Villa O'Higgins Glacier Trek
Challenging trek leading to the spectacular O'Higgins Glacier, offering panoramic views of the ice field.

Where to Eat

El Rincón del Viajero — Local Cuisine — Carretera Austral — Chile

Local Cuisine
El Rincón del Viajero
Cozy spot in Coyhaique offering traditional Patagonian dishes like cordero al palo and fresh seafood.

Café de la Plaza — Café — Carretera Austral — Chile

Café
Café de la Plaza
Charming café in Puyuhuapi serving homemade pastries and locally roasted coffee with views of the fjord.

Restaurante El Fogón — Barbecue — Carretera Austral — Chile

Barbecue
Restaurante El Fogón
Rustic eatery in Puerto Montt specializing in grilled meats and hearty Chilean stews.

La Casona de Chaitén — Seafood — Carretera Austral — Chile

Seafood
La Casona de Chaitén
Family-run restaurant in Chaitén known for its fresh fish and shellfish dishes, sourced daily from local fishermen.

Patagonia House — International — Carretera Austral — Chile

International
Patagonia House
Boutique hotel in Coyhaique with an on-site restaurant offering a fusion of Patagonian and international flavors.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Carretera Austral drive?

The Carretera Austral covers 1,240 km from start to finish.

How long does the Carretera Austral take to drive?

Most travellers spend 10–14 days on the Carretera Austral, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Carretera Austral?

The recommended season for the Carretera Austral is Nov–Mar.

Where does the Carretera Austral start and end?

The Carretera Austral runs from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins.

What are the main stops on the Carretera Austral?

The Carretera Austral passes through Puerto Montt, Parque Pumalín, Chaitén Volcano.

How difficult is the Carretera Austral to drive?

The Carretera Austral is rated hard and is best handled with suv only.

Do I need a 4WD for the Carretera Austral?

Yes — the Carretera Austral includes off-road or rough sections that require suv only.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Carretera Austral?

Plan around 2 refuels (or about 4 EV charges) along the Carretera Austral, based on its 1,240 km length.

Is the Carretera Austral safe to drive?

What scenic tier is the Carretera Austral?

The Carretera Austral is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.