Chile Road trips

6 curated road trips in Chile — Carretera Austral, Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano, Chilean Lake District Pucon to Puerto Varas. Mapped stops, distance, duration, best season, and practical route notes.

These 6 routes range from 320 to 1710 km and from 2 to 14 days, across 1 country. Top picks: Carretera Austral, Arica to Lauca and Putre Altiplano, Chilean Lake District Pucon to Puerto Varas.

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  LegendaryCarretera AustralChile · 1,240 km · 10–14 daysChile'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.
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  IconicArica to Lauca and Putre AltiplanoChile · 315 km · 2-3 daysClimb from the Pacific heat of Arica into Chile’s high Altiplano on one of the country’s most dramatic mountain drives. The route follows the Lluta Valley to Putre, then continues into Lauca National Park for volcano views, bofedales, turquoise lagoons, and herds of vicuñas under thin, brilliant air.
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  IconicChilean Lake District Pucon to Puerto VarasChile · 370 km · 2-3 daysThis classic Chilean Lake District drive links Pucón and Puerto Varas through a chain of blue lakes, snowcapped volcanoes, and well-kept paved highways. Detour for forested viewpoints, hot springs, and waterfront towns such as Villarrica, Frutillar, and Ensenada for an easy, scenic South American road trip.
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  IconicChiloe Island LoopChile · 320 km · 3-4 daysThis loop traces Chile’s misty Chiloé Island from Castro through stilt-house villages, tidal wetlands, and fishing coves to the windswept south coast. Expect slow scenic driving, colorful wooden churches, artisan markets, and wild Pacific views, with the route naturally closing back through Ancud.
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  IconicSantiago to San Pedro de AtacamaChile · 1,705 km · 5–7 daysFrom the Pacific Coast to the world's highest and driest desert, north from Santiago via Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, La Serena, and Copiapó to the Atacama. Parts haven't felt rain in 400 years (possibly ever), yet snowflakes occasionally fall. The Salar de Atacama, Valle de la Luna, and El Tatio geyser field are the rewards.
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  IconicTrans-Andean HighwayChile · 1,250 km · 6-8 daysThis classic Andean crossing links Santiago with Mendoza through one of South America’s most dramatic mountain corridors. Expect sweeping switchbacks, high desert valleys, vineyard foothills, and the iconic Cristo Redentor pass area, with changing conditions from coastal Chile to the dry Argentine side.