A full tour of Chile’s Carretera Austral is a spectacular adventure through some of the most pristine and remote landscapes in the world. The route stretches for nearly 1,250 kilometers (770 miles) from Puerto Montt in the Lake District down to Villa O’Higgins in Patagonia, passing through rugged forests, towering mountains, glaciers, rivers, and fjords. Below is a detailed 10-12 day itinerary that covers the best highlights of the Carretera Austral, from its start in the Lake District to the southernmost points of Patagonia.

Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Montt & Travel to Puerto Varas

Arrive in Puerto Montt: Fly into Puerto Montt, the gateway to Chile’s southern regions. It’s a bustling port town where you can experience local seafood and traditional Patagonian cuisine.

Visit the Angelmó Market: Explore the local market where you can find artisanal crafts, fish, and seafood.

Travel to Puerto Varas (approx. 20 minutes): A picturesque lakeside town with stunning views of Lake Llanquihue and Volcán Osorno.

Take a scenic walk along the Lake Llanquihue waterfront and enjoy views of the volcano.

Overnight: Stay in Puerto Varas, and enjoy a local dinner, perhaps featuring Patagonian lamb or fresh trout.

Day 2: Puerto Varas to Pumalín Park

Morning: Drive to Pumalín Park (about 4 hours from Puerto Varas):

Begin your journey down the Carretera Austral heading south to Pumalín Park, one of Chile’s largest private nature reserves, known for its rich biodiversity, ancient forests, and rugged coastlines.

Explore the Pumalín Park by hiking the easy Laguna Larga or more challenging trails like Volcán Chaitén.

Afternoon: Visit Pumalín’s Visitor Center, where you can learn about conservation efforts and local ecosystems. Take a walk through the park’s iconic hanging bridges and view the lush temperate rainforest.

Evening: Stay in El Chaitén or nearby lodges, and enjoy a local meal in this small village that sits at the foot of Volcán Chaitén.

Day 3: Chaitén to Futaleufú

Morning: Travel to Futaleufú (about 2 hours):

Continue south along the Carretera Austral, passing through lush forests and along winding rivers. Stop at the scenic Río Futaleufú, famous for its world-class white-water rafting.

Afternoon: Explore Futaleufú:

If you’re into adventure sports, you can opt for a rafting excursion on the Futaleufú River, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and class IV-V rapids.

Alternatively, enjoy a quieter day with a scenic hike or a visit to the Futaleufú viewpoint, where you can take in spectacular views of the surrounding valley.

Evening: Stay overnight in Futaleufú, a small town surrounded by stunning natural beauty, where you can enjoy rustic meals.

Day 4: Futaleufú to Esquel (Argentina)

Morning: Cross the Border to Argentina (about 3 hours):

From Futaleufú, head towards the Argentina-Chile border at Huemules. Here, you’ll pass through the border crossing into Esquel, Argentina.

Stop at the Los Alerces National Park, which is home to ancient Alerce trees (similar to Sequoias) and a gorgeous lake. There are plenty of options for scenic walks or hikes.

Afternoon: Explore the town of Esquel, Argentina, known for its Patagonian charm, and visit the La Trochita Railway Museum, where you can learn about the region’s historic steam train.

Evening: Stay overnight in Esquel or nearby accommodations.

Day 5: Esquel to Los Alerces National Park

Morning: Return to Chile (via the Route to Futaleufú):

Travel back into Chile and drive towards Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Chile, which is home to some of the oldest trees in the world.

Enjoy hiking trails around the Lake Futalaufquen, exploring its pristine forests and crystal-clear waters.

Afternoon: Scenic Boat Ride on Lake Futalaufquen:

Take a boat ride on the lake, surrounded by towering mountains and ancient trees. The boat trip is ideal for photography and wildlife viewing.

Evening: Spend the night at a lakeside lodge or in the town of Trevelin.

Day 6: Los Alerces National Park to Coyhaique

Morning: Drive to Coyhaique (about 5-6 hours):

Continue south along the Carretera Austral, driving through stunning landscapes of mountains, rivers, and forests. As you approach Coyhaique, the capital of Aysén Region, the scenery transitions to Patagonian steppe and the first signs of southern Patagonia.

Afternoon: Explore Coyhaique:

Visit the Plaza de Armas, the central square of the city, and explore the local shops for regional crafts, such as wool goods and leather products.

Optionally, take a short excursion to the Cerro La Virgen viewpoint for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in Coyhaique, sampling local dishes like patagonian lamb or roe deer.

Day 7: Coyhaique to Puerto Río Tranquilo

Morning: Depart for Puerto Río Tranquilo (about 4-5 hours drive):

Travel further south, passing through the Río Coyhaique Valley and along the shores of the General Carrera Lake, Chile’s largest lake. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, with turquoise waters and snow-capped peaks.

Afternoon: Explore Puerto Río Tranquilo:

Puerto Río Tranquilo is a small town known for its marble caves in General Carrera Lake. Take a boat tour to the famous Capillas de Mármol (Marble Caves), a set of stunning limestone formations shaped by water over thousands of years. The caves’ walls are a striking blend of white, blue, and green.

Evening: Spend the night in Puerto Río Tranquilo, enjoying dinner with lake views.

Day 8: Puerto Río Tranquilo to Chile Chico

Morning: Drive to Chile Chico (approx. 3 hours):

Continue south on the Carretera Austral until you reach Chile Chico, a small town on the Argentina-Chile border located on the northern shore of Lake General Carrera. The town is known for its stunning surroundings, including the Cerro Los Ñirres viewpoint.

Afternoon: Visit Lago del Desierto:

Take a boat tour on Lago del Desierto, a beautiful lake near Chile Chico with stunning views of the Cerro Huemul mountain range.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed evening and spend the night in Chile Chico.

Day 9: Chile Chico to Villa O’Higgins

Morning: Drive to Villa O’Higgins (about 5-6 hours):

This is the final stretch of the Carretera Austral, a journey into deep Patagonia. You will travel along winding gravel roads, through temperate rainforests and alongside remote fjords.

Afternoon: Arrival in Villa O’Higgins, a tiny settlement surrounded by the wilderness of southern Chile. The town is the end of the road on the Carretera Austral and offers beautiful views of Lake O’Higgins and surrounding peaks.

Evening: Stay in a local lodge or guesthouse in Villa O’Higgins.

Day 10: Explore Villa O’Higgins & Return

Morning: Explore Villa O’Higgins and enjoy the tranquil, remote atmosphere of this Patagonian village. You can take a boat ride on Lake O’Higgins or go for a hike in the nearby forests.

Afternoon: If you’re not continuing your journey south to Argentina (via El Chaltén), you can begin your return journey back up the Carretera Austral or travel by bus/ferry to Puerto Natales to connect to other parts of Patagonia.