Experience the ultimate expedition through Chilean Patagonia with our Full Carretera Austral: North and South journey. This legendary route spans over 1,200 kilometers of untamed beauty, connecting Puerto Montt with the remote landscapes of the south. From the temperate rainforests and hanging glaciers of Queulat National Park to the surreal Marble Caves and the wild majesty of Patagonia National Park, this itinerary covers it all. Designed for true adventurers seeking a deep immersion into pristine nature, this program combines dramatic fjords, turquoise rivers, and ancient ice fields in one of the world’s most spectacular scenic drives.
Low-impact activities for everyone
Travel exclusively with your family and friends
Spot native animals in their natural habitats
Capture stunning vistas and memorable moments
Itinerary
Day 1: Balmaceda Airport – Coyhaique – Puyuhuapi – La Junta (266 km/ 166 miles)
Arrive at Balmaceda Airport on a morning flight, between 9:30 and 10:30am.
We will begin riding northward on Carretera austral. During the trip we will see beautiful mountains and rivers, such as the Portezuelo Queulat, the Río Cisnes valley and several waterfalls. We will enjoy our box lunch on board. After some stops to take pictures, we continue along the shore of Puyuhuapi fjord, to reach the town of the same name, a very important place in the history of German colonization of Patagonia Aysén. We will arrive at the town of La Junta to stay for the night.
Day 2: Kayak at Palena River and El Sauce Thermal Hot Springs - (7:30 hours)
Today we will Kayak along the Palena River. On this amazing ride (about 16 km) we will be able to admire the beautiful natural scenery and the varied fauna of Patagonia. After paddling for about 2½ hours, we will reach the beach and leave the kaykas to get on the vehicle that will take us to “El Sauce” hot springs with 100% natural warm water.
Day 3: La Junta – Queulat National Park – Coyhaique
We will go southward on Carretera Austral, finding our first stop: Queulat National Park. We will explore the park through its woods until we reach the amazing Queulat Hanging Glacier viewpoint 600-meters trek). After enjoying our box lunch in the park, we will continue along the Carretera Austral for about 4 hours until we reach Coyhaique to stay for the night.
Day 4: Coyhaique – Balmaceda – Puerto Tranquilo - Marbel Chapels Boat Trip – Puerto Guadal.
Today we will travel southward in Carretera Austral crossing Cerro Castillo National Park. We will arrive at Puerto Tranquilo and sail to Capillas de Mármol Nature Sanctuary (Marble Chapels), a place of amazing beauty where the waves of the lake have eroded and polished the limestone. We will then continue to Puerto Guadal to stay for the night.
Day 5: Puerto Guadal – Patagonia National Park, Tamango area- Cochrane
In the morning we will go southward on the Carretera Austral to get to know the former Tamango National Reserve sector of Patagonia Park. Here we will sail on the Cochrane River for approximately 40 minutes until we reach the pier to disembark and take a well-marked and medium-demand trek trail. After we enjoy lunch in Cochrane we will stop at a perfect spot to observe and photograph the confluence of the Baker and Neff rivers. Our day will end in Puerto Guadal where we will stay for the night
Day 6: Puerto Guadal – Valle Exploradores Lookout point - Coyhaique
Leaving Puerto Guadal and going northward along the Carretera Austral we will arrive at Exploradores Valley visitor center. We will start a medium difficulty trek, crossing an evergreen forest and later, a short but steep moraine to reach the Exploradores Glacier lookout point.
From this perfect spot we will be able to admire the vastness of the Northern Ice Field, Mount San Valentín and the Exploradores Glacier. After this incredible adventure, we will return to Coyhaique to stay for the night.
Day 7: Coyhaique – Balmaceda Airport
Say goodbye and transfer to the airport.
