Arrival City
Temuco Chile (ZCO)
Departure City
Temuco Chile (ZCO)
Guided or
Self-Guided Tour
Best Season
November to March
Overview
Get ready for the Carretera Austral in Chile! This legendary road is perfect for bikers who love untouched nature and pure freedom. For over 1,200 kilometers, the Carretera Austral winds through Patagonia, offering you a breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped peaks, dense forests, turquoise lakes, and imposing glaciers. Every kilometer is a postcard-perfect sight, waiting to be discovered.
Feel the wind in your face as you ride along gravel roads, roll through small villages, and stop at remote fjords. There’s no rush here, just you, your bike, and the endless expanse. Discover hidden waterfalls, soak in hot springs, and meet locals who will show you true Patagonian hospitality. The Carretera Austral is more than just a road—it’s both a challenge and a reward. It will push you to your limits while providing you with unforgettable moments. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Then join us and let the journey begin!
This itinerary shows the standard route. We also offer shortened versions or one-way trips for your group of five to seven riders. For example, we deliver the motorcycles to Puerto Varas and pick them up again in Coyhaique. So you can then fly directly to Puerto Montt, the gateway to the Carretera Austral, and don’t have to drive back the same way. You can fly back home directly from Balmaceda. Or you can drive all the way down to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas and fly home from there. Please contact us for a customized offer.
Trip Highlights
Beautiful drive through the Chilean lake district
Scenic ferry ride through fjords and untouched coastal rainforest
Remote landscapes, rivers and hanging glaciers
Stunning views of Cerro Castillo and the turquoise Lago General Carrera
Tour in Boat or Kayak to the famous Marble Cathedral
Optional Day trip to San Rafael Lagoon
Reach the destination at the end of the Carretera Austral and receive your recognition card
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: The Adventure Kicks Off in Pucón, Chile
Arrival at La Araucanía International Airport, Temuco. Camp down in Pucón, a charming city on the shores of Lake Villarrica. Transfer to Pucón (approx. 80 km). Meet & greet and handover of motorcycles at your hotel. Camp down in Pucón, a charming city on the shores of Lake Villarrica.
Day 2: Pucón – Puerto Varas – (321km)
Beautiful drive through the Chilean lake district. The landscape is reminiscent of Switzerland, if it weren’t for the majestic volcanoes that tower over the deep blue lakes. If you have enough time, take a detour to the Osorno volcano and enjoy the magnificent view with a coffee.
Day 3: Puerto Varas – Hornopirén (240km)
Ride along scenic Route 225 via Ensenada and the fjord region to Hornopirén. Beautiful lakes, forest landscapes, and views of Volcán Osorno. (~240 km)
Day 4: Hornopirén – La Junta (250km)
Ferry and road segments along the Carretera Austral through pristine fjords and remote villages. Some gravel sections. Camp down in La Junta. (~250 km + ferry time). Enjoy a scenic ferry ride through fjords and untouched coastal rainforest.
Day 5: La Junta – Coyhaique (277km)
Ride south along the Carretera Austral and enjoy the stunning scenery including rivers, rainforests, and hanging glaciers. You should definitely stop at Queulat National Park and visit the hanging glacier. The route now continues towards the „Cuesta Queulat,“ a winding mountain pass with magnificent views of forests and fjords. The final section of the route leads through the impressive Río Simpson National Reserve, where steep cliffs, rivers, and dense forest dominate the landscape. The detour via the X-50 and Ruta 240 is a scenic alternative to the Carretera Austral, which is mostly unpaved in this section.
Camp down in Coyhaique. (~270 km). You should definitely stop at Queulat National Park and visit the hanging glacier.
Day 6: Coyhaique – Puerto Río Tranquilo (213km)
Remote and breathtaking leg with views of Cerro Castillo. Mostly paved with some unpaved stretches. Camp down in Puerto Río Tranquilo on the shores of Lago General Carrera.
Day 7: Rest Day – Laguna San Rafael / Marble Cathedral
Take a boat trip on Lake General Carrera and visit the famous Marble Cathedral. If you like something a little more sporty, you can also do this trip in a kayak. Maybe you can do this boat trip in the evening after your arrival or in the morning before your onward journey, and make a Day Trip to the San Rafael Lagoon.
Day 8: Puerto Rio Tranquillo – Cochrane (114km)
The route continues mostly on well-paved ripio, with some asphalt sections. Spectacular views of Lago General Carrera and the glaciers of the Northern Ice Field. Highlights: Wide view of the Rio Baker – turquoise and powerful /Viewpoint at the Confluence of the Río Baker and Río Nef.
Day 9: Cochrane – Villa O’Higgins (231km)
Optional detour to the boardwalk town of Tortel – absolutely unique.
Road: Curvy, narrow, but scenic.
Tip: An overnight stay in Tortel is worthwhile, especially in good weather.
Breathtaking scenery: Andes, glaciers, and remote forests.
Road: Away from civilization – increasingly narrow, sometimes rugged ripio.
Highlights:
- Paso Mayer (border region with Argentina – but no direct access possible!)
- Lago Cisnes and Rio Mayer – remote and picturesque
- Villa O’Higgins: End of the Carretera Austral – spectacular solitude!
Road conditions: The southernmost section can be very challenging in rain (deep mud, landslides).
Supplies: Gas station in Cochrane – after that, supplies are very limited, so bring gas if necessary!
Day 10: Villa O’Higgins – Puerto Guadal (303km)
Now you return along the same route. However, as soon as you reach Lago General Carrera, turn right toward Chile Chico. After a short while, you’ll reach Puerto Guadal, where you can spend the night in a comfortable lodge.
Day 11: Puerto Guadal – Chile Chico – Coyhaique (240 Km)
Ride along the lake. You spend the night in Chile Chico before you take the Ferry to cross the Lake. (~178 km)
Day 12: Coyhaique – La Junta – (277km)
Day 13: La Junta – Futaleufú (146km)
Day 14: Futaleufú – Bariloche (360km)
Day 15: Bariloche – Pucón (371km)
Day 16: Depart
Costs
The Cost Includes
Motorcycle Rental – Equipped Motorcycles, ready to travel
Telefon Support – In case of any problems
Route description – GPX file / Roadbook
Vehicle insurance – Deductible USD 2500.-
Paperwork for Border crossing to Argentina
Compulsory insurance for Argentina
The Cost Excludes
Flight Tickets, neither international nor domestic
Fuel
Food and drinks
Personal Expenses
Personal travel insurance
Airport Transfers
Ferry Tickets
Accommodation
Guides