Best of Carretera Austral Bike Tour

Participants will be picked up at El Tepual Airport (PMC) in Puerto Montt. At 3 pm, everyone will meet at the hotel in Puerto Varas for introductions, a brief overview of the bike journey, and a bike and equipment check.

Depart Puerto Varas by minibus, following the coastal road through Puerto Montt to reach the Carretera Austral (Route 7). Take a ferry across the Reloncaví Estuary to Caleta Puelche. After a pleasant lunch in the village of Contao, begin cycling through the rural region of Hualaihué, surrounded by lush forests and scenic coastal views, eventually arriving in the town of Hornopirén.

Start the day with a ferry journey along the stunning Bimodal Route, bikes on board. The first section lasts about 3.5 hours, passing through majestic Patagonian fjords with breathtaking views of the Andes. After a short 10 km transfer, board a second ferry for a 45-minute crossing to Caleta Gonzalo, the gateway to Douglas Tompkins Pumalín National Park—part of the largest private land donation for conservation in history.

Cycle through the heart of the evergreen forest and hike a trail that winds past ancient Alerce trees. Continue riding along gravel roads past crystal-clear lakes, rolling hills, and dramatic landscapes until reaching Chaitén, with stunning views of Corcovado Volcano and the still-active Chaitén Volcano.

This is one of the most scenic and gentle sections of the route, with paved roads and minimal climbing. Cycle through stunning mountain landscapes toward the El Amarillo sector of Pumalín Park. Continue to the town of Puerto Cárdenas and cross the iconic Yelcho suspension bridge, with views of the lake’s mouth and the Yelcho Glacier. Follow the shoreline of the beautiful Yelcho Lake until reaching the accommodation for the night.

The route starts with stunning scenery, surrounded by native forests and views of the Yelcho Glacier. Tackle the Moraga climb to reach the pass, where a thrilling downhill offers a view of the dramatic alluvium left by the 2017 Villa Santa Lucía disaster, which drastically changed the town and its landscape. Continue along the paved road following the Frío and Palena Rivers, cross into the Aysén Region, enjoy a picnic in Villa Vanguardia, and finish this long day in the town of La Junta.

Continue cycling toward Puyuhuapi, following the Risopatrón River and lake. Experience the stunning landscapes shaped by Queulat National Park before reaching the town, famous for its carpet factory and German-influenced architecture. This day offers a perfect opportunity to relax in the afternoon, enjoying the hot springs at Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa after several long riding days.

This day offers a multi-adventure experience designed to recharge energy for the upcoming Queulat slope challenge. Enjoy a scenic ride while exploring the famous Queulat National Park and its stunning hanging glacier. Take the chance to hike to viewpoints or paddle on Tempano Lagoon for unique glacier views. After visiting the park, the minibus will transfer the group to Muelle Austral for a 3:30 pm boat crossing of the fjord, returning to the iconic Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa to relax in the hot springs and savor local cuisine.

The ride begins at El Muelle Austral and heads toward the Queulat slope, one of the legendary challenges of the Carretera Austral route. Travel through evergreen forests with stunning views of glaciers and fjords. The gravel road leads to a demanding climb featuring 33 curves, offering a unique glimpse of remote Patagonian landscapes at the Queulat pass. From there, enjoy a paved descent alongside the Cisnes River, which guides the way to the accommodation in the rural village of Amengual.

Begin the day with an uphill ride to reach Amengual. Continue through Las Torres National Reserve, cycling past striking geological formations, mountains, and landscapes shaped by sky, rivers, forests, and peaks. The route transitions into the Patagonian steppe, passing agricultural fields, the unique Esponja Lagoon, and Mount Colmillo near Villa Mañihuales. After lunch, take a minibus transfer to Puerto Aysén, the second-largest city in the Aysén region.

One of the most challenging yet rewarding days of the journey begins with a river raft crossing to access the best backroad of the adventure—a scenic, peaceful route surrounded by nature and free from traffic. This rural road leads to Coyhaique, the capital of this Patagonian region, passing by stunning lakes nestled deep in the mountains.

The southern section of the route starts on a paved road along the Southern Way, riding through flatlands near the so-called Chinese Wall, where the countryside around Coyhaique unfolds. Pass through El Blanco town surrounded by stunning Patagonian steppe and unique rock formations. After the junction of Route 7 and Balmaceda, the road gently ascends to Laguna Chiguay, an ideal spot for a picnic lunch. Continue along the impressive Cerro Castillo National Park to reach its pass, the highest point on the Carretera Austral. From there, descend the "Devil’s Slope," enjoying views of the Ibáñez River before arriving at Cerro Castillo Village.

This day begins with leaving Cerro Castillo without bikes. Early in the morning, take a minibus to one of the Carretera Austral’s gems—the Marble Chapels—located on Lake Chelenko, also known as Lake General Carrera, named by the Indigenous peoples of the area. Explore the Marble Chapels by kayak at dawn or by boat.

This is the final day of the tour. After breakfast, travel by minibus to Balmaceda Airport, passing the turquoise waters of General Carrera Lake and enjoying stunning views of Cerro Castillo National Park. Reflect on the unique cycling adventure experienced in the heart of remote Patagonia. It is recommended to book flights departing after 2 pm.