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.

Set out early with your bike for a scenic ferry journey along the Bimodal Route. The first crossing takes 3.5 hours, travelling through the fjords of Chilean Patagonia with views of the Andes. After a 10 km transfer, board a second ferry for the 45-minute journey to Caleta Gonzalo in Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, which formed part of the world’s largest private land donation for conservation.

Cycle through evergreen forest and hike a trail among ancient Alerce trees before continuing along gravel roads past lakes, hills, and remote Patagonian scenery. The day ends in Chaitén, with views of Corcovado Volcano and the active Chaitén Volcano.

Enjoy one of the gentler sections of the tour as you cycle along a mostly flat, paved route with minimal climbing. Ride through mountain scenery towards the El Amarillo sector of Pumalín National Park before continuing to Puerto Cárdenas and the Yelcho suspension bridge. From here, admire views across the mouth of Yelcho Lake towards the glacier of the same name, then follow the lakeshore to your accommodation.

Begin your ride surrounded by native forest and views of the Yelcho Glacier. Tackle the climb to Moraga Pass before descending towards Villa Santa Lucía, where you’ll see the lasting impact of the devastating 2017 landslide that transformed the town and surrounding landscape. Continue along paved roads beside the Frío and Palena rivers, crossing into the Aysén Region. After a picnic in Villa Vanguardia, complete this long day of cycling in La Junta.

Continue cycling towards Puyuhuapi, following the Risopatrón River and lake through landscapes shaped by Queulat National Park. Arrive in Puyuhuapi, a town known for its carpet factory and German-influenced architecture. After several long days of cycling, spend the afternoon resting and enjoying the hot springs at Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa.

Spend the day exploring Queulat National Park while recharging for the following day’s challenging climb. Hike 2.5 km along the trails to a viewpoint overlooking the park’s famous Hanging Glacier, then take a boat trip across Témpano Lagoon for a closer perspective of the glacier. Afterwards, travel by minibus to Muelle Austral and cross the fjord to Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa, where you can relax in the hot springs and enjoy the lodge’s cuisine.

Begin your ride at the Hanging Glacier viewpoint on Route 7 before tackling the Queulat climb, one of the Carretera Austral’s signature challenges. Follow the gravel road through evergreen forest, with views of glaciers and fjords accompanying the demanding ascent around 33 curves to Queulat Pass. From the pass, descend on paved roads alongside the Cisnes River to Villa Amengual, where you’ll transfer to Puerto Aysén.

Prepare for one of the most challenging yet rewarding rides of the tour. Begin with a river crossing by traditional raft to reach a quiet backroad surrounded by nature and free from busy traffic. Follow the rural route past secluded mountain lakes before arriving in Coyhaique, the regional capital of Patagonia.

Begin the southern section of the route on paved roads, cycling across the flatlands near the area known as the Chinese Wall. Pass through El Blanco as the countryside around Coyhaique gives way to Patagonian steppe and striking rock formations. After the junction of Route 7 and the road to Balmaceda, climb gradually towards Laguna Chiguay, where you’ll stop for a picnic lunch.

Continue through Cerro Castillo National Park to the pass, the highest point on the Carretera Austral. From there, descend the challenging Devil’s Slope, stopping at viewpoints overlooking the Ibáñez River before arriving in Cerro Castillo Village.

Spend the day trekking to Cerro Castillo’s turquoise lagoon and glacier, surrounded by dramatic Patagonian mountain scenery. Along the route, enjoy panoramic views over the Ibáñez River and its valley.

Take a scenic transfer to San Sebastián, passing viewpoints overlooking the Ibáñez River and the Dead Forest. From there, cycle beside glacial rivers through the peaceful Murta Valley and along the turquoise shores of General Carrera Lake, also known by its ancestral name, Chelenko. Continue beneath towering Patagonian peaks, tackling the iconic El Belga climb before descending to the lakeside village of Puerto Río Tranquilo.

Begin the final day with a sunrise kayaking excursion at the Marble Chapels, followed by breakfast. Then travel by minibus to Balmaceda Airport, following the turquoise waters of General Carrera Lake and enjoying views of Cerro Castillo National Park along the way. Flights departing after 2:00 p.m. are recommended.