Patagonia Scenic Driving

Your 1000-kilometre journey begins today after arriving at Balmaceda Airport in Coyhaique and picking up your vehicle. Try to take an early flight to give yourself lots of time to drive 95 kilometres to Puerto Ibañez and cross General Carrera Lake by ferry to arrive at Chile Chico.

The Jeinimeni Gate of Patagonia National Park has gorgeous scenery, strange volcanic rock formations, and Jeinimeni Lake. There are many trails and picnic sites to have lunch in the park if you feel like hiking around.

Ask while booking about options to camp nearby instead of returning to town, or finish the loop back to your hotel in Chile Chico.

The route from Chile Chico to Los Antiguos in Argentina was once a footpath of the native peoples and pioneers passing through Patagonia. You'll see endless plateaus and mountain ranges, the blues of General Carrera Lake, and amazing views from 1500 metres above sea level.

On the way to Cañadon las Pinturas, be sure to make a stop at the Portal La Ascensión, a traditional ranch that overlooks Lake Buenos Aires. You can explore the ranch and walk its many trails to see pleasant pastoral scenery and watch for local wildlife.

From the ranch, continue on Route 40 to arrive at Cañadon las Pinturas for the night.

Today, you'll explore the otherworldly canyon of the Cañadon las Pinturas and its beautiful trails. The Bajada de los Toldos is the recommended walking route, which takes you towards the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cueva de Las Manos. At the site, you can pay for a guided tour of the incredible prehistoric cave paintings.

Skirting around the edge of Patagonia National Park, you'll drive Route 40 and continue onto Route 39 to reach Lago Posadas. On the way, you can stop at the small post town of Bajo Caracoles for lunch.

You continue driving to Lago Posadas, a town perched on the lake, with breathtaking scenery and lots of tourist services.

Spend the day getting acquainted with Lago Posadas. Though the town may be small, there are many experiences to choose from, like horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking.

Check out the scenic waterfront at Lake Posadas or have a picnic at Lake Pueyrredon. Those interested in history should not miss the Cerro de los Indios mountains, full of cave paintings and rock carvings.

It's a long drive today on Route 41 to Cochrane, passing several important border gates on the way. Admire the striking hills, volcanic rocks, and lakes, then stretch your legs by crossing the pedestrian bridges hanging over rushing rivers.

At Gate Valle Chacabuco, you can stop to see a traditional ranch before arriving in the town of Cochrane.

From Cochrane, you head north to Valle Chacabuco for some incredible hiking, starting from Portal Chacabuco or from Portal Casa Piedra. Many routes are available, depending on how much or how little you want to do. Enjoy the uninterrupted views of lush valleys and emerald blue lakes along the way.

Leaving Cochrane, you drive north on Route 7 towards Puerto Tranquilo. One of the most famous sights in Puerto Tranquilo is the Marble Chapels, where limestone walls have been sculpted by time, water, and wind to create unique blue and grey swirling caves.

Take a boat trip to see the Marble Chapels up close, or you can kayak if you’re feeling adventurous.

Today is the longest drive of your journey, clocking 200 kilometres from Puerto Tranquilo back to Balmaceda Airport in Coyhaique. It's been an incredible tour with 600 kilometres of stunning scenery, languid lakes, towering mountains, and archaeological treasures.

Drop your car off with a happy heart and camera full of memories.