Northern Austral Highway Cycling Tour
Overview
From Puerto Varas to Coyhaique (500 km) – The journey begins in Puerto Montt, crossing estuaries and fjords, connecting you with various locations along the Carretera Austral. This bicycle trip invites you to explore the most spectacular landscapes of the Carretera Austral Norte. Start by navigating the Reloncavi Estuary and the bimodal route, pedaling through national parks, mountains, lakes, rivers, fjords, glaciers, and native forests of the Lakes Region and Aysen.
Visit over 10 locations, including Hornopirén, Chaitén, Villa Santa Lucía, La Junta, Puyuhuapi, Mañihuales, Puerto Aysén, and Coyhaique. In these destinations, stops will be made in hospitality services, combined with adventure activities to learn about the history, traditions, and local culture. This route includes both paved and gravel roads, with significant challenges such as the Moraga and Queulat slopes.
Experience spectacular attractions like Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, with its history of the largest land donation for conservation in the world, ancient larch trees, Yelcho Glacier, Palena River, Risopatrón Lake, and the majestic hanging glacier in Queulat National Park. Enjoy an incredible experience of friendship, multicultural encounters between participants and host communities, and the opportunity to travel sustainably, contributing to local development and fostering personal growth and transformation.
Northern Austral Highway Cycling Tour Overview
From Puerto Varas to Coyhaique (500 km) – The journey begins in Puerto Montt, crossing estuaries and fjords, connecting you with various locations along the Carretera Austral. This bicycle trip invites you to explore the most spectacular landscapes of the Carretera Austral Norte. Start by navigating the Reloncavi Estuary and the bimodal route, pedaling through national parks, mountains, lakes, rivers, fjords, glaciers, and native forests of the Lakes Region and Aysen.
Visit over 10 locations, including Hornopirén, Chaitén, Villa Santa Lucía, La Junta, Puyuhuapi, Mañihuales, Puerto Aysén, and Coyhaique. In these destinations, stops will be made in hospitality services, combined with adventure activities to learn about the history, traditions, and local culture. This route includes both paved and gravel roads, with significant challenges such as the Moraga and Queulat slopes.
Experience spectacular attractions like Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, with its history of the largest land donation for conservation in the world, ancient larch trees, Yelcho Glacier, Palena River, Risopatrón Lake, and the majestic hanging glacier in Queulat National Park. Enjoy an incredible experience of friendship, multicultural encounters between participants and host communities, and the opportunity to travel sustainably, contributing to local development and fostering personal growth and transformation.
Embark on a scenic ferry ride with the Reloncavi Estuary Ferry Crossing, offering stunning views of Chilean Patagonia's fjords.
Discover the wonders of Pumalín Douglas Tompkins and Queulat National Parks, home to ancient forests, awe-inspiring glaciers, and the renowned hanging glacier.
Tackle the demanding Challenging Cycling Routes, including the Moraga and Queulat slopes, for both rewarding views and physical challenges.
Immerse in local communities through Cultural Encounters, experiencing authentic Patagonian culture and delectable cuisine.
Trip map for Northern Austral Highway Cycling Tour
Barbara C.
Amalfi Coast Bicycle Tour
We went through 10Adventures not familiar with them at all, and it was the best decision we ever made!
Allyson K.
Everest Base Camp
Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
Amy D.
XC Skiing in the Dolomites
It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Itinerary for Northern Austral Highway Cycling Tour
Arrival in Puerto Varas
Participants and staff meet at the hostel in Puerto Varas at 3 pm to introduce each other, brief on the bike journey, and check bikes and equipment. This is the opportunity to send luggage to Coyhaique to pick up on the last day of the trip (extra service).
Puerto Varas to Hornopirén
Depart from Puerto Varas in a minibus, traveling along the coast of Puerto Montt to Carretera Austral. Cross the Reloncavi Estuary by ferry to reach Caleta Puelche, then enjoy a lunch in Contao village. Begin the ride through Hualaihué, admiring nature, forests, and coastal views until reaching Hornopirén.
Hornopirén to Chaitén
Embark on a fantastic 5-hour ferry journey along the Bimodal route through majestic fjords of Chilean Patagonia. After a brief ride, take a second ferry to Douglas Tompkins Pumalin National Park in Caleta Gonzalo. Cycle through the evergreen forest, hike the trail of ancient Alerces trees, and continue to Chaitén.
Chaitén to Lago Yelcho
Ride along a paved road through the El Amarillo sector of Pumalin Park, reaching Puerto Cárdenas and the Yelcho suspension bridge. Admire the mouth of the lake and Yelcho Glacier before arriving at the accommodation.
Lago Yelcho to La Junta
Cycle through beautiful scenery surrounded by native forest and views of the Yelcho Glacier. Challenge the Moraga slope, admire the landscape changed by the Villa Santa Lucia alluvium (2017), and continue through the Aysén Region, ending the day in La Junta town.
La Junta to Puyuhuapi
Ride towards Puyuhuapi, bordering the Risopatron river and lake. Enjoy the beauty shaped by Queulat National Park and experience a unique cultural encounter in the town known for its German-influenced architecture.
Puyuhuapi to Queulat National Park and Back
Recover energies for the Queulat slope challenge with a multi-adventure day. Explore Queulat National Park's hanging glacier, hike to the main viewpoint, and navigate the Tempano Lagoon. Option to relax in the hot springs in front of the Puyuhuapi fjord (extra service).
Puyuhuapi to Villa Amengual
Face the Queulat slope, a legendary challenge of the Carretera Austral. Ride through the evergreen forest, appreciate the unique landscape of remote Patagonia at the Queulat pass, and descend towards Cisnes river, reaching the rural village of Amengual.
Villa Amengual to Puerto Aysén
Begin with an uphill ride through Las Torres National Reserve. Enjoy geological sites, rivers, forests, and the Patagonian steppe, observing agricultural fields, Lagoon Esponja, and Colmillo Mount. After lunch, a minibus takes you to Puerto Aysén.
Puerto Aysén to Coyhaique
Experience the most challenging day, starting with a river raft and a ride on the best back road of the journey. Pass through lakes hidden in the mountains, ending in Coyhaique City. Celebrate with a farewell dinner, sharing reflections and learnings from the journey.
Departure from Coyhaique
Tour ends with breakfast included at the accommodation. Accommodation for this day is not included; recommend scheduling your flight after 2 pm.
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
Dates and prices for Northern Austral Highway Cycling Tour
This guided tour is run as a scheduled tour for small mixed group. The prices below are per person.
| Start | Finish | Duration | Places Left | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025-11-05 Puerto Varas 11 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2025-11-15 Coyhaique | 11 | 5+ | $3,200USD | ||
2025-12-02 Puerto Varas 11 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2025-12-12 Coyhaique | 11 | 5+ | $3,200USD | ||
2026-01-05 Puerto Varas 11 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-01-15 Coyhaique | 11 | 5+ | $3,200USD | ||
2026-02-02 Puerto Varas 11 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-02-12 Coyhaique | 11 | 5+ | $3,200USD | ||
2026-03-02 Puerto Varas 11 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-03-12 Coyhaique | 11 | 5+ | $3,200USD |
What’s included for Northern Austral Highway Cycling Tour
Meals
10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 10 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 10 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
The group will travel with a minibus as a vehicle support. Estuary reloncaví ferry, Bimodal route ferry and local transfers to adventure and side multi-activities are included.
Also included
- Staff of guides (Tour leader, driver)
- Equipment & implements
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- Outdoor and camping kitchen implements for picnics and snacks.
- Security and communications: Spine board, orthopedic neck brace, first aid kits, radio transceivers.
- Mechanics: Repo-bike service (spare bike on route in case of serious mechanical issue), tool box, accessories and spare parts
- Adventure-Multi Activities
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- Alerces 1 km trail, Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National
- Hanging glacier 2.5 kms trail & viewpoint in Queulat national park
Not Included
- Early arrival accommodation in Puerto Varas
- International flights
- Transfer from and to the airport
- Alcohol drinks & meals "A la carte"
- Tips for guides
- Bike rental
- Services not specified above
- Some optional activities
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- Bike rental:
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- MTB Cannondale Trail 5 or Gravel Kona Rove Al: $300
- E-bike: $500
Accommodation for Northern Austral Highway Cycling Tour
Spend 4 nights in 3-star hotels or cabins and 6 nights in Bed & Breakfasts. Standard rooms are of double-capacity.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Frequently asked questions for Northern Austral Highway Cycling Tour
How hard is the Northern Austral Highway Cycling Tour?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. This tour ideal for experienced cyclists with good physical condition and training in slopes and long-distance endurance. Covering 500 km with 150 km on gravel and 350 km on pavement, the tour features daily rides of varying lengths, including challenging ascents like the Moraga and Queulat slopes. Cyclists should be prepared for both smooth and uneven terrains, ensuring a rewarding yet demanding adventure through Patagonia's spectacular landscapes.
Do I need a visa to travel to Chile?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Northern Austral Highway Cycling Tour?
10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 10 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your travel insurance.
How do I get to Puerto Montt to start this tour?
The most common way to get to Puerto Montt is by flying to El Tepual Airport (PMC) in Puerto Montt from major Chilean cities such as Santiago (SCL), which has frequent daily flights.
Is the Northern Austral Highway Cycling Tour in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does the Northern Austral Highway Cycling Tour end?
This tour ends in ends in Coyhaique.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are MTB Cannondale Trail 5, Gravel Kona Rove Al. You can also rent an ebike (MTB Giant Talon E+1 or similar).
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a MTB or gravel bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Chile?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Chile?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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