Carretera Austral Fundamental – Patagonia on a Round Trip in 3 Weeks

Chile's heart beats here in Santiago. And at the same time, it feels a bit like what gave this country its name according to a legend: Chilli – where the world ends. You visit the historical center of the capital. On the city hills you enjoy fantastic panoramas of the metropolis. And you visit the beautiful Andean nature of the Maipo Valley. You are not far away from Santiago, but you experience a completely different landscape in a wonderful atmosphere.

You travel to Puerto Natales in the extreme south of the country, the starting point to one of the most important sights of the continent: the famous Torres del Paine National Park. Discover the highlights of the Nature Reserve with its turquoise lakes, mountain landscapes and ice fields. And you cruise by boat on Patagonian fjords to the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. It is rough out here and enchanting.

You continue your journey to Punta Arenas, one of the southernmost cities on earth. This is where the American continent ends and this is how it feels. You cross the famous Strait of Magellan and observe the amusing hustle and bustle of the local penguin colonies. Enjoy the rough landscape of the historic Tierra del Fuego and the special flair of Patagonia.

You pick up your rental car near Puerto Varas. The city has its very own magic with its panorama of the beautiful Llanquihue Lake and the snow-covered volcanoes. Watch the endless rupture of the waterfalls of Petrohué. On the adjoining Lago Todos los Santos, you take a pleasant boat trip. And you experience the island of Chiloé with its waterside houses on stilts, the typical wooden churches and the maritime gastronomy.

On your way from Puerto Varas to Hornopirén you enter through the northern gate of the notorious Carretera Austral road. You cross dense forests with Alerce trees that are up to 3.600 years old, pass abandoned settlements and National Parks that invite you to take short hikes. Finally, you stop in the small village on the Gulf of Ancud.

After your ferry ride from Hornopirén to Caleta Gonzalo you drive through the enormous Pumalin Nature Reserve. The magnificent park is characterized by its quaint vegetation, mountain landscapes and waters. You arrive in the harbor town of Chaitén, which is marked by the devastating volcanic eruption in 2008. Surrounded by forests, green hills, volcanoes and the ocean, this is your stopover.

On your route of today is the Yelcho Glacier Lake, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Chile with its colorfulness and the snow-covered mountains surrounding it. On the border with Argentina, the town of Futaleufú welcomes you with its clear rivers and lakes, inviting water sports enthusiasts and anglers from all over the world.

With its breathtaking nature, its solitude and its harmony, your next destination Puyuhuapi is symbolic for the unique ambience of the Carretera Austral. On the fjord shore nearby Puyuhuapi, you can visit the hot thermal baths or devote yourself to the Queulat National Park and contemplate the spectacular Hanging Glacier Ventisquero Colgante.

You say goodbye to the tranquil Puyuhuapi and cross the magnificent landscape of Northern Patagonia further south. Finally, you reach Coyhaique, the capital of the region surrounded by rocky mountains, wide fields and green nature. Here you can recharge your batteries after the past days in the seclusion of the Carretera Austral and enjoy the benefits of urbanized life.

Back to central Chile, you stay in Valparaíso. The port city is famous for its colorful sheet metal covered houses, its historic elevators and the outstanding street art full of political and ironic messages. You stroll through the alleys of the UNESCO awarded hills and get an impression of Chilean food culture during an entertaining cooking class. Taste excellent wine in the Casablanca Valley and enjoy the peace of the fishing village of Quintay surrounded by pine forests.

• Individual travel planning, organization and advice

• 20 nights in standard, comfort or premium accommodation
• Double room usually with private bathroom and breakfast

• 3 national flights
• 7 transfer connections
• Rental car (see below)

• Rental car for 9 days (SUV)
• Car type: Nissan Kicks or similar
• Pick up: Puerto Montt (Airport)
• Drop off: Balmaceda (Airport)
• Kilometers: free
• 2nd driver: incl.
• Border crossing: excl.
• Insurance: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with basic protection against damage and theft without deductible (via refund)

• City tour Santiago (private)
• Cajón de Maipo and Embalse El Yeso (shared)
• Highlights Torres del Paine (shared)
  
• Boat trip to Glaciers Balmaceda and Serrano (shared)
  
• Tierra del Fuego and King Penguins (shared)
  
• Cooking class in Valparaíso (shared)
• City tour Valparaíso (private)
  
• Quintay and winery at Casablanca (private)
  

• Intercontinental flights
• Travel insurance
• Language course
• Other travel services

Add individual travel services to your journey. For example: