Cycle Tour Chile: Southern Austral Road

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Stage 1: The Departure

   At 3 pm, participants and staff will gather at the accommodation in Coyhaique for introductions, a briefing on the bike journey, and a thorough check of bikes and equipment. If you need to store luggage in Coyhaique or send it to a southern town for further travel in Patagonia to El Chaltén or Torres del Paine National Park, please inform us (additional service).

   • Accommodation in Coyhaique
   • Dinner
2. Day 2Stage 2: The Bike Journey

   Our first stretch will be on a paved road of the Southern Way, riding along the flatlands known as the Chinese Wall, where the countryside of Coyhaique unfolds. We'll pass through the town of El Blanco, surrounded by the stunning landscape of Patagonian steppe and rock formations. After the junction of Route 7 and Balmaceda, the road gradually ascends to Laguna Chiguay, an ideal spot for a picnic lunch. We then continue riding through the breathtaking Cerro Castillo National Park, reaching its pass, the highest point of the Carretera Austral. The descent, known as the "Devil's Slope," begins here, offering views of the Ibañez River and leading us to Cerro Castillo Village.

   Type of road: asphalt
   

   • 57.8 miles
   • Accommodation in Villa Cerro Castillo
   • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
3. Day 3Villa Cerro Castillo - Puerto Tranquilo/Murta Valley

   Fifteen kilometers from Villa Cerro Castillo, the asphalt ends, and we begin a challenging stretch of loose gravel and corrugated road. Along the route, we'll see various attractions, such as the Green Lagoon and the Dead Forest in the Ibañez River, a landscape shaped by the 1991 eruption of the Hudson Volcano. The ride is supported by a minibus as we approach the Murta Valley and ride next to the turquoise waters of General Carrera Lake, the second-largest lake in South America. The day concludes in the cozy town of Puerto Tranquilo.

   January Itinerary
   Villa Cerro Castillo - Murta Valley (83km)
   About 15 km after Villa Cerro Castillo, you'll find the end of the asphalt road, marking the start of a challenging route with loose gravel and a corrugated surface. Along the way, you'll have the chance to explore various attractions, like the Green Lagoon and the Dead Forest along the Ibañez River, shaped by the ashes from the Hudson Volcano eruption in 1991. The ride concludes as you reach Murta Valley, where a pioneer family runs a camping site. Here, amidst the serene Patagonian countryside, they'll prepare a dinner sourced from their orchard, providing a peaceful end to your journey. Accommodations for the night will be camping.
   

   • 51.6 miles
   • Accommodation in Puerto Tranquilo/Murta Valley
   • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
4. Day 4Puerto Tranquilo - Puerto Bertrand (January Itinerary Only: Murta Valley – Puerto Tranquilo)

   Early in the morning, you have the option to go kayaking or take a motorboat trip to the Marble Chapels (available as an extra service). You begin your journey along the lake known as Chelenko in the Indigenous dialect. In the distance, you can admire valleys and glaciers descending from the Campos de Hielo Norte ("the Northern Ice Field"). Your route will take you to the General Carrera hanging bridge, where Bertrand Lake forms and flows into the renowned Baker River. The road continues through the junction between Puerto Guadal and Chile Chico, leading to the Carretera Austral, which features continuous climbs and descents, ultimately reaching the picturesque town of Puerto Bertrand.

   Type of road: Loose gravel
   

   January Itinerary
   Murta Valley - Puerto Tranquilo 42km
   With steep climbs and loose gravel roads, you'll traverse a landscape shaped by native forests and areas with planted forests. Following the Murta River, you'll reach the General Carrera Lake and experience the unique thrill of riding next to the turquoise waters of the second largest lake in South America. Your day concludes in the cozy town of Puerto Tranquilo where the night will be spent camping.

   Type of road: asphalt & mainly loose gravel
   

   • 45.4 miles
   • Accommodation in Puerto Bertrand/Puerto Tranquilo
   • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks

   • 

     Marble Chapels

     Have fun on and off the bike with a variety of other activities to do

5. Day 5Puerto Bertrand - Cochrane (January Itinerary Only: Puerto Tranquilo – Puerto Bertrand)

   Continuing along the Southern Way, you'll follow the Baker River through a Patagonian steppe landscape where trees give way to grasslands amidst winding mountains. You'll stop for a hike at the "confluence of the Baker and Nef rivers," where you can admire the impressive flow descending from the depths of the Northern Ice Field. The journey continues past Patagonia National Park, founded by The North Face owner Douglas Tompkins, who made the largest donation of conservation lands in the world to the Chilean government. Here, you might observe wildlife such as guanacos (of the Camelidae family) and other native species until you reach Cochrane.

   Type of road: gravel
   

   January Itinerary
   Puerto Tranquilo - Puerto Bertrand (71km)
   An early morning kayaking trip to the Marble Chapels is available as an extra service. You'll begin your ride along the lake known as Chelenko in the Indigenous dialect. In the distance, you can admire valleys and glaciers descending from the Northern Ice Field. You'll then arrive at the General Carrera hanging bridge, where Bertrand Lake forms and flows into the renowned Baker River. The road continues through the junction between Puerto Guadal and Chile Chico, following the Carretera Austral with its continuous climbs and slopes, eventually reaching the beautiful townscape of Puerto Bertrand. Accommodations will be in cabins.
   

   Type of road: loose gravel
   

   • 31.7 miles
   • Accommodation in Cochrane/Puerto Bertrand
   • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
6. Day 6Cochrane - Los Nadis/Cochrane (January Itinerary Only: Puerto Bertrand - Cochrane)

   Your initial ride begins on a paved road, transitioning to a gravel surface as you enjoy views of the Emerald, Juncal, and Chacabuco lakes amidst Patagonian steppe fields. You'll also have the chance to admire Mount San Lorenzo. Continuing through a landscape of native forests, you'll descend Los Ñadis hill, entering one of Patagonia's best-kept secrets. In this unique valley, you'll share the experience with pioneering craftsmen who will host and prepare a special Patagonian BBQ featuring lamb on a spit with vegetables. Transportation by minibus will be available to take you to suitable accommodations.

   Type of road: asphalt & gravel
   

   January Itinerary
   Puerto Bertrand - Cochrane (41km)
   Continuing along the Southern Way, you'll follow the Baker River through a Patagonian steppe landscape where trees give way to grasslands amidst winding mountains. You'll stop for a hike at the confluence of the Baker and Nef Rivers, admiring the impressive flow from the Northern Ice Field. The journey passes Patagonia National Park, founded by The North Face owner Douglas Tompkins, who made the world's largest conservation land donation to the Chilean government. Here, you might observe wildlife such as guanacos and other native species before reaching Cochrane.

   Type of road: Gravel
   
   

   • 31.1 miles
   • Accommodation in Los Nadis/Cochrane
   • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
7. Day 7Los Nadis/Cochrane – Caleta Tortel (January Itinerary Only: Cochrane - Los Nadis)

   By minibus, the first section of the journey will be shortened to reach Los Ñadis, where you'll continue by bike through native forests, wetlands, and peatlands. Did you know that a recent study by National Geographic and Rewilding Chile found that Patagonian forests can store three times more CO2 per hectare than those in the Amazon? From this area, you'll witness the transition from Patagonian steppe to evergreen forest until you reach the picturesque town of Caleta Tortel, certified as one of the Best Tourism Villages by the UNWTO. Famous for its footbridges made of Guaitecas cypress trees, which connect houses with the civic center and public services, you'll hike around this unique town before starting your return to Coyhaique.

   Type of road: asphalt
   
   *You can extend this route by taking a ferry to Puerto Natales to hike Torres del Paine W or continue to Argentina's El Chaltén via the Laguna del Desierto Crossing.*

   January Itinerary
   Cochrane – Los Nadis (50km)
   The ride begins on a paved road and transitions to a gravel surface, offering views of the Emerald, Juncal, and Chacabuco lakes amidst Patagonian steppe fields, with a chance to admire Mount San Lorenzo. You'll then continue through native forests, descending Los Ñadis hill into one of Patagonia's best-kept secrets. In this unique valley, you'll meet pioneering craftsmen who will host and prepare a special Patagonian BBQ featuring lamb on a spit and vegetables from local orchards. You will be camping tonight.
   

   • 51.6 miles
   • Accommodation in Caleta Tortel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
8. Day 8Caleta Tortel - Bahia Catalina (January Itinerary Only: Los Nadis – Caleta Tortel)

   On this day, you'll load your bikes and luggage onto the minibus and begin the return journey to Bahia Catalina, covering 295 kilometers. Your accommodations by General Carrera Lake will provide a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Patagonia's natural beauty through sightseeing, entertainment, and educational experiences. The day will end with a delightful dinner, offering a unique view, shared with your group.

   January Itinerary
   Los Nadis – Caleta Tortel (85km)
   

   In this part of your journey, you'll continue through native forests, wetlands, and peatlands. It's fascinating to note that a recent study from National Geographic and Rewilding Chile reveals that Patagonian forests can store three times more CO2 per hectare than those in the Amazon. As you travel, you'll witness the transition from the Patagonian steppe to evergreen forest until you reach the picturesque village of Caleta Tortel. This village is certified as one of the Best Tourism Villages by the UNWTO and is famous for its footbridges made of Guaitecas cypress trees, which connect houses with the town's civic center and public services. You'll have the opportunity to explore this unique town on foot during your hike and spend the night in a hostel.

   Type of road: asphalt
   

   • Accommodation in Bahia Catalina
   • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
9. Day 9Stage 3: The Return & Integration of the Experience (January Itinerary Only: Caleta Tortel - Rio Bravo)

   This morning, your team will continue the journey back towards Villa Cerro Castillo (170 km), concluding your Patagonian adventure with optional activities that offer memorable experiences. You can opt to hike up to the Lagoon in front of Castle Mountain (extra service) in the National Park or take the scenic Las Ardillas backroad, enjoying waterfalls and gravel roads amidst the Patagonian landscape. The day will conclude with a farewell dinner, providing an opportunity to share camaraderie, reflect on the journey, and discuss the personal insights and lessons gained from this experience. Accommodations for the night will be in cabins.
   

   Type of road: gravel

   January Itinerary
   Caleta Tortel - Rio Bravo (65kms)

   From Tortel's municipal car park, you'll be transported by minibus along with all your equipment to Yungay pier for a ferry crossing at Mitchel Fjord. Starting at Bravo River, your journey unfolds through the unique landscapes of the most remote stretch of the Carretera Austral route in Patagonia. Along the way, you'll pass small rural farms and witness the pioneering work of the area's settlers. There will be opportunities for wildlife observation amidst the abundant flora and fauna, travelling a road that offers stunning natural scenery and viewpoints amidst the Andes Mountains, with beautiful waterfalls cascading from the glaciers. The day concludes at a rural camping accommodation.

   Type of road: gravel
   

   • 31.1 miles
   • Accommodation in Cerro Castillo
   • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
10. Day 10Departure (January Itinerary Only: Rio Bravo - Villa O'Higgins)

    The tour concludes with a journey back to Coyhaique, where participants will be dropped off at Balmaceda Airport. It's recommended to schedule flights for after 2 pm. It's also possible to return to Coyhaique.

    January Itinerary
    Rio Bravo - Villa O'Higgins (65km)

    The final leg of our journey towards the southernmost point of the Southern Way begins by passing Vargas and Swans Lakes, leading us to Villa O'Higgins town. After reaching the village, there's an opportunity to continue 7 kilometers further to capture a photo at the famous sign marking the end of the Austral Road at Bahamondes Bay on Lake O'Higgins. This evening, you can explore the town and optionally hike up Santiago Hill for a panoramic view of the area. Accommodations for tonight will be in a hostel.
    
    *You can extend this route by taking a ferry to Puerto Natales for the Torres del Paine W hike or continue to El Chaltén in Argentina via the Laguna del Desierto Crossing.*

    Type of road: gravel
    

    • Breakfast
11. Day 11January Itinerary Only: Villa O'Higgins - Bahia Catalina

    Stage 3: The Return & Integration of the Experience
    
    On this day, you'll load your bikes and luggage onto the minibus as we begin our journey back towards Bahia Catalina (295 km). We'll stay in comfortable cabins by General Carrera Lake, where you can immerse yourself in Patagonia's natural beauty through sightseeing, entertainment, and educational interpretations with the group. The day will conclude with a delightful dinner, offering a unique view of the surroundings.
    

    • Accommodation in Bahia Catalina
    • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
12. Day 12January Itinerary Only: Bahia Catalina - Cerro Castillo

    This morning, the team continues the journey back towards Villa Cerro Castillo (170 km), embarking on the last memorable adventures in Patagonia. Optional activities include hiking to the Lagoon in front of Castle Mountain (extra service) in the National Park or riding the Las Ardillas backroad to admire waterfalls and gravel roads amidst the Patagonian landscape. Accommodation in comfortable cabins awaits you for the night, and the day concludes with a heartfelt farewell dinner. This provides an opportunity to share friendships, reflect on the journey, and discuss the personal insights and lessons gained for personal development.
    

    • 31.1 miles
    • Accommodation in Cerro Castillo
    • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
13. Day 13January Itinerary Only: Departure

    The tour concludes with a return journey to Coyhaique, where participants will be dropped off at Balmaceda Airport. It's recommended to schedule flights for after 2 pm. Alternatively, participants can return to Coyhaique (accommodation not included).
    

    • Breakfast