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Carretera Austral: Route Guide

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The gravel Carretera Austral threading Patagonia's peaks
Photo: Rakela · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Drive the northern Carretera Austral from Chaitén through Futaleufú's valleys and Queulat's hanging-glacier landscape to Coyhaique. Five December–March days bring together rainforest, mountain views and forest trails, subject to current access. Arrange arrival in Chaitén and a suitable high-clearance 4WD separately, and check roads and parks before each day. The Marble Caves belong to a longer journey farther south.

Carretera Austral is a 540 km one-way journey (self-drive). It works best as a 5-day trip; the plan below is the 5-day version for January, built from 30 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

5
days
540km
distance
4
Stops
30
curated stops

View ready-made plans 5-day plan · best time to go

The route

Chaitén→ 160 kmFutaleufú→ 160 kmPuyuhuapi→ 220 kmCoyhaique

What you'll see

Volcán Chaitén
View steaming craters and colorful lakes from the caldera edge.
Chaitén
Piedra del Águila viewpoint trail
Follow the Piedra del Águila route for panoramic views toward Tres Monjas and the Espolón River valley, subject to current local conditions.
Futaleufú
Padre García Waterfall
Stand beneath a towering 30-meter jungle waterfall.
Puyuhuapi
Coyhaique National Reserve
Explore well-maintained trails with diverse flora and panoramic city views.
Coyhaique
Parque Pumalín
Explore lush rainforests and ancient Alerce trees on varied trails.
Chaitén
Salto del Cóndor
Feel the mist of a towering 40-metre waterfall in Cuesta del Queulat.
Puyuhuapi
Salvaje Corazon
Discover unique, uncrowded Patagonian locations with tailored experiences.
Coyhaique
Chaitur
Discover tailored tours for fishing, biking, and trekking adventures.
Chaitén

Choose your length

5-day plan15 stops · 16.0 h transit3 stops/day · 3.2 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: December, January, February, March

The supported Patagonian summer window. Check MOP Aysén road status and CONAF park conditions daily, reserve required park entry, and remain prepared for rain, wind and abrupt temperature changes.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

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View ready-made plans