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Carretera Austral: 5-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive

Last updated: 2026-09-02

The 5-day version for January: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 5-day plan · best time to go.

Use this plan → Customize this plan →

days

540 km

distance

16.0 h

driving

curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

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.
Light day: day 2 has one stop and time left over. Local tours and day trips are the way to fill it — each day links to what is bookable in its own town.

Day 1 Chaitén

4 curated stops

Transit: 2h59
Finish: ~17:20
Temperature: 6.5°C–15.3°C
Rainy days: ~14
Daylight: 14.8h

09:00

Museo de Sitio search map ↗

See preserved houses that survived the 2008 eruption.

50 min · Chaitén · free

10:30

Volcán Chaitén read more map ↗

View steaming craters and colorful lakes from the caldera edge.

90 min · Chaitén

13:05

Parque Pumalín search map ↗

Explore lush rainforests and ancient Alerce trees on varied trails.

90 min · Chaitén

15:50

Lago Yelcho read more map ↗

90 min · Chaitén

Overnight here

e.g. Tierra Viva · Yelcho en la Patagonia

Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 2 Futaleufú

1 curated stops

Transit: 3h01
Finish: ~12:55
Temperature: 4.9°C–16.6°C
Rainy days: ~11
Daylight: 14.9h

12:05

Piedra del Águila viewpoint trail chile.travel map ↗

Follow the Piedra del Águila route for panoramic views toward Tres Monjas and the Espolón River valley, subject to current local conditions.

50 min · Futaleufú

Time to spare on this day

One stop and a free afternoon. We don't book activities, but these partners do.

Tours & day trips here →

Overnight here

e.g. Hostal Frontera · Camping Laguna Espejo

Find a stay →

Day 3 Puyuhuapi

4 curated stops

Transit: 4h49
Finish: ~17:15
Temperature: 5.9°C–14.1°C
Rainy days: ~14
Daylight: 15.0h

12:15

Ventisquero Colgante search map ↗

See an ice mass dramatically hanging from the mountain.

50 min · Puyuhuapi

14:10

Padre García Waterfall search map ↗

Stand beneath a towering 30-meter jungle waterfall.

50 min · Puyuhuapi

15:25

Bosque Encantado search map ↗

Wander through an enchanting rustic forest to a serene glacier lagoon.

50 min · Puyuhuapi · , in addition to the park fee; bag drop for

16:25

Salto del Cóndor search map ↗

Feel the mist of a towering 40-metre waterfall in Cuesta del Queulat.

50 min · Puyuhuapi

Overnight here

e.g. Camping PN Quelat

Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 4 Around Puyuhuapi

3 curated stops

Transit: 1h27
Finish: ~13:00
Temperature: 5.9°C–14.1°C
Rainy days: ~14
Daylight: 15.0h

09:00

Lago Risopatrón search map ↗

Marvel at the long, narrow lake with a striking midpoint.

50 min · Puyuhuapi

11:05

Piedra del Gato search map ↗

Marvel at a dramatic rocky crag cascading over the Cisnes River.

50 min · Puyuhuapi

12:10

Queulat Portezuelo search

Wander through an area encircled by untouched wildflowers.

50 min · Puyuhuapi

Overnight here

e.g. Camping PN Quelat

Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 5 Coyhaique

2 curated stops

Transit: 3h43
Finish: ~16:50
Temperature: 4.5°C–15.2°C
Rainy days: ~7
Daylight: 15.1h

12:35

Coyhaique National Reserve conaf.cl read more map ↗

Explore well-maintained trails with diverse flora and panoramic city views.

90 min · Coyhaique · 3,000 pesos

14:20

Salvaje Corazon salvajecorazon.com

Discover unique, uncrowded Patagonian locations with tailored experiences.

90 min · Coyhaique

15:50

Casino de Bomberos search

Savor affordable, hearty Chilean dishes in a charming fire station.

60 min · Coyhaique

🚗 Rental cars for this trip →

🔍 Check before you book

Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

Use this plan → Change month, pace or interests →