Hidden Highlights of Chile's Carretera Austral

4.9 reviews
1/9
driving carretera austral chilean patagonia

Explore the best of Chile's Carretera Austral in two epic weeks

2/9
estancia gaucho visit chilean patagonia

Meet local people and experience rural culture...

3/9
cerro castillo mountains chilean patagonia

Travel in scenery of unimaginable scale and beauty...

4/9
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Enjoy stunning hikes for all abilities...

5/9
lakeside lodge carretera austral lago general carrera

Stay in special places, like this lakeside lodge...

6/9
driving carretera austral chilean patagonia

Soak in the views as you explore by car...

7/9
guanaco patagonia national park chile

Get close to guanacos, condors and other wildlife...

8/9
chile guadal hotel family

... and be welcomed like family by our local hosts

9/9
driving carretera austral chilean patagonia

See below for more and get in touch for full details

Choose Duration

Deep blue lakes, towering mountains, remote villages and incredible views; the Carretera Austral is a journey for anyone who wants to experience Patagonia's vast swathes of untouched wilderness.

  • Self drive
  • Undiscovered Patagonia
  • Mountains, forests, rivers
  • Lakes, glaciers & more
  • Incredible wildlife
  • Local people & culture
  • Special places to stay
  • Hikes for all abilities
Read Full Itinerary

What's included

Key Inclusions

13 nights hotel accommodation

(enquire for hotel details)

Hire vehicle

Private airport transfers

2 x internal flights

Ferry tickets

All breakfasts

4 x lunches

4 x dinners


Guided Activities

Private Santiago city tour

Private Spanish-speaking mountain guide walk in Cerro Castillo

Private farmstead visit

Private kayak and walk in Patagonia National Park

Private fossil hike


5* Service

We have personally experienced & loved every aspect of this trip

Holiday Guide with advice, background information and recommendations

ABTOT / ATOL Financial protection

Local support throughout

24/7 emergency support

Industry-leading 160% carbon capture

Exclusive departure date


Please note: International travel & fuel for vehicle hire not included.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Santiago de Chile


A warm welcome awaits as you land in Chile's thriving capital. Head out with your guide to explore on foot, walking as much or as little as you like. Being downtown means you are close to Santiago's best restaurants, so you'll have no trouble finding somewhere special for dinner.

Day 2

Fly south to Patagonia


Day 3

Hike in Cerro Castillo with your private guide


Day 4

Cross Chile's biggest lake


Day 5

Walk in ancient lunar landscapes


Day 6

Enjoy stunning views on the Carretera Austral


Day 7

Experience life on a Patagonian estancia


Day 8

Kayak one of the world's clearest rivers


Day 9

Settle into your lakeside haven


Day 10

Enjoy a hike of forests, fossils and mountain views


Memorable moments you can look forward to...

Chile cochrane tamango kayak walk chris bladon pura aventura 6

Kayak...

On a crystal-clear river

Chile cerro castillo patagonia house chris bladon pura aventura 1

Hike...

In amazing mountain scenery

Chile puerto sanchez yerba mate chris bladon pura aventura

Drink...

Yerba maté like a local

Chile patagonia carretera austral futaleufu tineo lodge condor

Watch...

Condors, guanacos & more

Chile patagonia national park chacabuco chris bladon pura aventura 4

Seek out...

The rare huemul deer

Chile cochrane sebastian estancia chris bladon pura aventura 8

Spend a day...

On a traditional estancia ranch

Chile puerto guadal chris bladon pura aventura 8

Discover...

Secret views & waterfalls

Chile patagonia carretera austral gaucho riding along road lago carrera

Meet...

Chile's friendly locals

Chile patagonia carretera austral exploradores valley jeep c jeremy head

Drive...

On gloriously scenic roads

Lago General Carrera

Cross...

Chile's largest lake

Frequently Asked Questions

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Your Pura Aventura holidays

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Exceptional Holidays

Best-in-class holidays & service - is what our clients say they love about our trips, as noted in the highest possible 5* Feefo Platinum Award.

ATOL and ABTOT protected.

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Travel Positive

Travelling with one of the first UK travel companies to be certified B Corp means your holiday, according to Which?, meets "the highest standards of social and environmental performance".

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Beautifully Local

Holidays away from the crowds, crafted to give you a more authentic, local experience. Small-scale accommodation, exceptional guides & in-depth local knowledge.