Our trip starts in Puerto Montt and along the way we have to make some ferry transfers through the channels that exist in the area. If adventure calls you and you dare to go overland in the northern Chilean Patagonia, here are some ideas for you to plan your trip:
1.- Always start well stocked: The first recommendation is to carry enough fuel. Although the Carretera Austral is in good conditions for driving, food and fuel services are far away, so it is very important to have a reserve of fuel and replenish it whenever possible. The same applies to food, water and first aid items in case of an emergency. The route from this moment on is bimodal, that is to say, it combines trips by car or bus by land with transfers in boats such as ferries. Although it may seem incredible, there are many places where a normal car can reach without any inconvenience. Take your supplies and enjoy the adventure.
2.- Traveling the first stretch: The first stretch of the Carretera Austral is from Puerto Montt to Hornopirén. After an hour, it is necessary to take a ferry from La Arena creek to Puelche creek. From there the road continues to Hornopirén. If you go by bus, the route is across the Seno de Reloncaví until you reach Hornopirén.
2.- Pumalín Park: This is a must if you are on this trip. You cannot miss the chance to visit the Alerces Trail and discover these millenary giants. The trail is suitable for all types of people and is signposted with interesting information about the alerce trees. While there you can find a tree that is more than 3000 years old. Not to be missed. To get there you must take a ferry from Hornopirén to Caleta Gonzalo, where the entrance to
Pumalín Park is located.
Lake Yelcho: It is another nearby attraction worth visiting and is located in the town of Futaleufú. World famous for being ideal for sport fishing of rainbow trout and salmon, it has a wonderful glacier environment, with mountains and native forest. To get there it is necessary to leave from Pumalín to Chaitén, and then continue to Puerto Cárdenas. From there the Carretera Austral runs along its northwestern shore, allowing you to cross through a wonderful suspension bridge.
Queulat National Park: 180 kilometers south of Chaitén is the impressive Queulat National Park, which is characterized by still having areas of virgin and unexplored nature. Undoubtedly, its main attraction is the Ventisquero Colgante, but there are also beautiful trails to hike such as the Sendero Bosque Encantado and Portezuelo Queulat, as well as the lagoons El Puma and Lago Risopatrón. It is recommended to bring a sturdy tent for those who want to stay in the camping area, or continue on the road and find lodging in Puyuhuapi.
Puyuhuapi: This beautiful town is located approximately 25 kilometers away from Queulat National Park. It has beautiful wooden architecture and lodging options. It is also known for its wool handicrafts. If you want a more luxurious rest, you can take a ferry and cross to the
Puyuhuapi Hot Springs, where you can relax in medicinal waters and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Coyhaique: Following the Carretera Austral 220 kilometers to the south, you will arrive in
Coyhaique, the starting point of the XI Region of Aysén. From here you can visit various destinations such as the Simpson River National Reserve and the Coyhaique National Reserve.
Another alternative is to travel 220 kilometers further south to Puerto Tranquilo and from there sail to the impressive Marble Cathedrals on Lake General Carrera or "Chelenko". This is also the starting point for all excursions to the northern Ice Fields and navigation to Laguna San Rafael.
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