Do not go to Carretera Austral without knowing this

If you have already decided that your next trip is going to be the Carretera Austral in Chile, we will show you where it starts, how to travel around, its unmissable places and all the information that you should know.

The Carrera Austral, known as the most beautiful scenic route in the world, is a highway located in the south of Chile. It starts in the district of Puerto Montt and 1,247 kilometers later, there is a glacier bed near Villa O’Higgins.

It is ideal to hire a vehicle and start your dreamful road trip in Chile. You will love its forest, fauna, reserves, glaciers and national parks!

Where does it begin and how do I get to the Carretera Austral?

The Carretera Austral begins in Puerto Montt, a city where you can arrive by airplane, taking the flight that goes from Santiago to El Tepual airport.

However, the real starting point for the Carretera Austral is Hornopirén, which is less than three hours by land from Puerto Montt airport. Some of its unmissable places are Rio Blanco waterfall, Hornopirén National Park and El Manzano cove.

The Carrera Austral has forests, glaciers and national parks. Photo: Sernatur audiovisual bank.

Unmissable places on the Carretera Austral

The the Carretera Austral is known around the world for its unique beauty, and because it will always show you something new. Whether it’s a small town that you have never heard of, a different landscape or the people you meet on the way, you will love everything.

Anyhow, there are some destinations considered as “unmissables” by the most experienced travelers. Get to know them!

• Pumalín National Park
• Ventisquero hot springs
• Ventisquero Colgante
• Marble Caves

The Marble Caves are an unmissable part of the Carretera Austral in Chile. Photo: Sernatur audiovisual bank.

Carretera Austral map

If you have already made up your mind to travelon the Carretera Austral from north to south and to have unique adventures, you have to consider that there are different entry points and ways to move around.

You can move around by vehicle, bicycle or ferry!