Travel guide: 5 must-see destinations on the Carretera Austral

Visit the destinations on the Carretera Austral (Austral Highway) and discover why it is one of the most beautiful routes in the world. Don’t know how to start or where to stay? Here you have a travel guide including 5 must-see locations.

Ruta 7 or Carretera Austral starts in the south of the Los Lagos Region and crosses the entire Aysén Region. To get there, you can take a plane to El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt and move south, or arrive directly at Balmaceda Airport, one hour from Coyhaique.

Remember to always prefer services registered with Sernatur, which you can check at the following link.

Check the requirements to visit Chile here.

Travel guide: 5 must-see destinations on the Carretera Austral

Futaleufú

Photo: Sernatur Audiovisual Bank

Futaleufú is a mandatory stop for any kind of trip on the Carretera Austral. A town known for its crystal-clear waters and its ideal rapids to do rafting, kayak and other water sports. Its name means “Big River” in Mapudungun.

Among its unmissable locations there is the Tronador Lagoon and the Piedra del Águila (Stone of the Eagle), which has an incredible panoramic view. Moreover, just two hours away we have Pumalín National Park, beautiful Valdivian forest surroundings and where nature reveals itself in the purest way.

How do I get to Futaleufú?

From Puerto Montt you must travel south 390 km by bus or in a vehicle along the Carretera Austral. We recommend stopping off in other amazing places like Hornopirén and Chaitén.

Where can I stay in Futaleufú?

Futaleufú has a wide variety of tourist accommodation at different prices. Learn more at www.futaleufu.cl/turismo 

Queulat National Park

Photo: Sernatur Audiovisual Bank

A place of unbeatable beauty, the Queulat National Park is impressive. We have the Hanging Snowdrift here, an enormous glacier that serves up a show when it falls off, causing a waterfall that falls into the valley.

One of its most famous routes is the Enchanted Forest, which will make you feel you are inside a tale of fantasy. Moreover, in its rivers and lagoons you can go kayaking and sport fishing.

How do I get to Queulat National Park?

The closest city to Queulat National Park is Puerto Cisnes, located four hours from Futaleufú and three hours from Coyhaique.

Puerto Cisnes is one hour from the park, on a trail that must be crossed in a vehicle in good condition because of its rubble stretches. You can buy a ticket from 3,000 CLP at Pasesparques.cl.

Where can I stay?

Queulat National Park has camping areas which cost 5,000 CLP per person. Moreover, Puerto Cisnes has a wide variety of tourist accommodation at different prices. Learn more at turismocisnespatagonia.cl

San Rafael Lagoon National Park

Photo: Sernatur Audiovisual Bank

The San Rafael Lagoon National Park is formed by a lagoon and a huge glacier of the same name, which make up an impressive postcard that leaves you speechless. You’ll sail through millenary icebergs and turquoise color waters whose existence tell the story of the Earth in an experience that’s enjoyable in all senses.

How do I get to San Rafael Lagoon National Park?

From Coyhaique you must travel 15 km to Puerto Chacabuco, where the boats depart to the lagoon. The journey lasts between 10 and 12 hours. You can buy a ticket from 3,000 CLP at Pasesparques.cl.

Where can I stay?

In Coyhaique you’ll find countless accommodation, from cheap to more luxurious options. Read more: https://turismocoyhaique.cl.

General Carrera Lake and Marble Chapels

Photo: Sernatur Audiovisual Bank

Did you know that the General Carrera Lake is the second largest lake in South America? You’ll love this huge mass of water because of its beautiful surroundings and because of its main attraction: the Marble Chapels.

Sailing in this place is like traveling to another planet, one made of carved marble that shines with shades that change colors with sunlight. Moreover, beautiful birds like condor and black-necked swan inhabit the zone, something that lovers of birdwatching will love.

How do I get to General Carrera Lake?

From Coyhaique you must travel around 4 to 5 hours to Puerto Río Tranquilo. From there you can sail to the Marble Chapels, which takes near an hour and a half. You’ll find tours from 20,000 CLP.

Where can I stay?

You can stay in Coyhaique or in Puerto Río Tranquilo, where you’ll find a variety of prices. Learn more at https://turismocoyhaique.cl.

Caleta Tortel

Photo: Sernatur Audiovisual Bank

Located next to the mouth of the Baker River, Caleta Tortel is a unique town. Instead of streets, there are wooden walkways that connect different color houses.

It’s a town full of warmth, with kind residents, exquisite homemade cuisine and beautiful landscapes. Moreover, the area is filled with tourist attractions, like the mysterious Isla de los Muertos (Island of the Death), the Quetru lake and the Jorge Montt and Steffens glaciers.

How do I get to Caleta Tortel?

From Coyhaique, it’ll take you between 6 and 8 hours to get to Caleta Tortel along the Carretera Austral. You can travel by private car or by bus.

Where can I stay?

In Caleta Tortel you’ll find different accommodations and places to camp. Find more information at https://www.tortel.cl/informacion-turistica/.