A 7-day trip along the Carretera Austral
Updated on 5 de January, 2026
Glaciers, rainforests, and fjords on Chile’s Route 7
7 DAYS
The Carretera Austral is considered the most beautiful scenic route in the world, linking ancient glaciers, pristine fjords, and lush Valdivian rainforests. This seven-day trip takes you from the gateway in Hornopirén to the mystical Marble Caves. Prepare for an adventure of natural isolation, virgin hot springs, and untamed landscapes in the heart of Chilean Patagonia.
DISTANCE
1089Km
DAYS
7 days
DESTINATIONS
LANDSCAPES
Inicio del itinerario
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Arrival in Hornopirén
Our main objective will be to reach Hornopirén, the gateway to the Carretera Austral.
For that, we’ll land at El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt, where you can rent a camper or a regular vehicle.
Then, we’ll drive for 2 hours and 40 minutes along Ruta 7. This journey includes a ferry crossing over the Reloncaví Estuary.
Once in Hornopirén, check in at your accommodation and have lunch before heading to the Río Blanco trail, a 6 km trip that leads to a beautiful waterfall.
Later, head back to the town to have dinner at one of its different restaurants before going to sleep.
Photo: @dondelavidanoslleve.cf
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Arrival in Hornopirén
Our main objective will be to reach Hornopirén, the gateway to the Carretera Austral.
For that, we’ll land at El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt, where you can rent a camper or a regular vehicle.
Then, we’ll drive for 2 hours and 40 minutes along Ruta 7. This journey includes a ferry crossing over the Reloncaví Estuary.
Once in Hornopirén, check in at your accommodation and have lunch before heading to the Río Blanco trail, a 6 km trip that leads to a beautiful waterfall.
Later, head back to the town to have dinner at one of its different restaurants before going to sleep.
Photo: @dondelavidanoslleve.cf
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Pumalín National Park
We’re going to the amazing National Park Pumalín!
From Hornopirén, we’ll take a 5-hour drive along the Carretera Austral to reach Chaitén, where we’ll check in into our accommodation and have lunch at a restaurant.
The drive between Chaitén and Pumalín Park takes 20 minutes. Once there, you’ll need to choose between the Volcán Chaitén or Cascadas trails. Both take 3 hours round trip, so be sure to bring all the necessary implements.
After this fascinating and refreshing hike, it’s time to head back to Chaitén to our accommodation.
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Pumalín National Park
We’re going to the amazing National Park Pumalín!
From Hornopirén, we’ll take a 5-hour drive along the Carretera Austral to reach Chaitén, where we’ll check in into our accommodation and have lunch at a restaurant.
The drive between Chaitén and Pumalín Park takes 20 minutes. Once there, you’ll need to choose between the Volcán Chaitén or Cascadas trails. Both take 3 hours round trip, so be sure to bring all the necessary implements.
After this fascinating and refreshing hike, it’s time to head back to Chaitén to our accommodation.
Day 3
Ventisquero Hot Springs
After having breakfast in our accommodation, we’ll continue our journey with a 2-hour and 40-minute trip along the Carretera Austral to our next stop: Puyuhuapi.
This journey offers breathtaking scenery as we cross from the Los Lagos Region into the Aysén Region.
After we arrive at our accommodation, we’ll head to one of the must-see attractions ofPuyuhuapi: its hot springs, where you can relax amid the beautiful landscapes in the area.
The best option is to have dinner at the hot spring before going to sleep and continuing the adventures the next day.
Day 3
Ventisquero Hot Springs
After having breakfast in our accommodation, we’ll continue our journey with a 2-hour and 40-minute trip along the Carretera Austral to our next stop: Puyuhuapi.
This journey offers breathtaking scenery as we cross from the Los Lagos Region into the Aysén Region.
After we arrive at our accommodation, we’ll head to one of the must-see attractions ofPuyuhuapi: its hot springs, where you can relax amid the beautiful landscapes in the area.
The best option is to have dinner at the hot spring before going to sleep and continuing the adventures the next day.
Attractions included on this day
Day 4
National Park Queulat and the Hanging Glacier Falls
Now we’ll see the Hanging Glacier Falls, located inside the National Park Queulat.
How do you get there? It’s a 20-minute drive from Puyuhuapi to the entrance of this protected natural area.
It’s important to bring food with you, as the park has designated picnic areas where you can take a break whenever needed.
To reach the Hanging Glacier Falls viewpoint, you’ll hike for 1 hour and a half. The glacier is located on a mountain which produces a fascinating waterfall as it melts.
Once you’re ready, we’ll leave the park and we’ll go to Coyhaique, where we’ll have dinner before our next trip.
Attractions included on this day
Day 4
National Park Queulat and the Hanging Glacier Falls
Now we’ll see the Hanging Glacier Falls, located inside the National Park Queulat.
How do you get there? It’s a 20-minute drive from Puyuhuapi to the entrance of this protected natural area.
It’s important to bring food with you, as the park has designated picnic areas where you can take a break whenever needed.
To reach the Hanging Glacier Falls viewpoint, you’ll hike for 1 hour and a half. The glacier is located on a mountain which produces a fascinating waterfall as it melts.
Once you’re ready, we’ll leave the park and we’ll go to Coyhaique, where we’ll have dinner before our next trip.
Day 5
Amazing Stops
On our fifth day, we’ll dedicate time to stopping at amazing sights along the Carretera Austral.
After breakfast, we’ll head to Laguna Chiguay, a small and emblematic spot in Aysén, perfect for taking photos.
Later, we’ll visit the Cuesta del Diablo viewpoint, which offers a fascinating panoramic view of the route itself. Then, we’ll go to the Bosque Muerto Viewpoint, a landscape shaped by the power of nature that will leave you speechless.
After exploring these beautiful locations, we’ll drive to Puerto Río Tranquilo, where we’ll check-in to our accommodation and have lunch. The afternoon is free for you to explore the town.
Day 5
Amazing Stops
On our fifth day, we’ll dedicate time to stopping at amazing sights along the Carretera Austral.
After breakfast, we’ll head to Laguna Chiguay, a small and emblematic spot in Aysén, perfect for taking photos.
Later, we’ll visit the Cuesta del Diablo viewpoint, which offers a fascinating panoramic view of the route itself. Then, we’ll go to the Bosque Muerto Viewpoint, a landscape shaped by the power of nature that will leave you speechless.
After exploring these beautiful locations, we’ll drive to Puerto Río Tranquilo, where we’ll check-in to our accommodation and have lunch. The afternoon is free for you to explore the town.
Attractions included on this day
Day 6
Marble Chapels
We’re heading to the Marble Chapels, one of the most breathtaking places in the Aysén Region.
The best way to visit this natural attraction is through a tour operator. A boat will pick us up in Puerto Río Tranquilo and the ride takes about an hour and a half to reach the place.
After spending the morning on this journey and having lunch, we’ll return to our accommodation before starting the journey back.
Attractions included on this day
Day 6
Marble Chapels
We’re heading to the Marble Chapels, one of the most breathtaking places in the Aysén Region.
The best way to visit this natural attraction is through a tour operator. A boat will pick us up in Puerto Río Tranquilo and the ride takes about an hour and a half to reach the place.
After spending the morning on this journey and having lunch, we’ll return to our accommodation before starting the journey back.
Day 7
Journey Back Home
It’s time to head back home. After a refreshing breakfast, pack up and drive for three hours to Balmaceda Airport, where we’ll catch our flight back home.
Remember to arrive two hours before your domestic flight.
Day 7
Journey Back Home
It’s time to head back home. After a refreshing breakfast, pack up and drive for three hours to Balmaceda Airport, where we’ll catch our flight back home.
Remember to arrive two hours before your domestic flight.
What you should know
How to get there by air
El Tepual Airport (PMC) in Puerto Montt is the ideal starting point for the northern section. For the return from the southern sector, Balmaceda Airport (BBA) near Coyhaique is the main terminal connecting to Santiago. Booking “multi-destination” flights (entering through one airport and leaving through another) is the most efficient travel strategy.
How to get there by land
Route 7 begins in Puerto Montt. The full journey south requires several ferry crossings and navigating gravel sections that demand caution. A 4×4 vehicle or a well-equipped camper is highly recommended, as road conditions vary depending on the weather and ongoing paving work along different sectors of the highway.
Climate and clothing
Steppe and rainforest climate. Rain is a constant even in summer. You must dress using the layering system, including a technical waterproof jacket, a fleece, and waterproof trekking boots. The wind on the southern lakes can be extremely intense and cold.
Must-Know Tips
Book the Bimodal Route ferries well in advance, as they fill up months before the peak season. It is vital to carry cash, as internet signals often fail in small villages and ATMs are non-existent. Always carry a spare tire in good condition and extra fuel if you plan to explore side roads.
