Cycle Tour Chile: Southern Austral Road

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Arrival

   At 3 pm, participants and staff will gather at the accommodation in Coyhaique for introductions, a briefing on the bike journey, and a thorough check of bikes and equipment. This is the last chance to buy any necessary items for the trip in a big city.  If you need to store luggage in Coyhaique or send it to a southern town for further travel in Patagonia to El Chaltén or Torres del Paine National Park, please inform us (additional service).

   
   

   
   
   

   • Rumbo Sur Apart Hotel
   • Dinner
2. Day 2Cerro Castillo

   Our first stretch will be on a paved road of the Southern Way, riding along the flatlands known as the Chinese Wall, where the countryside of Coyhaique unfolds. We'll pass through the town of El Blanco, surrounded by the stunning landscape of Patagonian steppe and rock formations. After the junction of Route 7 and Balmaceda, the road gradually ascends to Laguna Chiguay, an ideal spot for a picnic lunch. We then continue riding through the breathtaking Cerro Castillo National Park, reaching its pass, the highest point of the Carretera Austral. The descent, known as the "Devil's Slope," begins here, offering views of the Ibañez River and leading us to Cerro Castillo Village.

   Type of road: Paved

   • 57.8 miles
   • Ruta 7 Cabins
   • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
3. Day 3Puerto Tranquilo

   After 15 km from Villa Cerro Castillo, the asphalt ends, and you'll begin a road of high difficulty with loose gravel and a corrugated surface. Along the way, you'll have the chance to explore various attractions, like the Green Lagoon and the Dead Forest along the Ibañez River, shaped by the ashes from the Hudson Volcano eruption in 1991.  The ride is supported by the minibus to approach Murta Valley and ride next to the turquoise waters of the second-largest lake in South America, General Carrera Lake. The day finishes in the cozy town of Puerto Tranquilo.

   Road type: Loose gravel
   

   • 51.6 miles
   • Turismo Don Hugo Cabins
   • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
4. Day 4Puerto Bertrand

   Early in the morning, kayaking or a motorboat trip to the Marble Chapels is possible (extra service). The ride starts by bordering what is also called Chelenko Lake in the Indigenous dialect. In the distance, you can admire valleys and glaciers that descend from Campos de Hielo Norte (the Northern Ice Field), and will arrive at the General Carrera hanging bridge, where Bertrand Lake is formed, followed by the famous Baker River. The road continues to the junction between Puerto Guadal and Chile Chico, then follows the Carretera Austral through a section of constant climbs and slopes to reach the beautiful townscape of Puerto Bertrand.

   Road type: Loose Gravel
   
   

   • 45.4 miles
   • Konaiken Cabins
   • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks

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     Marble Chapels

     Have fun on and off the bike with a variety of other activities to do

5. Day 5Cochrane

   You'll continue along the Southern Highway, following the Baker River through a Patagonian steppe landscape where trees begin to disappear and grasslands take over the scene, surrounded by winding mountains. You will stop for a hike at the 'confluence of the Baker and Nef rivers,' admiring the impressive flow descending from the depths of the Northern Ice Field. The journey continues, passing by the Patagonia National Park, founded by Mr. Douglas Tompkins, the owner of The North Face, who made the largest donation of conservation lands in the world to the Chilean government. At this spot, wildlife observation of Guanacos (Camelidae family) and other native species may be possible until reaching Cochrane.

   Road type: Loose gravel
   

   • 31.7 miles
   • Choikehuapi Cabins
   • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
6. Day 6Los Nadis/Cochrane

   The initial ride starts on a paved road and then continues on a gravel surface while enjoying the views of Emerald, Juncal, and Chacabuco lakes amidst Patagonian steppe fields. It will also be possible to admire the view of Mount San Lorenzo. You will then continue through a landscape of native forests until descending the Los Ñadis Hill, entering one of Patagonia's best-kept secrets, surrounded by unique scenery. In this valley, you will share time with pioneering handworkers who will host you and prepare a unique Patagonian BBQ with lamb on the spit and vegetables. Minibus transportation will be available to reach the accommodation.

   Road type: Paved & gravel
   
   

   • 31.1 miles
   • Choikehuapi Cabins
   • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
7. Day 7Caleta Tortel

   By minibus, this first section will be shortened to get the bikes at Los Ñadis. You will continue through native forests, wetlands, and peatlands. Did you know that a recent study by National Geographic and Rewilding Chile explains that Patagonian forests can store three times more CO2 per hectare than those in the Amazon? From this area, the transition from the Patagonian steppe to the evergreen forest emerges, until reaching the picturesque townscape of Caleta Tortel, certified as one of the Best Tourism Villages by the UNWTO. Caleta Tortel is famous for its footbridges made from Guaitecas cypress trees, which connect the houses with the civic center and public services of the town. You will hike around before finalizing the expedition and beginning your return to Coyhaique.
   
   *At this point. you can connect this route with the ferry to Puerto Natales to hike Torres del Paine W or continue to Argentina El Chaltén via Laguna del Desierto Crossing.

   Road type: Gravel
   
   

   • 51.6 miles
   • Natureza Hostel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
8. Day 8Bahia Catalina

   On this day, you'll load your bikes and luggage onto the minibus and begin the return journey to Bahia Catalina, covering 190 kilometers. Your accommodation by General Carrera Lake will provide a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Patagonia's natural beauty through sightseeing, entertainment, and educational experiences. The day will end with a delightful dinner, offering a unique view of General Carrera Lake, shared with your group.

   
   

   • Pared Sur Camp
   • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
9. Day 9Departure - Balmaceda Airport/Coyhaique

   The tour concludes with the return to Coyhaique, where participants will be dropped off at Balmaceda Airport. It is recommended to schedule your flight for after 2 PM. It is also possible to return to Coyhaique (accommodation not included).

   
   

   
   

   • Breakfast