The Carretera Austral
Why we think you will love it!
1. Bucket List: You are riding one of the most famous roads in the world.
2. Diverse Terrain: From paved stretches to gravel roads, the Carretera Austral offers an exciting mix of terrains that’ll challenge your riding skills and keep you engaged throughout the journey.
3. Chilean Patagonia: You’ll be riding through the heart of Chilean Patagonia, one of the most wild and remote regions on the planet, famous for its incredible biodiversity and majestic national parks.
4. This road includes everything: Its technically challenging but rewarding with spectacular views.
5. Local culture and activities: For us its important that you get to know the Chile we love. Our tours make sure that you get to know the people, try the local food and that you get an unfiltered view on the beauty of Latin America
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on one of the world’s most famous roads: the Carretera Austral!
This exhilarating road trip spans over 1,200 kilometers through the stunning wilderness of southern Chile, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia. With lush, majestic snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes, and spectacular fjords, every twist and turn reveals a new wonder.
So pack your bags and gear up for the journey of a lifetime!
Day 1 Arrival in Puerto Montt - Transfer to Puerto Varas
We arrive in Puerto Montt. The biggest city in Southern Chile is well connected and is easily reachable via Santiago from any overseas origin. For the night we stay in Puerto Varas, about 45 min North of Puerto Mont where we will meet the team, get to know our bikes and get ready for our adventure. During our welcome dinner you have time to meet your fellow travellers and get more insights on the route to come.
Day 2 - Lago Lanquihue - Getting to know the bikes
Today, we’re taking a ride around the beautiful lake without any luggage. It’s going to be a fun day as we familiarise ourselves with the bikes and soak in the views from Volcano Osorno. We see the spectacular rapids "Saltos de Petrohué" and have a break in the colonial village of Frutillar. This is a gentle start into our riding adventure, allowing us to warm up and for the real ride ahead.
Distance: 157 km
Riding Time: 3 hours
Day 3 - Puerto Varas - Hornopirén
Our first day on the Carretera Austral brings us from Puerto Varas, via the official start point to the ferry terminal of Hornopiren. In terms of Distance this is a rather short ride, but we need to be here in time for the ferries and to prepare us for our long boat ride which will take us through the beautiful waters of the Canal Cholgo.
Distance: 126 km
Riding Time: 4-5 hours (with ferry)
Day 4 - Hornopirén - Chaitén
At 10:00 AM in the morning we are staring our journey with embarking the ferry to Chaitén. The interesting ferry trip connects via a short island transfer for about 5 hours to Caleta Gonzalo. From there we have an interesting gravel road ride that gets us to Chaitén where we will stay for the night.
Distance: 135 km
Riding Time: 3 hours
Day 5 - Chaitén to Puyuhuapi
Today's journey takes us through Parque Nacional Pumalin Douglas Tompkins, a breathtaking 715,000-acre nature and conservation area featuring rainforests, mountains, and hiking trails. We will cross the thrilling Puente Rio Yelcho, a stunning cable-stayed bridge surrounded by the magnificent Patagonian landscape, before concluding our ride in Puyuhuapi, a charming town offering beautiful lake views.
Distance: 188 km
Riding Time: 4 hours
Day 6 - Puyuhuapi to Puerto Aysén
One of our favourite days on the road. We are crossing the stunning highlands around the Enchanted Forest. After a bit of work on some gravel sections of the road we can enjoy the perfect ride in higher altitudes and the stunning views on the surrounding mountains. Many waterfalls will invite us to stop and enjoy the magic of nature.
Distance: 204 km
Riding Time: 5 hours
Day 7 - Puerto Aysén to Lago Barroso
Our goal for today is Lago Barroso and the cosy Magic Waters Patagonia Lodge which offers some of the most diverse fly fishing opportunities in the world. For the second part of the day we have the opportunity to switch the motorbike boots against some rubber ones and try our luck fishing in the emerald green water for our dinner.
Distance: 99 km
Riding Time: 3 hours
Day 8 - Lago Barroso to Villa Cerro Castillo
One famous photo stop today will be the Cuesta del Diablo. The Devils Hill. From here you have a stunning views on the Carretera Austral and how it is winding up with the Andes in the background. We will stay on a small farm outside of town and enjoy a good home made meal before heading to bed this night.
Distance: 99 km
Riding Time: 3 hours
Day 9 - Villa Cerro Castillo to Puerto Rio Traquilo
We have now been more than a week on the road and its time for a rest. Today we reach Puerto Rio Tranquilo where we - as the name suggest - will take it very slowly. A last 120 km ride brings us through a stunning stretch of mountain sections to the small town at the Lago General Carrera that connects Chile with Argentina. The Argentinians call it Lake Buenos Aires by the way.
Distance: 120 km
Riding Time: 4 hours
Day 10 - Puerto Rio Traquilo to Cochran
We are starting the day with a boat tour into the famous marvel cathedral. After two hours on the water we enter our bikes and leave at noon Puerto Rio Tranquilo for Cochrane. With this we have the last 350 km of the Carretera Austral ahead of us, but we will take time and enjoy them in three wonderful days. The first section gets us to the Lago Cochrane where we will stay in small houses in direct lake proximity. Before lighting up the BBQ we enjoy a ride to the shores of the lake and enjoy the views and take photos for the beloved ones at home.
Distance: 115 km
Riding Time: 4 hours
Day 11 - Cochrane - Caleta Tortel
Today we are following the stunning nature along the Rio Baker to the small village of Tortel. Tortel is famous for its intricate network of wooden walkways that connect the town's houses, shops, and public spaces. Since the town is built on a steep slope and surrounded by water, the walkways are the primary mode of transportation and offer a fascinating, picturesque way to explore.
Distance: 125 km
Riding Time: 4 hours
Day 12 - Caleta Tortel - Villa O' Higgins
The best adventures at some point come to an end. Today we are making the final stretch on the Carretera Austral when riding from Tortel to Villa O'Higgins. A special experience is the small ferry of Yungay and the mountains in the most souther part of the inhabited Chilean Patagonia. We end this trip with a beer at the official end mark of the Carretera Austral. We made it! Time to celebrate with a typical Patagonian farewell dinner. We have partnered with Tourismo Ruedas Patagonia to create a farewell evening you will never forget. Dive into the Patagonian Hospitality and experience the life of the local people first hand.
Distance: 150 km
Riding Time: 5 hours
Day 13 - Villa O' Higgins
Villa O'Higgins marks the end of this tour but its a fantastic base to explore the region. Why not take a bit more time in the area and explore different highlights of Patagonia. We are glad to arrange this for you. For everyone who wants or has to head back to Santiago for return flights, we arrange the transport to Coyhaique from where you can book the flights of your liking back to Santiago.
Pick up from Puerto Mont Airport and Transfer to Puerto Varas
We assist with the booking of flights within Chile if needed.
Drop off at Airport Coyhaique
We will provide you with a detailed Packing List before the trip
PPLEASE CHECK THE INCLUSIONS IN ACCORDANCE TO THE PACKAGE YOU WANT TO BOOK.
--- Barebone Adventure Pack --
Motorbike
A Royal Enfield Classic or Bullet 500 motorcycle with full mechanical assistance
Transport
Local transfers as appearing in the program, by private vehicle
Tour Guide
We dont let you alone! On all riding days and on certain excursions we will join you and assist when needed.
Fuel
Fuel is included in the price.
Mechanic
Either our tour guide (tours with less than 4 motorbikes) or a mechanic with a support vehicle (more than 4 motorbikes) will join you.
Accomodation Simple
Accommodation in cabañas, typical for the region, standard/comfort hotels, in dorm, double bed rooms on a twin-sharing basis. People travelling alone will share a Twin bedroom with another participant. If available, upgrades can be purchased privately.
Third Party Motorbike Insurance
Third Party Motorbike Insurance as per Chilean Law
-- Wild Tracks Prime - The Grand Expedition ---
ALL OF THE ABOVE PLUS:
Accomodation Premium
Accommodation in cabañas, typical for the region, standard/comfort hotels, double bed rooms on a twin-sharing basis.
Food
Meals: full meals for the entire trip, except on non riding days, during days of riding including water, tea/coffea
Entrance Tickets
Entrances to the regional parks and sites planned in the program unless specified in the program
Third Party Motorbike Insurance
Third Party Motorbike Insurance as per Chilean Law
International Flights
We do not include any international flights or transportation.
Deposit
Deposit of Euro 500 or 500.000 CLP per Motorbike.
Insurances
An insurance that covers medical expenses and legal assistance
Repatriation
Repatriation, which covers you for accidents with two-wheeled vehicles (large-displacement)
Any other Fees
Banking Fees, Admin Fees, etc.
Drinks
Alcoholic beverages and drinks such as soft drinks, etc
The Trip is fully refundable upon 3 months before the departure.
Between 3 and 1 month before the departure we reimburse 75%
Within 1 month before departure the tour can not be canceled anymore.
We do reommend a travel insurance to cover such cases.
