Carretera Austral★★★
Carretera Austral — Chile's Legendary Gravel Road
The Carretera Austral (Ruta 7) is a 1,240 km long road that winds from Puerto Montt through northern Patagonia — through rainforests, along fjords, past glaciers, and over rivers that have no bridges (ferries!). It was begun under Pinochet as a strategic project and only completed in 2000 — large stretches remain unpaved.
The Carretera Austral is not a destination — it is an adventure. The landscape is overwhelming: Valdivian rainforest arching over the road, azure rivers thundering through granite gorges, and glaciers flowing down from Andean peaks. Settlement is sparse — sometimes you drive for hours without encountering another vehicle.
Highlights of the Carretera Austral
- Parque Pumalín: One of the largest private nature parks in the world (now a state park), founded by US entrepreneur Douglas Tompkins. Ancient forests, volcanoes, and hot springs.
- Chaitén: The town was almost destroyed by the eponymous volcano in 2008 — the abandoned old town center is an eerie ruin.
- Lago General Carrera (Marble Caves): The second-largest lake in South America is shared by Chile and Argentina. On its shore lie the famous Marble Caves — caves and arches of marble carved over millennia by the turquoise water. Accessible by boat or kayak.
- Villa Santa Lucía, Coyhaique, Cochrane: Small settlements that serve as stopovers and exude the rugged charm of Patagonia.
Achtung
The Carretera Austral requires careful planning: A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended, ferries must be booked in advance (Naviera Austral), gas stations are rare (always fill up!), and in winter (June–August), sections can be closed for weeks. Plan at least 7–10 days for the entire route.