Hidden Highlights of Chile's Carretera Austral

5.0 reviews
1/11
futaleufu carretera austral road trip

Our ultimate Carretera Austral trip adds the rivers, lakes...

2/11
osorno volcano chile lake district

And mega volcanoes of the north...

3/11
glacier tortel boat patagonia

... to the epic mountains, grasslands and glaciers further south

4/11
estancia gaucho visit chilean patagonia

Meet local people and experience rural culture...

5/11
cerro castillo mountains chilean patagonia

Travel in scenery of unimaginable scale and beauty...

6/11
walking near coyhaique chilean patagonia

Enjoy stunning hikes for all abilities...

7/11
lakeside lodge carretera austral lago general carrera

Stay in special places, like this lakeside lodge...

8/11
driving carretera austral chilean patagonia

Soak in the views as you explore by car...

9/11
guanaco patagonia national park chile

Get close to guanacos, condors and other wildlife...

10/11
chile guadal hotel family

... and be welcomed like family by our local hosts

11/11
driving carretera austral chilean patagonia

See below for more and get in touch for full details

Choose Duration

From the lakes and volcanoes of the north to the mountains and glaciers further south, this trip blends the best of Chilean Patagonia's epic hidden highlights. Rich culture, incredible wildlife and welcoming lodges await.

  • Self drive
  • Undiscovered Patagonia
  • Mountains, forests, rivers
  • Lakes, glaciers & more
  • Incredible wildlife
  • Local people & culture
  • Special places to stay
  • Sleep in the icefields
  • Hikes for all abilities
  • Expert private guides
Read Full Itinerary

What's Included

Key Inclusions

27 nights hotel accommodation + 1 night private boat charter

(enquire for hotel details)

Private airport transfers

Hire vehicle

2 x Internal flights

Ferry tickets

All breakfasts

12 x lunches

15 x dinners


Guided Activities

Private Santiago city tour

Private Puerto Varas tour

Private hike around Osorno Volcano

Shared rafting on the Futaleufú River

Private garden tour

Choice of kayak or boat tour with guided walk in Queulat

Private Spanish-speaking mountain guide walk in Cerro Castillo

Private farmstead visit

Private kayak and walk in Patagonia National Park

2 days guided excursions on private boat charter in Patagonian Icefields

Private fossil hike


5* Service

We have personally experienced & loved every aspect of this trip

Holiday Guide with advice, background information and recommendations

ABTOT / ATOL Financial protection

Local support throughout

24/7 emergency support

Industry-leading 160% carbon capture

Exclusive departure date


Please note: International travel & fuel for vehicle hire not included.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Santiago de Chile


A warm welcome awaits as you land in Chile's thriving capital. Head out with your guide to explore on foot, walking as much or as little as you like. Being downtown means you are close to Santiago's best restaurants, so you'll have no trouble finding somewhere special for dinner.

Day 2

Fly to Chile's Lake District


Day 3

Hike below Osorno Volcano


Day 4

Travel down the Carretera Austral


Day 5

Walk in Pumalín National Park


Day 6

Travel east to a very special eco-lodge


Day 7

Raft the Futaleufú River


Day 8

Enjoy an idyllic day nestled in nature


Day 9

Walk amid mountains and meadows


Day 10

Return to the Carretera Austral


Memorable moments you can look forward to...

Chile puerto varas osorno volcano chris bladon pura aventura

Marvel...

At the epic Osorno Volcano

Chile cochrane tamango kayak walk chris bladon pura aventura 6

Kayak...

On a crystal-clear river

Chile cerro castillo patagonia house chris bladon pura aventura 1

Hike...

In amazing mountain scenery

Chile futaleufu pata lodge c hotel 1

Gaze...

At incredible night skies

Chile puerto sanchez yerba mate chris bladon pura aventura

Drink...

Yerba maté like a local

Chile patagonia carretera austral futaleufu tineo lodge condor

Watch...

Condors, guanacos & more

Chile patagonia national park chacabuco chris bladon pura aventura 4

Seek out...

The rare huemul deer

Chile cochrane sebastian estancia chris bladon pura aventura 8

Spend a day...

On a traditional estancia ranch

Chile puerto guadal chris bladon pura aventura 8

Discover...

Secret views & waterfalls

Chile patagonia futaleufu rafting bochinche expeditions chris 19

Get wet...

As you ride the river waves

Chile patagonia carretera austral gaucho riding along road lago carrera

Meet...

Chile's friendly locals

Chile patagonia carretera austral exploradores valley jeep c jeremy head

Drive...

On gloriously scenic roads

Chile carretera austral lago general carrera c john main pura traveller

Cross...

Chile's largest lake

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this trip so special?


How active is this trip?


What is the rafting like?


What are the hotels like?


What is the driving and navigation like?


When is the best time to go?


Will altitude be a problem?


What might I not have thought of?


Can I make changes to this trip?


Your Pura Aventura holidays

Argentina patagonia calafate perito moreno boat ride nibepo c glaciar sur

Exceptional Holidays

Best-in-class holidays & service - is what our clients say they love about our trips, as noted in the highest possible 5* Feefo Platinum Award.

ATOL and ABTOT protected.

2018 Corp w Tag Black L

Travel Positive

Travelling with one of the first UK travel companies to be certified B Corp means your holiday, according to Which?, meets "the highest standards of social and environmental performance".

Spain picos de europa centenary group covadonga shepherd humartini gamoneu cheese

Beautifully Local

Holidays away from the crowds, crafted to give you a more authentic, local experience. Small-scale accommodation, exceptional guides & in-depth local knowledge.