Carretera Austral Self-Drive Adventure - 9 - $3,410
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- Drive the Southern Carretera Austral
- Boat trip to Laguna San Rafael from Exploradores Valley
- Boat Trip or Kayaking at Marble Caves
- Day Hike in the Chacabuco valley
- Snorkelling in pristine river waters in Cochrane
- Horse-packing near Cerro Castillo
- Spot condors at dawn and stay in a homestay
Start from Santiago and end at Balmaceda Airport
Landmarks visited on Carretera Austral Self-Drive Adventure
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Santiago before flying to Balmaceda
Collect your car from Balmaceda airport and drive 50 minutes to Coyhaique. Rest for the evening in Pampa Corral and grab a bite to eat at Ruibarbo.
Accommodation: Pampa Corral, Coyhaique
Day 2: Drive from Coyhaique to Puerto Rio Tranquilo
Duration of drive: 4-4.5hrs/220km
The road is being paved south of Cerro Castillo and you may have to stop for work to be done. Check with Pampa Corral if there are any road closures.
Accommodation: El Puesto, Puerto Rio Tranquillo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Laguna San Rafael from Exploradores Valley
Duration of drive: 3hrs/150km driving + full day excursion
Drive for 1.5 hours until Bahia Exploradores where you will meet the your guides for the day.Board your boat to Laguna San Rafael for the rest of the day.
Return to Bahia Exploradores late at night. Dinner will be home cooked food at Darka Hospedaje.
Accommodation: El Puesto, Puerto Rio Tranquillo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Drive from Puerto Tranquilo to Chacabuco Valley
Duration of drive: 2hr/120km
Follow the Carretera Austral south past Puerto Bertrand, stop to gaze at the Baker River where it meets the Chacabuco River. After crossing the Chacabuco river, turn off to Patagonia Park. Stop to admire the copious guanacos as you drive through the park.
Choose to either do the Lagunas Altas hike (self guided, 6-7hrs) OR drive up to the Argentinean border and admire the park from your car. Supper will be provided in the restaurant.
Accommodation: Chacabuco Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Drive from Chacabuco Valley to Cochrane
Duration of drive: 1hr/27km
Once at Cochrane, your guide will meet you for snorkelling in the pristine river waters.
Accommodation: Hotel Ultimo Paraiso
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Drive from Cochrane to Cerro Castillo
Duration of drive: 5hr/238km
Drive back north along the Carretera Austral to Cerro Castillo. We recommend you have lunch at Sole's bus in Cerro Castillo.
Pack up the horses and depart for (approx.) 2.5 hours of riding before arriving at camp.
Accommodation: Camping near Cerro Castillo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Horse-packing trip near Cerro Castillo
Explore the estancia, guanacos, views of Lake General Carrera, and geological rock formations on horseback.
Accommodation: Camping near Cerro Castillo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Horse-packing trip near Cerro Castillo
Duration of drive: 3hr/150km
Return to Cerro Castillo village and either horse ride or walk to Laguna Cerro Castillo. Watch the natural horsemanship demo before driving to Estancia Punta del Monte. Follow the Carretera Austral back to Coyhaique. When you arrive in Coyhaique, you will be greeted at your estancia.
Accommodation: Estancia Punta del Monte Homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Observe condors at dawn
After breakfast take a 4x4 ride up into the hills, climbing through Lenga forest, admiring the great panoramic views. There is a short walk to the condor nursery. Drive 1.5 hours to Balmaceda airport.
Fly from Balmaceda back to Santiago.
Meals: Breakfast
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
Includes
- Day trip to Laguna San Rafael
- Half day excursion snorkelling in the Cochrane River
- 3 day horse-packing trip
- Half day condor watching excursion
- 10 day 4x4 car hire
Excludes
- Meals and excursions, unless indicated
- Park entrances fees and guides
- Personal expenses and equipment
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
