Road Trip Carretera Austral: Lago Circuit

Day 1:  Drive from Balmaceda Airport to Coyhaique; Hotel

Arrive at Balmaceda Airport and pick up your 4x4 vehicle. You'll drive 1hr to the main town of the region, Coyhaique, following a picturesque route through the farmlands of the Carretera Austral. At Coyhaique you'll have free time to explore the town and have lunch and dinner.

Coyhaique is a rustic yet picturesque frontier town with all the services required by travellers. Surrounded by forests, hills and rivers, it's a great place to stop-off for a while, or to base yourself for exploration into the depths of Aysén.

Journey: 1hr, 60km

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Coyhaique

Day 2:  Drive to Puerto Tranquilo; Hotel

This morning, you will start your drive along the extremely scenic Carretera Austral, to the south of the region. Crossing the Ibañez valley, passing Cerro Castillo's peaks and through humid forests, you will drive through some of the most remote areas of the Aysén region. Reaching the village of Puerto Tranquilo, you can enjoy an excursion by boat to the mysterious and stunning marble caves and then check into your hotel.

Journey: 3.5hrs, 220km

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Puerto Tranquilo

Day 3: Drive to Glacier San Rafael; Mallín Colorado Ecolodge

Depart early from the lodge for the drive to Puerto Tranquilo and then on to Bahía Exploradores to take a cruise to Glacier San Rafael. You will spend a full day onboard with breakfast, lunch and coffee all included.

Navigating through the fjords, you should arrive at San Rafael Lagoon by noon where there will be time to get close to the icebergs. The boat returns to Bahía Exploradores around 5pm and you'll return to Mallín Colorado Ecolodge.

Journey: 2.5hrs, 100km to Bahía Exploradores

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Mallín Colorado Ecolodge

Day 4: Trek the trails at Mallín Colorado; Mallín Colorado Ecolodge

Take breakfast in the main lodge and then enjoy trekking around Mallín Colorado, through native forests of coigüe and lenga trees, with excellent views to the glaciers of Cordón Contreras, Lake Bertrand and Lake General Carrera. In the afternoon you'll have free time – perfect for enjoying the 3km of pathways around Mallín Colorado Ecolodge. Alternatively, just to relax and soak up the stunning views. 

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner 

Accommodation: Mallín Colorado Ecolodge

Day 5: Drive to Chile Chico and on to Coyhaique

After breakfast, drive along the cliff shore of Lake General Carrera. This is possibly the most beautiful road in Chile. You'll arrive in the town of Chile Chico and if there is a ferry running from Chile Chico to Puerto Ibáñez today, your tour will continue on to Coyhaique. If not, drive back to Mallín Colorado Ecolodge for dinner and lodging. 

Journey: 5.5hrs, 160km

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Coyahique or Mallín Colorado Ecolodge

Day 6:  Drive to Balmaceda Airport

After breakfast, drive to Balmaceda Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast