Road Trip Carretera Austral: Lago Circuit
Are you hoping to travel before March 2023?
Patagonia's a big trip and we know how crucial it is to get it right. As you’re considering travelling in the next couple of months, we want to be upfront with you…
Finding available accommodation is proving almost impossible in Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks. While not uncommon, the pandemic has exacerbated the situation this year.
Alongside this, Swoop are also currently focused on ensuring that all of the logistics are in place for our booked travellers who are due to head south shortly.
Swoop has therefore decided to no longer accept any new bookings departing before the beginning of March 2023.
As alternative options, here’s what we suggest:
Option A:
Push your trip back and choose to travel instead in early 2023. April onwards has more accommodation options still available. The Patagonian autumnal colours are stunning and trails less crowded.
Option B:
Defer your Patagonia adventure by 12 months, benefitting by getting exactly the trip you want without compromise, and lock in plans now while there’s still good availability.
If you are able to be flexible on your travel dates, the next step would then be for us to arrange a time to talk through the options.
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I want to travel before March 2023
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I’m flexible and could travel later
Trip type
Independent
Trip length
6 Days
From
$2,783
Location
Aysen
Road Trip Carretera Austral: Lago Circuit - 6 - $2,783
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
Day 1: Drive from Balmaceda Airport to Coyahique; Hotel
Day 2: Drive to Puerto Tranquilo; Hotel
Day 3: Drive to Glacier San Rafael; Mallín Colorado Ecolodge
Day 4: Trek the trails at Mallín Colorado; Mallín Colorado Ecolodge
Day 5: Drive to Chile Chico and on to Coyhaique
Day 6: Drive to Balmaceda Airport
Start from Balmaceda Airport and end at Balmaceda Airport
Landmarks visited on Road Trip Carretera Austral: Lago Circuit
Operator's Itinerary
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
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Prices, Departures and Inclusions
This trip is USD $2,783 per person for a two-person group and USD $2,224 per person for a four-person group.
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A departure can be set up on a date of your choice. Please get in touch for details.
Includes
- Meals: 5 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 4 dinners
- Accommodation: 1 (possibly 2) nights lodging in Coyhaique, 1 night in Puerto Tranquilo, 2 nights at Mallín Colorado Ecolodge, 1 night in Chile Chico (or Coyhaique)
- 6 days car rental: 4x4 vehicle
- Boat excursion to the marble caves
- Boat excursion to Glacier San Rafael
- Ferry boat across Lake General Carrera
- Access to hiking trails at Mallín Colorado
Excludes
- Meals not included in itinerary
- Drinks during lunch or dinner
- Any extra/optional excursions
- Personal equipment (see our recommended kit list)
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities/tips
- International and domestic/in-country flights
- Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
