Road Trip Carretera Austral: Lago Circuit

Day 1:   

Journey details: 4 hours, 198km paved and gravelled road

Departure toward the south - the road first crosses the beautiful Castillo Mountain Range to then continue along the Ibanez River. From there the road goes deep into the Andes, crossing beautiful passes. At the Joffre Pass, it is still possible to see the effects of the eruption of the Hudson Volcano in 1991. After crossing the Murta River, the road begins to border the General Carrera Lake until arriving at Puerto Tranquilo.

Accommodation: Lodging in Puerto Tranquilo

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Day 2:     

Journey details:  1.5 hours, 61 km gravel road

In the morning, join an excursion to the Capilla de Marmol.

Later we suggest to drive toward the west on a road that crosses to Bahia Explorador on the Pacific.

Midway, we recommend stopping at Glaciar Exploradores and doing the short hike to the view point - it is a self-guided hike and entrance fee must be paid on location.

Return and drive to Puerto Guadal.

Accommodation: Lodging in Puerto Guadal

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Day 3: 

Journey details: 3 hours, 112 km gravel road

Early in the morning departure toward the north but this time bordering the south-east shore of the General Carrera Lake.  It is a narrow and winding mountain road with magnificent views of the lake, the Andes and the Northern Ice Field.

After crossing Las Llaves pass, the road starts to descend toward Chile Chico always bordering the lake.

Accommodation: Lodging in Chile Chico

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Day 4:

Journey Time: 6.5 hours, 120km

Ferry crossing from Chile Chico to Puerto Ibanez (2.5 hours).  Depending on the ferry schedule to cross to Puerto Ibanez, visitors might want to drive toward the Jeinimeni reserve or hire a navigation on the lake (excursion will depend on weather conditions).

Drive to Coyhaique (4 hours / 120 km).

Accommodation:  Lodging in Coyhaique

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Day 5:

Journey Time: 45 mins, 55km paved road

Departure toward Balmaceda