More than 1,200 km of fjords, glaciers, turquoise lakes and untouched forest through the south of the world — a destination-by-destination guide for camper travelers.
This is the complete route through the Carretera Austral — probably the favorite destination for travelers who explore Chile by camper and want to reach its most beautiful corners.
It's a scenic road unlike anywhere else on Earth: over 1,200 km of pristine landscapes and air that only those lucky enough to drive it get to breathe. The guide below covers practically the entire route, but every stop can be combined differently or shortened to fit your time. Raft the world-class Futaleufú River, trek through Green Patagonia's national parks, walk the cypress catwalks of Caleta Tortel, or simply fish a quiet bend of the Baker River — a piece of paradise.
From Puerto Varas all the way south to Caleta Tortel and Chile Chico — here's how the main stops link together.
Distances and drive times below are for each leg, measured from the previous stop. Plan generously — gravel and constant scenic stops always add time. For the northern ferry logistics, see our Patagonia ferries guide.
From Puerto Varas / Puerto Montt, the first obligatory stop. Hornopirén is the gateway to the Carretera Austral — it's here that you board the barges to cross the fjord toward Caleta Gonzalo and continue south by land. Reserve the Hornopirén–Caleta Gonzalo crossing in advance at barcazas.cl.
Barges usually leave HornopirĂ©n around 10am, arriving at Caleta Gonzalo — the entrance to Parque PumalĂn — in the afternoon. Almost untouched, this temperate rainforest is a declared Nature Sanctuary, with trails for long hikes, canyoning through fjords, and campsites at the foot of hidden waterfalls. Explore the Michinmahuida volcano on horseback, wander its larch forests on wooden walkways, and watch for everything from herons and flamingos to condors. Several campgrounds; some need booking ahead.
Set deep in the Andes, "Futaleufú" means "big river" in Mapudungun — and its namesake is rated among the three best rivers on the planet for kayaking and rafting. Do you dare take it on? For something quieter, hike or bike the trails of the Futaleufú National Reserve, which protects the mountain cypress and the shy huemul, the endemic deer that is one of Chile's national symbols.
A place where the forest seems to sink between fjords and channels, giving rise to the lush evergreen rainforest. Trek the trails surrounded by water and woods, and let the Ventisquero Colgante — the famous Hanging Glacier — and its lagoons and waterfalls pull you into pure contemplation. If adventure is your thing, kayak the area and then unwind in the local hot springs.
Cerro Castillo is fast becoming the south's next great trekking icon, with hikes increasingly sought out by walkers from all over the world. The town itself has little tourist infrastructure, so it's often easier to base yourself in Coyhaique for the trails. The stretch of highway between Coyhaique and Villa Cerro Castillo, crossing the national reserve, is one of the most beautiful of the entire route.
Set off from Puerto RĂo Tranquilo to the Capillas de Mármol Nature Sanctuary, where the caves, chapel and cathedral of marble will win you over — kayak through their tunnels and let the colours, textures and reflections fill your camera. It's an undisputed postcard of Chilean Patagonia. Beyond the water, there's sport fishing, horseback riding and trekking around this vast lake, plus excellent lodges to rest and eat well.
A glacier of the Northern Ice Field, far less visited than nearby Exploradores. The excursion is best coordinated with Turismo Kalem in Puerto Guadal: wake early in RĂo Tranquilo, meet the guides, and set out on a full-day hike. We then recommend staying at Pared Sur Camp, on the shore of Lake General Carrera.
Known as the town of catwalks, Tortel invites you to explore seven and a half kilometres of cypress-wood platforms, bridges and stairways that connect the village — declared a Typical Zone for its architecture and way of life. Reach the mouth of the Baker, Chile's mightiest river, and sail out to the eerie Isla de los Muertos, where dozens of crosses commemorate workers lost in a tragic shipwreck.
In the heart of evergreen Patagonia, this park delivers cinematic landscapes and a biodiversity of singular richness. Look for the southern vizcacha, the wildcat and the elusive puma. Trek the trails, ride the mountains by bike, or simply take in the immense beauty while you fly-fish or drift out on a boat.
For us, one of the jewels of the Carretera Austral — and a must. A former national reserve now part of Patagonia National Park, it sees very few visitors and has a privileged campsite on the shore of Lake Jeinimeni.
Leave early from Chile Chico and book the ferry across Lake General Carrera to Puerto Ibáñez. The RĂo Simpson National Reserve is all valleys and lush green threaded between peaks over 1,500 m, with endless corners to discover — camp under the brightest stars and walk trails alongside condors and huemules by day. The Simpson River, with its waterfalls, is among the most coveted for fly fishing. Camping Las Torres RĂo Simpson is a handy intermediate base if you'd rather not push all the way to Coyhaique or Cerro Castillo.
The emerald green of these southern waters and the promise of sport fishing make Lake Yelcho one of the region's most surprising stops. Set in Puerto Cárdenas, just over 40 km from Chaitén, it's perfect for fly fishing and slowing down. Its glacial origin, the fertile hills that ring it, and its 11,000 hectares of extent make it a true refuge of nature.
We're a local 4Ă—4 camper crew based in Puerto Varas since 2018. Tell us your dates and we'll help you shape the right version of this route.
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