This is Patagonia’s ultimate road-trip, an exhilarating self-drive adventure along Chile’s breathtaking Carretera Austral highway. The route snakes south into the glorious Patagonian wilderness, weaving through jagged mountains, steep-forested fjords, narrow river valleys and desolate rolling steppe. Crossing the border, you merge onto Argentina’s iconic Route 40 to reach Mount Fitzroy before ending your journey at the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park back, a fitting climax to an epic road-trip.
Itinerary Highlights
What’s included
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
21
Nights
Price Guide
Exact price on application (POA) from approx $11,500 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Fly to Chile & Puerto Montt

Chile’s Picturesque Lake District
Fly to Puerto Montt, collect your vehicle and drive to the pretty Germanic town of Puerto Varas, Based at a pretty lakeside lodge, enjoy a couple of days to familiarise yourself with the vehicle and driving in Chile. You may like to take a scenic drive around Lake Llanquihue or head out to the pretty Petrohue Falls and Volcano Osorno within the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. Depending on your onward driving route, you could even spend a day on the pretty island of Chiloe or venture out to the Los Alerces National Park.



Into the wilds of the carretera Austral
There are several routes you might consider depending on your time, energy and interests. The most direct road is south past the Reloncavi Sound to reach the northern fringes of the Carretera Austral and on through to Coyhaique. This is a stunning area of mountains, volcanoes and 2000 year-old Alerce Trees which soon give way to picturesque fjords framed by vertical, glacier-topped Andean peaks, accessible only by water. Highlights on route include the wonderful 715,000 acre private reserve “Parque Pumalin” established by eco-pioneer Douglas Tompkins and the Queulat National Park. Alternatively, you may prefer to explore the emerald islands of Chiloe before crossing the Gulf of Corcovado by ferry to reach the Carretera Austral. With more time, you could loop through the spectacular landscapes of Bariloche and the National Park Los Alerces in Argentina before crossing back into Chile via the remote wilds of Futaleufu, unmissable if you enjoy rafting and paddling.

Coyhaique – a return to civilisation!
As you reach the regional capital Coyhaique, the route opens up revealing wide river valleys and rugged agricultural plains – the final section through the Simpson Valley is picturesque! Coyhaique is a bustling frontier town that has grown exponentially over the years, the perfect place to refuel, touch base with civilisation and stock up on snacks. Extend your stay and you can hike in the Coyhaique Reserve and enjoy spectacular drives out towards Lake Elizalde and Puerto Chacabuco.



South to Lake General carrera
A wonderful drive as you push on along the breathtaking Carretera Austral highway to reach the turquoise Lake General Carrera. The route narrows as you weave through the jagged peaks of the Cerro Castillo Mountains before opening up to reveal a magnificent, panoramic vista of the Murta River framed by snow-capped mountains and rugged rolling steppe stretching towards the border with Argentina. Lake General Carrera is a highlight of any trip to Chile and offers excellent hiking, riding and boat-trips out to distant glaciers. Closer to your lodge, you may like to take a cruise around the eye-catching Marble Caves or enjoy scenic walks up the River Maqui.

Argentina & Route 40
Today, you bid farewell to Chile and drive across the border into Argentina. There are several routes you can take depending on the conditions and your energy – the lonely Roballos Pass is our pick, a remote mountain road that winds through wild, untamed landscapes. On the Argentine side of the border, the arid Patagonian Plateau stretches out as far as the eye can see beneath vast skies. Stay at a traditional estancia and experience warm, local hospitality in an area renowned for its rich gaucho culture.



The face of Patagonia – Mount Fitzroy!
Your journey continues across huge, windswept steppe through isolated villages and remote estancia farmsteads. Finally, you swing west again to reach the small frontier town of El Chalten perched in the shadow of the jaw-dropping Fitzroy Massif. El Chalten offers some of the finest walks in all Patagonia, the perfect spot to stretch your legs after all the driving. Hike to the fabulous “Laguna de Los Tres” or “Cerro Torre” viewpoints, explore the nearby Los Huemules Reserve or enjoy a scenic drive to the picturesque Lago del Desierto Lake.

Calafate & the Perrito Moreno Glacier
A shorter drive round Lakes Viedma and Argentino leads you to the tourist centre of El Calafate and the chance to reconnect with the world and enjoy a meal out at one of the restaurants. Calafate lies at the heart of the Los Glaciares National Park Day and is the jumping off point for visits to the Perito Moreno Glacier – the largest and only advancing glacier outside of the polar regions. Leaving the car to one side, you may also like to enjoy a boat trip out to visit the Upsala, Onelli and Spegazzini Glaciers.



End of the Road – the Torres del Paine
The end of the journey approaches as you recross the border into Chile and head into the dazzling Torres del Paine National Park, 2400 km² of granite peaks, turquoise lakes, native forest and imposing glaciers that give tantalising glimpses of the great southern icefield beyond. On the western edge of the park, Lake and Glacier Grey are unmissable and accessed via a wonderful road that weaves past lakes, booming waterfalls and herds of guanacos all framed against the iconic horn-like granite peaks of “Los Cuernos”. For walkers, the full-day Asencio Valley hike to the famous granite towers s tough but one of Chile’s great treks.

Drive back to Puerto Natales & hand back the vehicle
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide from approx $11,500 pp
When to travel
Argentina’s weather is as diverse as the country’s landscapes. In the far south, temperatures reach the high teens during the spring and summer months of November to March (best time to visit) though can drop close to zero at night. Due to its latitude, days are long – 16 hours of light in December which contrasts with around 8 hours in mid-winter when temperatures run close to zero during the day and sub-zero at night. Heading north, the Lake District follows a similar pattern though is warmer over 20° in the summer and wettest in March/April though with beautiful autumnal colours. Buenos Aires and central Argentina enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with annual highs of 30° while the subtropical north is very hot and sticky with tempestuous downpours during the summer months – Iguazu Falls are particularly impressive in January in February though often the sheer volume of water and surrounding mist shroud the view.
Add on’s
Extend your trip by an extra week and you can collect the car in Pucon, cross the magical Tromen Pass into Argentina and San Martin de los Andes and then had south via the picturesque “7 Lakes Drive”.
At the end of the trip, why not spend a few days in Chile’s Wine Valleys or stunning Atacama Desert to relax and wind-down as well as appeciate a completely different side to Chile. Or, after handing back the car, head to Punta Arenas and set off on a cruise through South America’s picturesque fjords, the perfect way to round off your Patagonian adventure!
Want a quote on a trip like this?
Speak to one of our travel specialists and we’ll create your personalised itinerary just for you