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Highlights
Cycle Patagonia’s wild Carretera Austral through forests, fjords, and mountains.
Ride the legendary Carretera Austral through stunning Chilean Patagonia.
Experience diverse terrain with gravel roads, mountain passes, and fjords.
Explore remote villages and pristine national parks along the route.
Enjoy full vehicle support and expert guidance throughout the journey.
Discover the wild landscapes of Chilean Patagonia on an unforgettable journey along the legendary Carretera Austral. Beginning in Puerto Varas and continuing to Puerto Río Tranquilo, you’ll cycle 636 km through temperate rainforests, fjords, glacial valleys, rivers, and dramatic mountain scenery. The route combines 214 km of loose gravel with 422 km of paved roads.
Scenic ferry crossings carry you through remote Patagonian channels before you explore Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, Queulat National Park, and Cerro Castillo National Park by bike and on foot. Along the way, you’ll walk among ancient Alerce trees, visit the Queulat Hanging Glacier, relax in the hot springs at Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa, and trek to the turquoise lagoon and glacier of Cerro Castillo.
Your adventure concludes beside the turquoise waters of General Carrera Lake, also known as Chelenko, with a sunrise kayaking excursion to the Marble Chapels. Supported by local guides, vehicle transfers, and superior accommodations, you’ll experience the landscapes, culture, gastronomy, and hospitality of remote Chilean Patagonia.
Discover the wild landscapes of Chilean Patagonia on an unforgettable journey along the legendary Carretera Austral. Beginning in Puerto Varas and continuing to Puerto Río Tranquilo, you’ll cycle 636 km through temperate rainforests, fjords, glacial valleys, rivers, and dramatic mountain scenery. The route combines 214 km of loose gravel with 422 km of paved roads.
Scenic ferry crossings carry you through remote Patagonian channels before you explore Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, Queulat National Park, and Cerro Castillo National Park by bike and on foot. Along the way, you’ll walk among ancient Alerce trees, visit the Queulat Hanging Glacier, relax in the hot springs at Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa, and trek to the turquoise lagoon and glacier of Cerro Castillo.
Your adventure concludes beside the turquoise waters of General Carrera Lake, also known as Chelenko, with a sunrise kayaking excursion to the Marble Chapels. Supported by local guides, vehicle transfers, and superior accommodations, you’ll experience the landscapes, culture, gastronomy, and hospitality of remote Chilean Patagonia.
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Best of Carretera Austral Bike Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival and Trip Briefing
Participants will be picked up at El Tepual Airport (PMC) in Puerto Montt. At 3 pm, everyone will meet at the hotel in Puerto Varas for introductions, a brief overview of the bike journey, and a bike and equipment check.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Puerto Varas
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Ride the Hualaihué Coast to Hornopirén
Depart Puerto Varas by minibus, following the coastal road through Puerto Montt to reach the Carretera Austral (Route 7). Take a ferry across the Reloncaví Estuary to Caleta Puelche. After a pleasant lunch in the village of Contao, begin cycling through the rural region of Hualaihué, surrounded by lush forests and scenic coastal views, eventually arriving in the town of Hornopirén.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Hornopirén
Distance: 75 km, 791 m ascent and 779 m descent; paved road
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3 Cross the Fjords and Cycle through Pumalín National Park
Set out early with your bike for a scenic ferry journey along the Bimodal Route. The first crossing takes 3.5 hours, travelling through the fjords of Chilean Patagonia with views of the Andes. After a 10 km transfer, board a second ferry for the 45-minute journey to Caleta Gonzalo in Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, which formed part of the world’s largest private land donation for conservation.
Cycle through evergreen forest and hike a trail among ancient Alerce trees before continuing along gravel roads past lakes, hills, and remote Patagonian scenery. The day ends in Chaitén, with views of Corcovado Volcano and the active Chaitén Volcano.
Overnight Location: Kahuel Posada de Expediciones
Distance: 40 km, 574 m ascent and 719 m descent; gravel and paved roads
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Scenic Ride to Yelcho Lake
Enjoy one of the gentler sections of the tour as you cycle along a mostly flat, paved route with minimal climbing. Ride through mountain scenery towards the El Amarillo sector of Pumalín National Park before continuing to Puerto Cárdenas and the Yelcho suspension bridge. From here, admire views across the mouth of Yelcho Lake towards the glacier of the same name, then follow the lakeshore to your accommodation.
Overnight Location: Yelcho en la Patagonia Hotel
Distance: 58 km, 513 m ascent and 484 m descent; paved road
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5 Climb the Moraga Slope and Ride to La Junta
Begin your ride surrounded by native forest and views of the Yelcho Glacier. Tackle the climb to Moraga Pass before descending towards Villa Santa Lucía, where you’ll see the lasting impact of the devastating 2017 landslide that transformed the town and surrounding landscape. Continue along paved roads beside the Frío and Palena rivers, crossing into the Aysén Region. After a picnic in Villa Vanguardia, complete this long day of cycling in La Junta.
Overnight Location: Hotel in La Junta
Distance: 89 km, 1,389 m ascent and 1,398 m descent; paved road
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 6 Ride to Puyuhuapi and Hot Springs Relaxation
Continue cycling towards Puyuhuapi, following the Risopatrón River and lake through landscapes shaped by Queulat National Park. Arrive in Puyuhuapi, a town known for its carpet factory and German-influenced architecture. After several long days of cycling, spend the afternoon resting and enjoying the hot springs at Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa.
Overnight Location: Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa
Distance: 60 km, 746 m ascent and 780 m descent; paved road
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Hike to the Queulat Hanging Glacier
Spend the day exploring Queulat National Park while recharging for the following day’s challenging climb. Hike 2.5 km along the trails to a viewpoint overlooking the park’s famous Hanging Glacier, then take a boat trip across Témpano Lagoon for a closer perspective of the glacier. Afterwards, travel by minibus to Muelle Austral and cross the fjord to Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa, where you can relax in the hot springs and enjoy the lodge’s cuisine.
Overnight Location: Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa
Distance: 2.5 km hike; paved access road
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Conquer the Queulat Pass
Begin your ride at the Hanging Glacier viewpoint on Route 7 before tackling the Queulat climb, one of the Carretera Austral’s signature challenges. Follow the gravel road through evergreen forest, with views of glaciers and fjords accompanying the demanding ascent around 33 curves to Queulat Pass. From the pass, descend on paved roads alongside the Cisnes River to Villa Amengual, where you’ll transfer to Puerto Aysén.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Puerto Aysen
Distance: 54 km, 1,576 m ascent and 1,292 m descent; loose gravel and paved roads
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 9 Cross the River and Ride Backroads to Coyhaique
Prepare for one of the most challenging yet rewarding rides of the tour. Begin with a river crossing by traditional raft to reach a quiet backroad surrounded by nature and free from busy traffic. Follow the rural route past secluded mountain lakes before arriving in Coyhaique, the regional capital of Patagonia.
Overnight Location: Pura Hotel
Distance: 78 km, 1,360 m ascent and 1,083 m descent; gravel road
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 10 Cross Cerro Castillo Pass and Descend the Devil’s Slope
Begin the southern section of the route on paved roads, cycling across the flatlands near the area known as the Chinese Wall. Pass through El Blanco as the countryside around Coyhaique gives way to Patagonian steppe and striking rock formations. After the junction of Route 7 and the road to Balmaceda, climb gradually towards Laguna Chiguay, where you’ll stop for a picnic lunch.
Continue through Cerro Castillo National Park to the pass, the highest point on the Carretera Austral. From there, descend the challenging Devil’s Slope, stopping at viewpoints overlooking the Ibáñez River before arriving in Cerro Castillo Village.
Overnight Location: Refugio Cerro Castillo
Distance: 99 km, 1,631 m ascent and 1,577 m descent; paved road
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 11 Hike to Cerro Castillo Lagoon and Glacier
Spend the day trekking to Cerro Castillo’s turquoise lagoon and glacier, surrounded by dramatic Patagonian mountain scenery. Along the route, enjoy panoramic views over the Ibáñez River and its valley.
Overnight Location: Refugio Cerro Castillo
Distance: 14 km hike
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 12 Cycle beside Chelenko Lake to Puerto Río Tranquilo
Take a scenic transfer to San Sebastián, passing viewpoints overlooking the Ibáñez River and the Dead Forest. From there, cycle beside glacial rivers through the peaceful Murta Valley and along the turquoise shores of General Carrera Lake, also known by its ancestral name, Chelenko. Continue beneath towering Patagonian peaks, tackling the iconic El Belga climb before descending to the lakeside village of Puerto Río Tranquilo.
Overnight Location: El Puesto
Distance: 80 km, 975 m ascent and 1,255 m descent; gravel road
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 13 Departure Day
Begin the final day with a sunrise kayaking excursion at the Marble Chapels, followed by breakfast. Then travel by minibus to Balmaceda Airport, following the turquoise waters of General Carrera Lake and enjoying views of Cerro Castillo National Park along the way. Flights departing after 2:00 p.m. are recommended.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 200 km
Meals: Breakfast
Best of Carretera Austral Bike Tour Price and Dates
The Best of the Carretera Austral Bike tour operates between November 2026 through March 2027. This is a scheduled group tour, where you will be joining a group. Bike rentals are available, either mountain bike, gravel bike, or e-bike. The prices below are per person.Start
Finish
Duration
Spaces Left
Price
Accommodation on Best of Carretera Austral Bike Tour
This tour is based on superior double occupancy rooms in hotels, lodges, and cabins, selecting the best options available in each town.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
What’s Included in the Best of Carretera Austral Bike Tour?
Meals
12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 6 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 12 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation during the tour includes minibus transfers between key locations, boat and ferry crossings along the route, and daily support vehicles for luggage and assistance throughout the cycling journey.
Also included
- English and Spanish-speaking tour leader certified in first aid
- Daily support vehicles for luggage and assistance
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees where applicable
- Roadside lunches and snacks prepared by the guides or provided at local restaurants when possible
- One authentic gastronomic experience with local pioneers preparing a lamb in a sword, the Patagonian BBQ
- Outdoor picnics and snacks implements: Plates, cutlery, glasses
- First aid kits, orthopedic neck brace, and radio transceivers
- Estuary Reloncaví ferry
- Bimodal route ferry
- Transfer from and to the local airports
- Minibus transfers between key locations
- Bike and equipment checks
- Mechanics: Repo-bike service (spare bike on route in case of serious mechanical issue), tool box, accessories and spare parts
- Hike along the 1 km Alerce Ancient Tree Trail in Douglas Tompkins Pumalín National Park
- Sunrise kayaking in the Marble Chapels
- Hanging glacier boat journey Queulat National Park
Not included
- International flights
- Alcohol drinks
- Bike rental
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., snacks, drinks, souvenirs)
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- Bike rental (gravel or touring)
- E-bike upgrade
- How hard is the Best of Carretera Austral Bike Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Chile?
- Are meals included on the Best of Carretera Austral Bike Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Puerto Montt to start this tour?
- Is the Best of Carretera Austral Bike Tour in English?
- Where does the Best of Carretera Austral Bike Tour end?
- Can I rent a bike?
- Can I bring my own bike?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Chile?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Chile?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. The route covers 214 km of loose gravel and 422 km of paved roads, with challenging climbs and long cycling distances. Recreational or sport cycling experience is recommended, along with good physical fitness and sufficient training for hills and long-distance riding.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 6 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover all the activities listed on the tour. Get your travel insurance.
To reach El Tepual Airport (PMC) in Puerto Montt, take a domestic flight from Santiago (SCL), Chile’s capital. The flight takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Airport pickup and transfer to Puerto Varas are included in the tour.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The tour ends with a transfer to Balmaceda Airport (BBA) on the final day for your departure.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are gravel bikes (Kona Rove Al), mountain bikes (Cannondale Trail SL4 ) or electric bikes (Giant Talon E+1 or similar). The rental includes a helmet, front bag, and a women’s saddle if requested.
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a road bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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