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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.
This tour takes you deep into the heart of Chilean Patagonia, one of the most scenic and remote cycling routes in the world. Starting in Coyhaique, this guided tour follows the iconic Carretera Austral through lush temperate rainforests, dramatic fjords, turquoise rivers, and snow-capped peaks. Cyclists tackle a mix of gravel and paved roads, covering around 600 km over ten days, including boat crossings and daily vehicle support. With challenging climbs and breathtaking descents, the route offers an unforgettable adventure for experienced riders.
Along the way, you'll discover charming Patagonian villages, soak in natural hot springs, and encounter the unspoiled beauty of places like Queulat National Park and Caleta Tortel. This tour is designed for those who love remote landscapes and are looking for a fully supported, immersive cycling experience. With expert local guides, comfortable accommodations, and well-planned logistics, it’s the ideal way to experience the wild soul of Patagonia by bike.
This tour takes you deep into the heart of Chilean Patagonia, one of the most scenic and remote cycling routes in the world. Starting in Coyhaique, this guided tour follows the iconic Carretera Austral through lush temperate rainforests, dramatic fjords, turquoise rivers, and snow-capped peaks. Cyclists tackle a mix of gravel and paved roads, covering around 600 km over ten days, including boat crossings and daily vehicle support. With challenging climbs and breathtaking descents, the route offers an unforgettable adventure for experienced riders.
Along the way, you'll discover charming Patagonian villages, soak in natural hot springs, and encounter the unspoiled beauty of places like Queulat National Park and Caleta Tortel. This tour is designed for those who love remote landscapes and are looking for a fully supported, immersive cycling experience. With expert local guides, comfortable accommodations, and well-planned logistics, it’s the ideal way to experience the wild soul of Patagonia by bike.
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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: Cumbres Hotel
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Journey 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: Hostería Catalina Cabins
Distance: 45 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Ferry Crossings and Ride to Chaitén
Start the day with a ferry journey along the stunning Bimodal Route, bikes on board. The first section lasts about 3.5 hours, passing through majestic Patagonian fjords with breathtaking views of the Andes. After a short 10 km transfer, board a second ferry for a 45-minute crossing to Caleta Gonzalo, the gateway to Douglas Tompkins Pumalín National Park—part of the largest private land donation for conservation in history.
Cycle through the heart of the evergreen forest and hike a trail that winds past ancient Alerce trees. Continue riding along gravel roads past crystal-clear lakes, rolling hills, and dramatic landscapes until reaching Chaitén, with stunning views of Corcovado Volcano and the still-active Chaitén Volcano.
Overnight Location: Kahuel Posada de Expediciones
Distance: 30 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Scenic Ride to Yelcho Lake
This is one of the most scenic and gentle sections of the route, with paved roads and minimal climbing. Cycle through stunning mountain landscapes toward the El Amarillo sector of Pumalín Park. Continue to the town of Puerto Cárdenas and cross the iconic Yelcho suspension bridge, with views of the lake’s mouth and the Yelcho Glacier. Follow the shoreline of the beautiful Yelcho Lake until reaching the accommodation for the night.
Overnight Location: Yelcho en la Patagonia Hotel
Distance: 64 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Mountain Pass and River Valley Ride
The route starts with stunning scenery, surrounded by native forests and views of the Yelcho Glacier. Tackle the Moraga climb to reach the pass, where a thrilling downhill offers a view of the dramatic alluvium left by the 2017 Villa Santa Lucía disaster, which drastically changed the town and its landscape. Continue along the paved road following the Frío and Palena Rivers, cross into the Aysén Region, enjoy a picnic in Villa Vanguardia, and finish this long day in the town of La Junta.
Overnight Location: Espacio y Tiempo Hotel
Distance: 89 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Ride to Puyuhuapi and Hot Springs Relaxation
Continue cycling toward Puyuhuapi, following the Risopatrón River and lake. Experience the stunning landscapes shaped by Queulat National Park before reaching the town, famous for its carpet factory and German-influenced architecture. This day offers a perfect opportunity to relax in the afternoon, enjoying the hot springs at Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa after several long riding days.
Overnight Location: Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa
Distance: 49 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Exploring Queulat National Park
This day offers a multi-adventure experience designed to recharge energy for the upcoming Queulat slope challenge. Enjoy a scenic ride while exploring the famous Queulat National Park and its stunning hanging glacier. Take the chance to hike to viewpoints or paddle on Tempano Lagoon for unique glacier views. After visiting the park, the minibus will transfer the group to Muelle Austral for a 3:30 pm boat crossing of the fjord, returning to the iconic Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa to relax in the hot springs and savor local cuisine.
Overnight Location: Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa
Distance: 21 km by minibus
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Conquering the Queulat Slope
The ride begins at El Muelle Austral and heads toward the Queulat slope, one of the legendary challenges of the Carretera Austral route. Travel through evergreen forests with stunning views of glaciers and fjords. The gravel road leads to a demanding climb featuring 33 curves, offering a unique glimpse of remote Patagonian landscapes at the Queulat pass. From there, enjoy a paved descent alongside the Cisnes River, which guides the way to the accommodation in the rural village of Amengual.
Overnight Location: Lago Las Torres Lodge
Distance: 67 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 Through Las Torres Reserve to Puerto Aysén
Begin the day with an uphill ride to reach Amengual. Continue through Las Torres National Reserve, cycling past striking geological formations, mountains, and landscapes shaped by sky, rivers, forests, and peaks. The route transitions into the Patagonian steppe, passing agricultural fields, the unique Esponja Lagoon, and Mount Colmillo near Villa Mañihuales. After lunch, take a minibus transfer to Puerto Aysén, the second-largest city in the Aysén region.
Overnight Location: Patagonia Green
Distance: 60 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10 Raft Crossing and Scenic Ride to Coyhaique
One of the most challenging yet rewarding days of the journey begins with a river raft crossing to access the best backroad of the adventure—a scenic, peaceful route surrounded by nature and free from traffic. This rural road leads to Coyhaique, the capital of this Patagonian region, passing by stunning lakes nestled deep in the mountains.
Overnight Location: Raíces Hotel
Distance: 80 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11 From Coyhaique Countryside to Cerro Castillo Village
The southern section of the route starts on a paved road along the Southern Way, riding through flatlands near the so-called Chinese Wall, where the countryside around Coyhaique unfolds. Pass through El Blanco town surrounded by stunning Patagonian steppe and unique rock formations. After the junction of Route 7 and Balmaceda, the road gently ascends to Laguna Chiguay, an ideal spot for a picnic lunch. Continue along the impressive Cerro Castillo National Park to reach its pass, the highest point on the Carretera Austral. From there, descend the “Devil’s Slope,” enjoying views of the Ibáñez River before arriving at Cerro Castillo Village.
Overnight Location: Refugio Cerro Castillo
Distance: 99 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12 Exploring the Marble Chapels on Lake General Carrera
This day begins with leaving Cerro Castillo without bikes. Early in the morning, take a minibus to one of the Carretera Austral’s gems—the Marble Chapels—located on Lake Chelenko, also known as Lake General Carrera, named by the Indigenous peoples of the area. Explore the Marble Chapels by kayak at dawn or by boat.
Overnight Location: El Puesto
Distance: 130 km by minibus
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 13 Departure Day
This is the final day of the tour. After breakfast, travel by minibus to Balmaceda Airport, passing the turquoise waters of General Carrera Lake and enjoying stunning views of Cerro Castillo National Park. Reflect on the unique cycling adventure experienced in the heart of remote Patagonia. It is recommended to book flights departing after 2 pm.
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 October 2025 through April 2026. This is a scheduled group tour, where you will be joining a group. The prices below are per person.Start
Finish
Duration
Spaces Left
Price
Sat, Nov 8
From Puerto Montt, Chile
Thu, Nov 20
to Balmaceda, Chile
13 Days
5+
Spaces left
USD$5300
Fri, Dec 5
From Puerto Montt, Chile
Wed, Dec 17
to Balmaceda, Chile
13 Days
5+
Spaces left
USD$5300
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 12 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-speaking guide
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees where applicable
- Estuary Reloncaví ferry
- Bimodal route ferry
- Transfer from and to the local airports
- Minibus transfers between key locations
- Bike and equipment checks
- Daily support vehicles for luggage and assistance
- Outdoor picnics and snacks implements: Plates, cutlery, glasses.
- Mechanics: Repo-bike service (spare bike on route in case of serious mechanical issue), tool box, accessories and spare parts.
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
- Hanging glacier boat journey Queulat National Park
- Boat or kayaking in the Marble Chapels
- 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. This tour is ideal for experienced cyclists in good shape. It features long rides, significant elevation gain, and mixed terrain—approximately 150 km of gravel and 450 km of pavement. The remote setting and changing weather add to the challenge, so prior endurance and hill training are recommended.
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 12 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 5) 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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