Why Carretera Austral is Great for Road Trips

Northern Patagonia, Chile
By Kate Cypcar

You asked the question, and I can offer what some would term an answer. So, what is so special about the Carretera Austral anyway? Well, firstly, it is important to understand that the Carretera Austral (or Austral Road) is the highway system that allows one to navigate the great expanses of the Northern Patagonia wilderness; however, it is no ordinary highway. Construction on the highway began in 1979. It was determined to have been completed in 1988, but recently underwent additions to the last stretch in 1996. However, even today, travelers on the Carretera Austral observe that road access to the region is not complete, and requires the use of ferries to cross the mouths of the great fjords. Oh, and did I fail to mention that the highway is constructed almost entirely out of gravel?!

The port of Chaitén in Puerto Montt provides access to the northernmost section of the Carretera Austral; Caleta Yungay is the highway’s southernmost point. The journey from Puerto Montt to Caleta Yungay includes multiple opportunities to experience Northern Patagonia’s unexplored and unmapped character. Northern Patagonia is a happening year-round adventure destination. As typical of this region, the spring and summer months (December to March) offer the most moderate weather conditions – for this reason, they are also the most popular travel months. To journey along the Carretera Austral, it is best to travel from Santiago to Puerto Montt via air or road.

The Carretera Austral traverses the Northern Patagonia region for more than a thousand kilometers, weaving through virgin forests, stunning glaciers, rivers and ice fields. It is well-planned, although occasionally narrow, and has soundly constructed concrete bridges. Services such as lodging, food, and transportation are available along the way.

Within its first few kilometers from Puerto Montt, the Carretera Austral serves up the national parks of Alerce Andino and Hornopirén. Further to the south, you will find the Pumalín, a controversial foreign-owned private park aimed at maintaining and protecting biological variety.

In Chaitén, you can stock up on any supplies you may need. It is difficult to choose between a refreshing hot bath at Termas del Amarillo, or Yelcho Lake, an excellent place for fly-fishing. So, if time allows (and it should!), check out both natural attractions.

A side road leads to Futaleufu. This site is a MUST for all you kayaking and rafting lovers! The River Futaleufu, bearing the same name as the town, registers world-class rapids, and proves a challenge for even the most adventurous. Continuing south, you will come upon Queulat National Park. A spectacular hanging snowcap is visible from the road.

From Puyuhuapi Town, near the limits of Queulat, and accessible only by sea or air, is the hot springs resort of Termas de Puyuhuapi. A detour leads to Puerto Cisnes, and another leads to Coyhaique, the capital city of Aisén located a few kilometers away from El Fraile Ski Center.

Puerto Aisén and Puerto Chacabuco are west of Puyuhuapi Town, sitting among parks and national reservations. From there, you can travel along the channels and fjords to view San Rafael Lagoon, the point where San Rafael Snowcap, San Valentín Ice Camp Snowdrift, and the sea convene.

Further south on the Carretera Austral, you will near the small but picturesque Elizalde Lake, and also the General Carrera Lake. The General Carrera Lake is the biggest in the country.
Baker River, located to the north of Cochrane, is another paradise for fly-fishing lovers.
After a thousand-kilometer journey, the gravelly Carretera Austral highway comes to an end in Villa O’ Higgins, a mere step away from the Campo de Hielo Sur.

Road tripping Carretera Austral-style is an ideal way to experience most everything Northern Patagonia has to offer. To recap, attractions include: Chaitén, Termas del Amarillo (hot springs), Rio Palena, Termas de Puyuhuapi (hot springs), Queulat National Park, Coihayque, Rio Cisnes, Pedro Aguirre Cerda Lagoon, Puerto Bertrand, and Cochrane-the list goes on. Keep in mind the following activities, for they will tantalize your sense of adventure as well as familiarize you with the flavor of the Northern Patagonia region: mountaineering, trekking, mountain biking, fly-fishing, rafting, kayaking, the observation of wildlife, and photography.

References:
www.gochile.cl
www.gosouthamerica.about.com