To get to Balmaceda, you can fly directly into Balmaceda Airport (BBA) from major cities like Santiago and Puerto Montt. Balmaceda is about 55 kilometers of Coyhaique.

Flights: Several airlines, including LATAM and Sky Airline, offer direct flights to Balmaceda from Santiago and other major cities.T

Leaving Coyhaique, the road opens up into wide Patagonian valleys and long, gentle straights that make the first part of the ride feel surprisingly smooth and fast. The surface is fully paved, and the terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling, allowing you to build a steady rhythm as the city slowly fades behind you and the wild landscapes return.

Near the small area known as El Blanco, the scenery takes on a surreal feel. Strange and fascinating rock formations, shaped by centuries of wind, ice and geological forces, rise from the land like silent stone sculptures. These formations, part of an ancient volcanic and sedimentary history, give the landscape an almost otherworldly appearance and make this section one of the most visually unique of the entire Carretera Austral.

As you continue south, the environment shifts once again. Towering peaks begin to dominate the horizon, signaling your arrival to the legendary Cerro Castillo National Park. This protected area is famous for its jagged mountains, turquoise lagoons, hanging glaciers and dramatic alpine landscapes — often compared to Torres del Paine in its beauty and intensity.

Then comes the highlight (and the test): La Cuesta del Diablo. This iconic climb is one of the most challenging stretches of the whole journey. The road rises in sharp curves, demanding strength, focus and patience. Every turn reveals bigger views — deep valleys, snow-capped peaks and endless Patagonian sky. It is difficult, yes… but also one of the most rewarding climbs you will ever experience on a bicycle.

After conquering the Cuesta del Diablo, a long, flowing descent takes you straight into Villa Cerro Castillo, a small mountaineer town nestled at the entrance of the national park. Surrounded by towering rock spires and icy rivers, it feels like a true basecamp for adventurers.

Here, you can rest, refuel, explore hiking trails, or simply sit back and admire one of the most spectacular backdrops of the entire Carretera Austral.

Leaving Villa Cerro Castillo, you ride straight into one of the most visually stunning sections of the Carretera Austral. The road winds alongside the turquoise Ibáñez River, its surreal blue color flowing between steep canyon walls and rocky cliffs. This stretch is mostly paved, but still includes some gravel sections that keep your focus sharp and your true adventure spirit alive.

The terrain is a mix of gentle descents, rolling hills and long open valleys framed by dramatic mountains. Massive rock walls rise on one side while wide Patagonian landscapes stretch out on the other. Waterfalls appear unexpectedly along the way, and every turn of the road offers a new panoramic view — snowy peaks, deep canyons, and endless sky.

As you get closer to Puerto Río Tranquilo, the scenery changes once again. The landscape opens up and the immense General Carrera Lake begins to reveal itself in the distance — a deep, electric blue lake so vast it feels like an ocean surrounded by mountains.

Arriving in Puerto Río Tranquilo feels like stepping into a small expedition base. This lively little village is famous for one of the greatest natural wonders in Chile: the Capillas de Mármol (Marble Caves). From here, you can take a boat or kayak tour to explore the incredible marble formations carved by water and wind over thousands of years — swirling white and blue patterns reflected on the lake’s surface.

Beyond the caves, Tranquilo also offers glaciers, hidden lagoons, bike routes, trekking trails, camping areas, small lodges and local restaurants where you can enjoy a warm meal overlooking the lake. Many cyclists choose to stay an extra day here to fully explore the area and give their legs a well-deserved break.

This is not just a stop on your journey — Puerto Río Tranquilo is one of the true highlights of the entire Carretera Austral.

You’ve arrived in Puerto Río Tranquilo, one of the most scenic and unforgettable stops along the entire route. No kilometers to cover on your bike today, but there’s plenty to discover.

First, the star of the show: the Catedral de Mármol, or Marble Caves.

These surreal rock formations rise directly from the turquoise waters of Lago General Carrera. Sculpted over thousands of years by waves and wind, the caves glow in swirling patterns of blue and white — and the best way to see them is by kayak or small boat.

Sunlight reflects off the water and dances along the stone, creating a dreamlike, otherworldly experience. Early morning is best, when the light is soft and the water calm. It’s not just beautiful — it’s peaceful, meditative, and completely unique.

If you’re looking for a different kind of adventure, head inland toward the Glaciar Exploradores.

A journey of about 57 kilometers, filled with dramatic lake views, hidden valleys, and the powerful presence of the Río Baker.

Leaving Puerto Río Tranquilo, the road quickly returns to gravel. You’ll ride along the southern edge of Lago General Carrera, the largest lake entirely in Chile, with its signature deep turquoise color on full display. The road rolls gently at first, with some short climbs and descents hugging the cliffs and hillsides.

About halfway through the ride, you’ll pass close to Bahía Murta, a tiny settlement nestled on the lake’s edge. It’s a good place to rest, grab a snack, or chat with locals if you’re in no rush. From here, the landscape becomes even wilder.

You’ll continue along the lake before the road turns slightly inland, following a chain of valleys and glacial streams. Eventually, you’ll arrive at the northern tip of Lago Bertrand, where the lake empties into the Río Baker — Chile’s most powerful river.

From the moment you leave Puerto Bertrand, the road begins to follow the legendary Baker River, Chile’s most powerful and voluminous river. The surface here is mostly gravel, with some short paved sections, adding a raw and adventurous feel to the ride. Dust, stones and occasional washboard will keep you alert, while the constant sound of rushing water is your soundtrack for the day.

The surreal turquoise color of the Baker River accompanies you through deep canyons and wide valleys, creating one of the most striking visual contrasts of the entire Carretera Austral. Along the way, you’ll pass several viewpoints where the river squeezes through narrow gorges, forming fierce rapids that can be heard long before they’re seen. This powerful presence turns the road into a moving viewpoint.

The terrain is mostly rolling, with gentle ups and downs and a few short climbs, making it physically manageable but never boring. Condors sometimes glide above the cliffs, and open Patagonian landscapes alternate with forested sections and wide grazing fields.

As you approach Cochrane, the scenery begins to open up even more. This welcoming town is considered the gateway to the Northern Patagonian Ice Field. Here you’ll find supermarkets, restaurants, hostels, gear shops and a peaceful plaza — the perfect place to rest, resupply, and prepare for the most remote and wild section of your journey toward Caleta Tortel and Villa O’Higgins.

Today we leave behind the last major town on the route — Cochrane — and ride into the true wilderness of southern Patagonia. The destination: a remote riverside area known as Los Ñadis, about 60 kilometers south, perfect for a night of camping under the stars.

Leaving Cochrane, the road turns to gravel almost immediately. There are no towns, no gas stations, and no cell signal ahead — only forest, rivers, and the open sky. This is where the Carretera Austral begins to feel wild and untamed.

The terrain is rolling, with small climbs and descents, crossing through dense lenga forests and over crystal-clear creeks. The road surface varies — from smooth compact gravel to rough, rocky patches — so take your time and enjoy the solitude.

This part of the route follows the Río Baker for a while, and you’ll be surrounded by massive, untouched landscapes. Waterfalls fall from cliffsides, eagles glide overhead, and the only sounds are wind, water, and your tires crunching gravel.

Today, you ride even further into Patagonia’s wild heart — from your campsite near Los Ñadis, along the southern reaches of the Carretera Austral, until you reach the junction with Ruta X-904, the road that leads to Caleta Tortel. It’s a 60-kilometer ride through silence, solitude, and raw nature.

From the very start, you’re alone with the landscape. The road is 100% gravel, winding through narrow valleys, old-growth forests, and steep river canyons. There are no towns, no stores, no signs — just the occasional wooden bridge, the call of birds, and the distant echo of the wind through the lenga trees.

As you ride south, the terrain becomes increasingly varied. Expect short but steep climbs, sections of rough road, and the occasional muddy stretch — especially after rain. Some descents are rocky and technical, so stay alert and take breaks when needed.

But with the difficulty comes beauty. The region is shaped by glacial erosion, carved into jagged ridges and deep valleys.

Today marks a special transition — from gravel road to wooden walkways, from the forests of Patagonia to the edge of the Pacific fjords. You’re riding the final 22 kilometers of the ruta X-904, all the way to Caleta Tortel, one of the most unique and magical villages in all of Chile.

The road starts as a narrow gravel track, winding through lush forest and following the curves of deep river valleys. There are no shops, no traffic lights — just the sound of your tires on ripio, the rustle of the trees, and the anticipation of the sea.

The terrain is undulating but manageable, with a few short climbs and descents. About halfway through, the road begins to descend toward the coast, revealing dramatic views of the Baker River delta opening into the fjords. The air changes — you’ll smell salt and feel the cool breeze of the ocean.

And then, suddenly, you arrive.

Caleta Tortel appears like a dream — built entirely on wooden walkways, with no cars, no streets, and no concrete. Every building is connected by raised cypress-plank boardwalks that curve and climb through the cliffs and along the water’s edge.