HERE ARE SOME TIPS BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO HIT THE ROAD:
Before setting off on your adventure through Patagonia’s wildest landscapes, take a few minutes to prepare. The Carretera Austral is breathtaking, but it’s also remote, rugged, and unpredictable. Here’s what you should know before you start pedaling:
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✅ Internet and Mobile Coverage
Signal is often weak or non-existent, especially in rural stretches. Many hostels, cabins, and campsites don’t offer Wi-Fi. Don’t rely on constant connectivity. We recommend buying a local SIM card — Entel and Claro tend to have the best coverage along the route, though Movistar and WOM may also work in certain towns.
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✅ Road Conditions
The Carretera Austral is still partially unpaved, and conditions can vary drastically with the weather. Heavy rain, snow, and strong winds can make certain sections muddy, slippery, or even impassable for hours or days. That’s part of its charm—and challenge.
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✅ Construction & Closures
Road work is ongoing in many sections. Some stretches may be temporarily closed. Your best source of up-to-date info is the local tourism office of the town you’re in. Always ask before planning the next leg of your journey.
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✅ Use iOverlander and Maps.me
For cyclists and overlanders, iOverlander is a must-have. It provides real-time information on wild camping spots, hostels, road warnings, water sources, and more—contributed by travelers like you. Maps.me also works great offline if you download the region in advance.
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✅ Download Offline Maps and Accommodation Info
Before leaving each town, download maps, ferry schedules, bus timetables, and accommodation options. Once you’re in the wild, don’t count on being able to look things up. Use apps like Booking.com or Hostelworld, but be sure to screenshot your reservations.
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✅ Carry Cash
Many small villages have no ATMs or POS systems. Always carry enough Chilean pesos in cash for at least 3–4 days, especially when heading into more remote areas between towns.
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✅ Pack Smart & Light
If you’re cycling, keep your gear minimal and waterproof. The weather can shift from sun to storm in minutes. If you’re renting with Austral Bikes, we offer the option to send your backpack ahead to Coyhaique or Villa O’Higgins, so you can ride light and worry-free.
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✅ Be Patient and Flexible
Nature rules here. Ferries may be delayed. Roads might be blocked. Rain might force a rest day. But that’s part of the magic of Patagonia: letting go of control and embracing the unknown.
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