CYCLING CARRETERA AUSTRAL
Patagonia’s Most Magnificent Bike Trip
CARRETERA AUSTRAL
The peak and reason of why Patagonia holds its travelers in an indescribable awe.
The wild heart of Patagonia, where every kilometer tells a story.
Stretching 1,240 kilometers from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins, the legendary Carretera Austral (Ruta 7) is much more than just a road — it’s a journey into one of the most breathtaking and remote corners of the world.
This winding route cuts through Patagonia’s ever-changing landscapes: colossal glaciers, ancient temperate rainforests, pristine fjords, thunderous rivers, and the iconic turquoise waters of Lago General Carrera, Chile’s largest lake. Each turn offers new wonders, each vista leaves you speechless.
What makes the Carretera Austral truly unique is its raw, untamed beauty.
Some sections are still gravel, and the weather—yes, rain, snow, and fierce Patagonian winds—can challenge even the most seasoned traveler.
But that’s exactly why adventurers from around the world fall in love with it: it’s not about the comfort, it’s about the experience.
• The northern stretch (Puerto Montt to Coyhaique, 660 km / 410 mi) is mostly paved, with a few gravel detours.
• The southern stretch (Coyhaique to Villa O’Higgins, 580 km / 360 mi) remains largely gravel, promising even more off-the-grid adventure. Full paving is on the horizon, but for now, it remains beautifully rugged.
And while this land is wild, it’s not dangerous. The local wildlife includes shy pumas, curious foxes, the tiny Pudú (world’s smallest deer), elusive Huemul (South Andean deer), the Culpeo fox, and even penguins near the coast.
They’re a quiet reminder that you’re cycling through one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth.
If you’re looking for a road trip that defies the ordinary — this is it.
Welcome to the Carretera Austral.
Adventure lives here.
The Carretera Austral
EQUIPMENT WITH EACH BIKE:
– MERIDA BIKE
– TOPEAK REAR RACK
– HELMET
– PUMP
– ORTLIEB PANNIERS 20LTS EACH
– HANDLEBAR BAG 15LTS
– LOCK
– SPARE TUBES
– MINI FRAME BAG
– ALLEN MULTI TOOL
– REFLECTIVE VEST
– CHAIN CUTTER
– QUICK LINK
– FRONT LIGHTS
– REAR LIGHTS
– ELASTIC BANDS
– TIRE LEVERS
– GEL SEAT COVER
– CHAIN LUBRICANT
– BOTTLE HOLDER
A Complete Guide for Carretera Austral
Tips for Carretera Austral
Online Booking:
Bikepacking Carretera Austral
Bike and Outdoor Rental
Need a quote?
Send us an email to: info@australbikes.cl
If more information is required, please contact us at info@australbikes.cl
PICK UP AND DROP OFF POINTS:
You can pick up or drop off the bikes at a different location. You can choose:
– Puerto Varas
– Puerto Montt
– Coyhaique
– Puerto Rio Tranquilo
– Villa O Higgins
And we will return them back to Puerto Varas.
The delivery of the bikes and the drop off costs at any other point are included on our quote.
LUGGAGE:
We can arrange luggage transfer at your request from Puerto Varas to Coyhaique or Villa O´Higgins if you choose to do so.
Costs depends on weight and size, but it’s usually USD 80 to Villa O’Higgins and USD 60 to Coyhaique.
WORKING HOURS:
Puerto Varas:
– Works from Mondays to Sundays.
Rentals need to be returned during business hours (10:00- 19:00).
Coyhaique:
– Works from Mondays to Fridays ( 9:00 to 13:00 / 14:00 to 18:00).
Villa O’Higgins:
– Works from mondays to Sundays (Drop off needs previous appointment via WhatsApp).
Because this isn’t just a trip — it’s the ride of a lifetime.
If you’re heading into the wild, packing light is the smartest choice. The hills are steep, the gravel is rough, and every extra kilo will remind you of it.
Must-haves?
Your tent, sleeping bag, and full camping gear. There are no five-star hotels out here… but you’ll have a billion stars above you every night.
The sun down south can be harsh — don’t forget SPF 50 sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses.
But also be ready for Patagonia’s wild moods: here, you can experience all four seasons in a single day. Bring a waterproof/windproof jacket and rain pants. It’s part of the magic — intense, unpredictable, and unforgettable.
Once you roll into a village and crave some comfort, you’ll find hostels and lodges to rest up. Prices range from CLP $25,000 to $65,000 per night, depending on the spot.
Pro tip:
The farther south you go, the more expensive and limited food becomes. Shops are small, but the water? Crystal-clear and drinkable straight from nature.
You’ll find ATMs and banks in places like Puerto Varas, Puerto Montt, Futaleufú, Chaitén, Coyhaique, Cochrane, and others. But there’s no ATM in Villa O’Higgins, so bring cash. Bank hours are usually 9:00 to 14:00.
Guía para recorrer la Carretera Austral
How long does it take to cycle
The Carretera Austral?
If you’re racing, you’re doing it wrong.
The Carretera Austral is not just a route — it’s a journey into the wild heart of Patagonia. With over 500 km of rugged gravel roads and mountain climbs that’ll make your legs burn and your spirit soar, this ride is not about speed — it’s about wonder.
There’s a local saying down here: “Quien se apura en la Patagonia, pierde su tiempo” — whoever rushes through Patagonia, wastes their time. And it’s true. This is a place where waterfalls pour onto the roadside, where you camp under skies filled with stars, and where every corner hides a view that will take your breath away.
Plan to ride 50 to 60 km per day. That gives you time to stop, explore, and let Patagonia leave a mark on you. Add a rest day here and there to enjoy the highlights — you’ll want it.
To ride it properly — from Puerto Varas all the way to Villa O’Higgins — give yourself 24 to 30 days. You won’t regret a single one.
When to ride Patagonia?
The best time is November to March, during the southern summer. You’ll get days ranging from 13°C to 23°C (55°F to 73°F), depending on how far south you go.
But expect everything — sunshine, wind, rain, warmth, and wild storms — sometimes all in the same day. That’s Patagonia, from north to south, from dream to reality. This isn’t a vacation. It’s freedom, grit, and joy on two wheels. Thanks for choosing us to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
