CYCLING CARRETERA AUSTRAL

Patagonia’s Most Magnificent Bike Trip

A Complete Guide for Carretera Austral

Tips for Carretera Austral

Online Booking:

Bikepacking Carretera Austral

You can pick up or drop off the bikes at a different location. You can choose either Puerto Varas, Puerto Montt, Coyhaique or 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.

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 70 to Villa O’Higgins and USD 60 to Coyhaique.

Working hours:

Puerto Varas: Rentals need to be returned during business hours (10:00- 19:30).

Coyhaique: works from mondays to fridays ( 9:00 to 13:00 / 14:00 to 18:30).

Villa O’Higgins: works from mondays to fridays (Drop off needs previous appointment via WhatsApp).

RENTAL COSTS:

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

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CARRETERA AUSTRAL

The peak and reason of why Patagonia holds its travelers in an indescribable awe. It runs officially from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins.

The route is 1240 kilometers long, also known as Ruta 7, this road connects its northernmost point, Puerto Montt (in the Chilean Lakes District), and its southernmost point, Villa O’Higgins (in the Aysén Region). Features glaciers, dense forests, a network of fjords, National Parks and Chile’s largest lake: Lago General Carrera.

Carretera Austral remains a work in progress, unpaved at some points and impassable due to the rain, snow and wind are qualities that have helped secure the Carretera Austral as one of South America’s most remote and beguiling road trips.

Ruta 7 is divided into two parts:

– The Northern part from Puerto Montt to Coyhaique 660 km/410 mi is paved with a bit of gravel road here and there.

– The Southern part from Coyhaique to Villa O’Higgins 580 km/360 mi is still mostly gravel road. It’s planned to complete paving the Carretera Austral in the next years.

Despite being a wild region there are no dangerous animals to be worried about. There are pumas and foxes living in the area but they’re very shy and try to stay away from people.

Carretera Austral provides habitats for a number of different animals, like the Pudú (a small deer), the Huemul (also known as the south Andean deer), the Andean fox (Culpeo) and a variety of penguins.

The Carretera Austral by Bicycle

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

How long does it take to cycle

The Carretera Austral?

Distances are of course personal, but we advise to take the time.
Bicycle fanatic or not, the route has a number of very steep peaks and there are still more than 500 kilometers of unpaved road.

Moreover, it is so nice that it is a shame to race past it.
A famous saying in Patagonia says “Quien se apura en la Patagonia, pierde su tiempo” (Whoever goes too fast in Patagonia, wastes his time). Cycle touring fits seamlessly with the received wisdom of exploring Patagonia slowly, it will lead you to magical moments immersed in nature, camping in quiet idyllic isolation, filling bottles from waterfalls that splash right down to the roadside.

Every day you will cycle an average of 50 to 60 kilometers and you should take an extra day at each highlight to visit.

In total you need between 24 – 30 days to get from the beginning in Puerto Varas to the end at Villa O Higgins.

Carretera Austral Travel Guide

Packing light is definitely advantageous on the hills and challenging gravel of the Carretera Austral.

A tent, a sleeping bag and complete camping equipment are a must.

Sun protection: SPF 50 sunscreen (the sun can be harsh at southerly latitudes due to the ozone layer being thinner down here), sun hat, sunglasses.

A waterproof/windproof jacket and waterproof leggings, the Carretera Austral can be infamous for four seasons in a day, any day of the year.

When arriving at a village and if you prefer a bit of comfort, you will find hostels. Prices may vary, but they are between $ 25.0000 and $ 65.000 Chilean pesos per person per night.

Food slowly becomes more expensive (from north to south) and more limited.

Shops are very small and the supply is less, water is pure and safe from natural water sources.

ATMs and Banks on the route can be found in Puerto Varas, Puerto Montt, Puerto Cisnes, Chile Chico, Futaleufú, Chaiten, Villa Cerro Castillo, Puerto Aysen, Coyhaique, Cochrane, Balmaceda Airport, but not in Villa O’Higgins, so you must be prepared. From 9:00 to 14:00.

WHEN TO CYCLE PATAGONIA?

The best months to come are from November to March, when the daytime temperature reaches the low twenties in northern Patagonia and the low-mid teens at Ushuaia and Punta Arenas, but expect all conditions: warm, cold, sun, wind, perfect days, and storms.

That’s in the Southern Chilean summer, any other time of year would be a bold undertaking, with short days, rain, snow very cold and blustery weather.

The direction north-south is the most popular and is nice to meet other travel companions, usually the wind direction works in your favor.
The season is pretty important, the sunniest months are from November to March, you have a chance of good weather.

Most of the Carretera Austral is classified as a oceanic climate, with cool, moderate temperatures and frequent rains, be prepared for rain around Puyuhuapi, Puerto Aysén, and Caleta Tortel.

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