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.

Lock In Current Rates


Reserve your Carretera Austral trip before August 31st and keep our current 2025–2026 season prices.
From September 1st, new rates for the 2026–2027 season will apply.


Ride Longer. Get Rewarded.


The more time you give Patagonia, the more unforgettable your journey becomes.

At Austral Bikes we reward longer adventures with exclusive rider benefits.

 14 Days Adventure

🎒 Free backpack transfer (max 20 kilos)
🎟 Access to our Rider Benefits Network with discounts along the route.

20 Days Adventure

🎒Free backpack transfer (max 20 kilos)
🔧 Free mid-trip bike check in Coyhaique
🎟 Access to our Rider Benefits Network with discounts along the route.  

🍺 Cold Beer at Arrival in Villa O’Higgins & Diploma

What is the Rider Benefits Network?

Enjoy exclusive discounts at selected hostels, cabins, campgrounds, restaurants, cafés and services all along the Carretera Austral.

Why rush Patagonia?

Ride deeper. Stay longer. Experience more. 

Ride Longer. Get Rewarded.

 25 Days Patagonia Journey

🎒 Free backpack transfer (max 20 kilos)
🔧 Free mid-trip bike check in Coyhaique
👕 Official Carretera Austral rider souvenir
🎟 Access to our Rider Benefits Network with discounts along the route.

🍺 Cold Beer at Arrival in Villa O’Higgins  & Diploma.

30 Days Full Route to Villa O’Higgins

🎒 Free backpack transfer (max 20 kilos)
🔧 Free mid-trip bike check in Coyhaique
👕 Official Austral Bikes rider souvenir
🎟 Access to our Rider Benefits Network with discounts along the route.

🍺 Cold Beer at Arrival in Villa O’Higgins & Diploma.

The Carretera Austral

Equipment with each bike:

  • Merida or Specialized bikes
  • topeak rear rack
  • helmet
  • pump
  • ortlieb panniers 20 lts each
  • handlebar bag 15 lts
  • 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

Tips for Carretera Austral

Carretera Austral

Choose your bikes

A Complete Guide for Carretera Austral

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.

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 17:00).

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.

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.