Carretera Austral Map

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the distances between key towns and stops along the Carretera Austral for cyclists:

Cycling 50 to 60 km per day along the Carretera Austral allows for a manageable pace with time to explore and rest. Below is a suggested itinerary with towns and stops based on your daily distance:

 

Day 1: Arrival
Accommodation: Hotel, Hostel, Cabin or camping

Day 2: Puerto Varas to Ensenada
Distance: ~45 km
Accommodation: Hostel, Cabin or camping

Day 3: Ensenada to Cochamó
Distance: ~48 km
Accommodation: Hostel, Cabin or camping

Day 4: Cochamó to Contao
Distance: ~78 km TOUGH RIDE
Accommodation: Hostel, Cabin or camping

Day 5: Contao to Hornopirén
Distance: ~45 km
Accommodation: Hostel, Cabin or camping

BIMODAL FERRY

Day 6: Hornopirén to Caleta Gonzalo (via ferry)
Distance: ~60 km (ferry crossing included)
Accommodation: Campsites in Pumalín Park

Day 7: Caleta Gonzalo to Chaitén
Distance: ~60 km
Accommodation: Hostel, Cabin or camping

Day 8: Chaitén to Villa Santa Lucía
Distance: ~75 km
Accommodation: Cabin or camping

Day 9: Villa Santa Lucía to La Junta
Distance: ~70 km
Accommodation: Hostel, Cabin or camping

Day 10: La Junta to Puyuhuapi
Distance: ~44 km
Accommodation: Hostels, lodges, or camping

Day 11: Puyuhuapi to Queulat Park
Distance: ~25 km REST DAY
Accommodation: Cabin or camping

Day 12: Queulat Park to Villa Amengual
Distance: ~66 km
Accommodation: Cabin or camping

Day 13: Villa Amengual to Villa Amenguales
Distance: ~58 km
Accommodation: Hostels or camping

 

Day 14: Villa Amengual to Villa Mañihuales
Distance: ~58 km
Accommodation: Hotels, hostels, or camping

Day 15: Villa Mañihuales to Coyhaique
Distance: ~87 km YOU MAY NEED AN EXTRA DAY, ITS A LONG DISTANCE
Accommodation: Hotels, hostels, or camping

CHECKUP BIKE MAINTENANCE IN COYHAIQUE:

Day 16: Rest day

 Accommodation: Hotels, hostels, or camping

Day 17: Coyhaique to Villa Cerro Castillo
Distance: ~96 km PAVED
Accommodation: Hostels, guesthouses, or camping

Day 18: Villa Cerro Castillo to Murta River Vallet
Distance: ~99 km TOUGH DAY, YOU MAY NEED AN EXTRA DAY
Accommodation: Hostels, cabin, or camping

Day 19: Murta River Valley to Puerto Rio Tranquilo
Distance: ~41 km
Accommodation: Cabin, or camping

Day 20: Puerto Rio Tranquilo to Puerto Bertrand
Distance: ~66,7 km
Accommodation: Cabin, hostel or camping

Day 21: Puerto Bertrand to Cochrane
Distance: ~50 km
Accommodation: Hostels, CABINS, or camping

Day 22: Cochrane to Los Ñadis
Distance: ~50 km
Accommodation: Hostels, cabins, or camping

Day 23: Los Ñadis to Caleta Tortel
Distance: ~87 km (additional days needed due to distance)
Accommodation: Hostels or camping

Day 24: Rest day in Caleta Tortel
Accommodation: Hostels, Cabin, or camping

Day 25: Caleta Tortel to Rio Bravo
Distance: ~46 km TOUGH RIDE
Accommodation:  camping

Days 26 and 27: Rio Bravo to Villa O’Higgins
Distance: ~99 km (ferry included, additional day may be needed due to distance)
Accommodation: cabins, or camping

This itinerary is flexible and you may need to adjust based on weather conditions, road conditions, and your personal pace.

Always ensure to have enough supplies, especially in the more remote sections of the route.

 

 

Carretera Austral Map 

Puerto Varas to Coyhaique

Carretera Austral Map

Coyhaique to Villa O´Higgins

Cycling the Carretera Austral involves tackling several significant ascents and hilly sections. Here are some of the main ascents you can expect along the route:

 

                       Main Ascents:

Puerto Montt to Hornopirén:

Description: Several rolling hills, with a few moderate climbs.
Challenge: Moderate, road conditions vary between paved and gravel.

Caleta Gonzalo to Chaitén:

Description: Hilly terrain with some steep sections, particularly as you navigate through Pumalín Park.
Challenge: Moderate to challenging due to gravel roads and potential mud.

Chaitén to Villa Santa Lucía:

Description: Some notable climbs as you head towards the interior from the coast.
Challenge: Moderate, with a mix of paved and gravel roads.

Villa Santa Lucía to La Junta:

Description: Rolling hills and some short but steep climbs.
Challenge: Moderate, with some gravel sections.

La Junta to Puyuhuapi:

Description: A significant climb as you approach Puyuhuapi, especially the section before the descent into town.
Challenge: Challenging, steep and narrow roads.

Puyuhuapi to Queulat Pass:

Description: One of the toughest climbs, over the Queulat Pass (Paso del Queulat), reaching an elevation of around 500 meters.
Challenge: Very challenging, steep switchbacks, and often wet and muddy.

Villa Amengual to Coyhaique:

Description: Several climbs, particularly as you approach Coyhaique.
Challenge: Moderate to challenging, a mix of gravel and paved roads.

 

Coyhaique to Villa Cerro Castillo:

Description: Steady climbs with beautiful views of the mountains and valleys.
Challenge: Moderate, mostly paved roads.

Villa Cerro Castillo to Puerto Rio Tranquilo:

Description: A significant climb out of Villa Cerro Castillo followed by rolling hills.
Challenge: Moderate to challenging, gravel roads.

Puerto Rio Tranquilo to Cochrane:

Description: Hilly terrain with several climbs.
Challenge: Moderate, primarily gravel roads.

Cochrane to Caleta Tortel:

Description: Multiple short climbs along the way, especially near Caleta Tortel.
Challenge: Moderate, gravel roads.

Cochrane to Villa O’Higgins:

Description: Long stretches of rolling hills with some notable climbs.
Challenge: Moderate to challenging, gravel roads.

 

Tips for Tackling Ascents:

Gear Appropriately: Use a bike with appropriate gearing for steep climbs.

Pace Yourself: Take it slow on steep sections and take breaks as needed.

Stay Hydrated and Fueled: Carry enough water and snacks, especially in remote areas.

Check Weather Conditions: Weather can change quickly, so be prepared for rain and wind.

 

These ascents offer some of the most stunning views and rewarding experiences on the Carretera Austral.

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