Today’s ride is about 43 kilometers, mostly flat and scenic. You’ll follow the Ruta 225 along the southern edge of Lake Llanquihue. It’s a paved road, with some traffic near town, but it gets quieter as you ride east.
On a clear day, the Osorno Volcano towers to your left, and you might catch views of Calbuco and Puntiagudo too. Stop whenever you like—this part of the trip is made for slow pedaling and photo breaks.

After arriving to Ensenada, you can leave your bags at the hostel and visit Saltos de Petrohué ** remember to secure the bike with the lock that we have provided to you, and you can also visit Lake Todos los Santos (if you are not too tired).

You’re leaving behind the last signs of lakeside tourism today and heading deeper into rural Patagonia. The ride from Ensenada to Cochamó is about 47 kilometers, following the V-69—a peaceful, paved route with stunning views and very little traffic.
The first few kilometers out of Ensenada are easy. You’ll ride past small farms, lush pastures, and dense green forests. With any luck, you’ll see Osorno Volcano in your mirror and Calbuco Volcano ahead as you trace the edge of the Reloncaví Estuary.

Cochamó has been called the Yosemite of Chile, the Valley is beyond comparison, the granite cliffs rise one thousand meters from the valley floor.

BE PREPARED – This section is difficult! You’ll follow Route V-69 as it twists along the Reloncaví EstuaryThe ride begins with rolling hills through dense green forest. Ferns, moss, and misty mountain views will keep you company. 

There’s not much in the way of shops or services along the route, so be sure to pack snacks and water.
Midway through the ride, you’ll pass through Puelche, a tiny hamlet with a small ferry dock—don’t confuse it with Caleta Puelche, which is across the fjord. You’re staying on this side of the water.Keep pedaling and you’ll eventually descend toward Contao, a quiet fishing village tucked beside the fjord.

As you continue South, the density of the forests will increase considerably and inversely the towns and houses will decrease.. After Contao, the supplies offered will be mostly bread.

Hualaihué, Caleta Manzano and Pichicolo are good options to have lunch or find some more supplies, you can also chose to buy supplies in Hornopirén where there are supermarkets, stores and restaurants. At Hornopirén you will find the office of Somarco. you can buy tickets for the Bimodal Ferry that will allow you to continue to Caleta Gonzalo in Pumalín Park.

Discover majestic landscapes, and marine species, thanks to this route crossing the interior of the fjords, give some rest to your legs as today you willl only cycle 10km.

The ferry departs in Hornopirén, you will first sail for approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to Leptepu. From there, the route continues by land (on bus for 15 minutes, or cycling the 10km to Fiordo Largo), then you will sail again the last stretch of the sea to Caleta Gonzalo, which lasts 45 minutes.

You’ll be covering around 60 kilometers today, and while it’s a bit longer than previous days, the terrain is mostly gentle, with some rolling hills and occasional steep sections. It’s all gravel—ripio—but well maintained and surrounded by raw, untouched nature.

As you leave Caleta Gonzalo, you’ll be cycling through the heart of Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park. This part of the route feels like a dream—dense Valdivian rainforest, waterfalls cascading down mossy cliffs, and towering mountains blanketed in green.

From the volcanic town of Chaitén to the small settlement of Villa Santa Lucía—about 70 kilometers of winding road through valleys shaped by glaciers and eruptions.

This section is still all gravel, but it’s in excellent condition. You’ll start by leaving Chaitén behind, following the Carretera Austral southward as it hugs the Yelcho River. The views are spectacular on your left, the river rushes through a wide, forested valley; on your right, the flanks of volcanoes disappear into mist.

After about 30 kilometers, you’ll come to one of the most beautiful spots on the entire route: the Yelcho Lake.  

From the quiet village of Villa Santa Lucía to the lush, green valley of La Junta — a scenic stretch of about 69 kilometers, with gentle hills, wild rivers, and some of the freshest air you’ll ever breathe.

The road is mostly paved, though you’ll still encounter occasional sections of gravel. Expect rolling terrain with a few moderate climbs, nothing too intense, but enough to keep your legs working.

As you leave Villa Santa Lucía, take a moment to reflect: this small settlement was heavily affected by a devastating landslide in 2017. The rebuilt village stands as a symbol of resilience and recovery. 

This stretch is a favorite among cyclists, not just for its scenery, but for the sense of calm and connection to nature that it offers.

The road is paved and gently rolling, winding through lush temperate rainforest, with rivers, waterfalls, and towering ferns lining the way. It’s an easygoing ride, perfect for recovering after longer days in the saddle.

About halfway through the ride, you’ll cross the Rosselot River. It’s a great spot to stop and take in the view or even dip your feet in the water if the weather allows.

Today we trade kilometers for wonder, as we ride just 22 kilometers south from Puyuhuapi to the entrance of Parque Nacional Queulat. The short distance gives you time to hike to one of Patagonia’s most breathtaking views: the Ventisquero Colgante, or Hanging Glacier.

The road starts easy as you roll out of Puyuhuapi, following the edge of the fjord with misty mountain backdrops. After about 14 kilometers, the terrain begins to climb. The ascent is steady but manageable — about 8 kilometers of uphill through thick temperate rainforest. Take it slow and enjoy the surroundings.

Mixed terrain, including gravel, steep descents, and sweeping river views — a day that will test your endurance and reward you with unforgettable landscapes.

As you leave Queulat, you’ll begin with a descent through dense forest. The road here is mostly gravel, often slippery when wet, so take it slow. The further you ride, the more the scenery opens up — dense temperate forest gives way to wide glacial valleys, braided rivers, and snow-dusted peaks.

There are few services along the way, so pack snacks, plenty of water, and be prepared for changes in weather. One of the most striking parts of this ride is the descent into the Río Cisnes valley, where you’ll follow the river for several kilometers. This is prime territory for spotting condors overhead and gauchos moving cattle on horseback.

Today you ride into one of the most important stops on your journey: the regional capital of Coyhaique. It’s a long ride — about 85 kilometers — but the reward is big: a rest day in a lively Patagonian town, and for those riding with Austral Bikes, a complete preventive maintenance check to keep your bike running smoothly for the road ahead.

You’ll start the day rolling out of Villa Mañihuales, a quiet village surrounded by rivers and mountains. The first part of the route is relatively flat, with occasional short climbs. The road is paved, and traffic begins to increase as you get closer to Coyhaique, so stay alert.

After about 40 kilometers, the landscape begins to change. Wide valleys narrow, and the road starts climbing toward Cerro Rosado. This section includes one of the steepest uphill stretches so far — about 5 kilometers of steady ascent — followed by a thrilling descent into the Simpson River Valley.

Leaving Coyhaique, you’ll quickly find yourself in the countryside again. The first 30 kilometers are fairly gentle, passing through open farmland, sheep pastures, and small estancias. The road is paved, and traffic gradually fades as you move further from the city.

YOU MAY THINK THIS SECTION IS TOO SHORT..But make no mistake — You will soon reach one of the longest climbs of the Carretera Austral. After a brief descent into the Río Simpson valley, you begin the ascent to the portezuelo Ibáñez. It’s about 18 kilometers of climbing, not too steep, but relentless. The scenery helps: glacier-fed rivers, lenga forests, and dramatic ridgelines line the way up.

At the top, take a break and enjoy the view — you’ve earned it. The descent from the pass is pure joy: sweeping curves, fresh mountain air, and snowcapped peaks all around. This is one of the best downhill sections of the entire route.

The day begins quietly as you leave El Blanco, but don’t be fooled — within a few kilometers, the climb begins. The Cuesta del Diablo is a 764-meter ascent over roughly 10 kilometers. The gradient varies, but it’s steady, exposed, and relentless.

There’s little shade, and if the sun is out, it can be intense. But as you gain altitude, the landscape opens up into sweeping mountain views and wide glacial valleys. Take your time, breathe deeply, and stop when you need to. It’s not a race — it’s a pilgrimage into the Andes.

At the top, take a break. The sense of accomplishment is real, and the reward is even greater: a long, winding descent through one of the most spectacular stretches of the Carretera Austral.

The final kilometers into Villa Cerro Castillo are pure magic. The road curves through meadows, crosses turquoise streams, and eventually reveals the jagged spires of the Torres de Cerro Castillo — towering black rock peaks that dominate the skyline.

Today you’ll descend from the mountains to one of the most beautiful bodies of water in all of South America: Lago General Carrera. It’s a 73-kilometer ride from Cerro Castillo to Puerto Río Tranquilo, a long but stunning journey through open valleys, wild rivers, and glacier-fed lakes.

Leaving Cerro Castillo, the day starts gently, rolling through grasslands and lenga forests, with the jagged towers of the mountain behind you. You’ll soon begin descending — and the views are breathtaking. Glaciers hang from peaks, waterfalls cut through cliffs, and in the distance, the turquoise shimmer of the lake appears.

Expect occasional rough patches and some steep switchbacks as you lose altitude. Watch your speed and enjoy the scenery — it’s worth stopping often.

Midway through the ride, you’ll pass the Murta River, one of many glacial streams feeding into Lago General Carrera. This area is rich with birdlife, and if the wind is calm, you’ll hear nothing but water and the sound of your tires.

You’ve arrived in Puerto Río Tranquilo, one of the most scenic and unforgettable stops along the entire route. No kilometers to cover on your bike today, but there’s plenty to discover.

First, the star of the show: the Catedral de Mármol, or Marble Caves.

These surreal rock formations rise directly from the turquoise waters of Lago General Carrera. Sculpted over thousands of years by waves and wind, the caves glow in swirling patterns of blue and white — and the best way to see them is by kayak or small boat.

Sunlight reflects off the water and dances along the stone, creating a dreamlike, otherworldly experience. Early morning is best, when the light is soft and the water calm. It’s not just beautiful — it’s peaceful, meditative, and completely unique.

If you’re looking for a different kind of adventure, head inland toward the Glaciar Exploradores.

A journey of about 57 kilometers, filled with dramatic lake views, hidden valleys, and the powerful presence of the Río Baker.

Leaving Puerto Río Tranquilo, the road quickly returns to gravel. You’ll ride along the southern edge of Lago General Carrera, the largest lake entirely in Chile, with its signature deep turquoise color on full display. The road rolls gently at first, with some short climbs and descents hugging the cliffs and hillsides.

About halfway through the ride, you’ll pass close to Bahía Murta, a tiny settlement nestled on the lake’s edge. It’s a good place to rest, grab a snack, or chat with locals if you’re in no rush. From here, the landscape becomes even wilder.

You’ll continue along the lake before the road turns slightly inland, following a chain of valleys and glacial streams. Eventually, you’ll arrive at the northern tip of Lago Bertrand, where the lake empties into the Río Baker — Chile’s most powerful river.