The Steep Climbs of the Carretera Austral:

Location and How to Prepare for Them!

Cycling the Carretera Austral is a journey unlike any other. While much of the route rolls gently through lush forests and along wild rivers, there are also steep and memorable climbs that will challenge your legs and reward your spirit. These cuestas (as Chileans call them) are part of what makes this Patagonian adventure so unforgettable.

Here’s a breakdown of the most iconic climbs along the Carretera Austral—from north to south—with estimated elevation gains, surfaces, and tips on how to face them:

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1. Cuesta El Mañío (after Hornopirén ferry crossing)

• Location: Between Leptepu and Fiordo Largo
• Elevation gain: ~250 m
• Gradient: 6–9%
• Surface: Gravel
• Notes: A short but punchy climb right after your first ferry. It’s steep and can be slippery if wet. Stay calm, shift to your lowest gear, and take your time.

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2. Cuesta Moraga (from Puyuhuapi toward Queulat National Park)

• Location: North of Queulat National Park
• Elevation gain: ~300 m
• Distance: 7 km
• Gradient: 5–8%
• Surface: Gravel
• Notes: A scenic, steady ascent through dense forest. The climb is long but not extreme, and leads to the entrance of one of Patagonia’s crown jewels.

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3. Cuesta Queulat (after the Hanging Glacier viewpoint)

• Location: Inside Queulat National Park
• Elevation gain: ~400 m
• Distance: 6 km
• Gradient: 6–10%
• Surface: Gravel
• Notes: Often considered one of the toughest climbs on the route. Remote, steep, and slippery when wet. Many cyclists push their bikes here—totally normal!

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4. Cuesta Alvarado (after Villa Mañihuales)

• Location: On the way to Coyhaique
• Elevation gain: ~280 m
• Gradient: 6–9%
• Surface: Mixed
• Notes: A moderate but persistent climb through evergreen forest. It’s a quiet, beautiful section with little traffic.

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5. Cuesta del Diablo (between El Blanco and Cerro Castillo)

• Location: Between El Blanco and Cerro Castillo
• Elevation gain: ~764 m
• Distance: 6 km
• Gradient: 8–12%
• Surface: Paved
• Notes: This is the most famous and demanding climb on the Carretera Austral. The name means Devil’s Slope, and it lives up to its reputation. But the views of the Castillo peaks are worth every drop of sweat.

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6. Cuesta Cofré (just after Villa Cerro Castillo)

• Location: Heading south toward Puerto Río Tranquilo
• Elevation gain: ~250 m
• Surface: Paved
• Notes: A gentler climb following the village. It may not be as intense as Cuesta del Diablo, but it’s still a challenge after a long day.

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7. Paso El Vagabundo (before reaching Cochrane)

• Location: North of Cochrane
• Elevation gain: ~200 m
• Gradient: 6–9%
• Surface: Mix of gravel and pavement
• Notes: This one sneaks up on you after many hours on the road. It’s not steep, but it’s steady, and you’ll feel it in your legs.

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8. Cuesta Los Ñadis (after Cochrane)

• Location: On the way to Lago Vargas
• Elevation gain: ~350 m
• Surface: Gravel
• Notes: A hidden climb in a very remote area. The landscape is wilder, and the traffic is almost nonexistent. A good test of endurance.

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9. Cuesta Puerto Alegre (after Tortel, heading to Villa O’Higgins)

• Location: Between Caleta Tortel and Villa O’Higgins
• Elevation gain: ~300 m
• Surface: Gravel
• Notes: This is one of the last big climbs on the route. It feels remote, wild, and quiet. The perfect place to reflect on the journey as you near the end.

Final Thoughts

The climbs of the Carretera Austral are not obstacles—they are milestones. They test your body, but they also reward your spirit. Each summit is a memory in the making. Take your time, rest when needed, and when you reach the top, look back: the road you’ve traveled will take your breath away.