The Carretera Austral otherwise known as Route 7 is over 1,200km long and runs from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins in southern Chile. The highway passes through some of best sights Patagonia has to offer with enchanting landscapes and remote villages. For a large part of the Highway it is the only road to access to much of the lower lake district region before needing to board a ferry.
Villa O’Higgins
This remote village resides at the southernmost point of the Carreterra Austral. Route 7 is the only road to reach the village by land and includes a free ferry ride across the Mitchell Fjord. The scenic 98km drive following the departure from the ferry leads through mountainous landscapes along a unpaved gravel road. The small town is nestled between Sierra de Sangra mountain range and Lake O’Higgins, and marks the start of Chiles Southern Ice Fields. Offering a variety of activities from hiking and water sports to boat tours and scenic flights this little town has a great deal to offer. Take a look at our own short visit to Villa O’Higgins.
Caleta Tortel
A rural town like no other, the picturesque commune of Tortel transports you to a world recaptured by the forest. Resting along the Tortel Fjord the thriving village has a history of timber exports which echoes in the wooden stilt houses and wooden boardwalks connecting them. Most of the village is only accessible by foot using these wooden walkways, adding a magical element to this quaint community. For those with an interest in the macabre, Tortel also has a dark history on the island Isla de Los Muertos or Island of the Dead, where up to 120 men perished of an unknown illness. Read more about that here.
Aysen region
The majority of the Carretera Austral runs through the scenic Aysen region so it’s pretty hard to miss. This region of Chile is overloaded with natural beauty, with glaciers, snow capped mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and national parks. The large region is sparsely populated leaving the landscapes untouched and natural.
Confluencia Rio Baker/Neff
On the more rural and rustic part of the Carretera Austral (the southern part) is the the joining of the two rivers Baker and Neff. Coming together at a short but mighty waterfall with the vivd blue waters of Rio Baker mixing with the darker green of Rio Neff as it makes it make further down route 7. Just a short 15-20 minute (one way) walk from the road it is a great little interval from the long drive.
Marble caves
The Marble Caves rest on a lake shared by both Chile and Argentina, the General Carerra / Buenos Aires. The unique caves and Marble Cathedral were created over a millennia by the constant waves of the glacial lake. It attracts tourists from all over the world with boat and kayak tours available. Click here for more info on the Marble Caves, including costs and hints and tips.
The Carretera Austral Road
Our favourite part of the Caerreta Austral is the drive. Though there are undoubtedly many beautiful stops along the way the drive itself is stunning. Most of the route is on a harsh dirt track but that just adds to its rugged charm. Through valleys, over mountains, past vast blue glacial lakes and rapid rivers, round every corner there is bound to be a beautiful view.
The Ferry Along the Carretera Austral
To continue Route 7 in the north it is necessary to take a ferry. Heading south to north we caught the ferry from Caleta Gonzalo. A short ride across Fjord Largo followed by a short drive in dense forest to hop on the next ferry which follows Fjord Renihue. You can get the ferry either to Puerto Montt (the end of the Caratera Austral) or to Hornopiren. Though we had run out of luck with the weather, and even with the Fjords shrouded in low cloud and rain it is still one of the best parts of the journey. Altogether the two boat rides cost around $100. Unless you plan on heading into Argentina, this is the only route connecting the roads in Chile.
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