Ride along the northern section of the Carretera Austral to Coyhaique on this 11-day bike tour from Puerto Varas. A fantastic way to enjoy the beautiful Andean landscapes of Patagonia, including Queulat and Pumalin National Parks.
Carretera Austral Norte 11-Day Bike Tour
Day 1: Puerto Varas
We'll meet at 3 pm at the Hotel Germania in Puerto Varas. There, we'll meet the team of guides and drivers that will accompany us on this 11-day bike tour and finalize the details of the route.
This meeting point in Puerto Varas will also serve as our accommodation for the first night.
Day 2: Puerto Varas - La Arena - Hornopirén
After breakfast at the hostel, we'll travel by minibus to the pier of La Arena, where we'll take a boat across the Reloncaví Estuary to Caleta Puelche. At this point, we'll disembark and set off on an exciting bike tour along the northern section of Route 7, the famous Carretera Austral.
We'll pedal across beautiful Patagonian landscapes until concluding the day's route in a central hostel in Hornopirén.
Day 3: Hornopirén - Chaitén
After breakfast, we'll head to the port of Hornopirén to catch a boat for the five-hour journey to Caleta Gonzalo. At this point, located at the southern entrance to Pumalín National Park, we'll begin a cycling route through lush Patagonian forests.
We'll pass by the foothills of the Chaitén volcano, concluding the route at a campsite in the vicinity of the town of Chaitén.
Day 4: Chaitén - Yelcho Lake
From the campsite in Chaitén, we'll begin another cycling route through the El Amarillo sector of Pumalín National Park. Our first stop will be in Puerto Cardenas, where we'll admire the famous suspension bridge over the Yelcho River. We'll also get to see the glacier of the same name.
Afterward, we'll continue cycling along the Carretera Austral Norte until we reach a campsite on the shores of Yelcho Lake.
Day 5: Yelcho Lake - La Junta
We'll leave the campsite by bike to admire the spectacular snowdrift of Yelcho Lake. The route will continue along the Cuesta Moraga to the town of Villa Santa Lucía, where we'll witness the aftermath of the destruction caused by a powerful mudslide in 2017.
The incredible landscapes at the foot of the Andes Mountains will leave you speechless. It'll come as no surprise that this stretch of Route 7 is known for its stunning panoramic views!
We'll end the day in a hostel in La Junta.
Day 6: La Junta - Queulat National Park
On the sixth day of the trip, we'll ride into Queulat National Park, a landscape that makes up one of the most beautiful areas of Chilean Patagonia.
The route then continues toward the town of Puyuhuapi, where we'll have lunch at a hostel. After lunch, we'll travel by minibus to the Ventisquero hot springs where you can enjoy a comforting bath on the shores of the Puyuhuapi fjord at your leisure.
Finally, in the late afternoon, we'll head to a lodge in Queulat National Park so you can have dinner and rest.
Day 7: Queulat National Park
Early in the morning, we'll start pedaling along the shores of the Puyuhuapi fjord, a path that will lead us into Queulat National Park. Those who wish may participate in a hiking route to the Ventisquero Colgante viewpoint. Otherwise, you'll have time to soak up the area's beautiful landscapes at your own pace.
We'll conclude this seventh day staying at a lodge in Queulat National Park.
Day 8: Queulat National Park - Villa Amengual
On the eighth day of the tour, we'll face one of the great challenges of this cycling route: Cuesta Queulat, one of the steepest sections of the Carretera Austral Norte.
As we climb this winding route with no less than 33 curves, we'll enjoy the unbeatable views of Queulat National Park.
Finally, we'll take a paved path that will lead us to the Cisnes Bed Refuge.
Day 9: Villa Amengual - Puerto Aysén
We'll start the day with a bike ride up to Villa Amengual. From there, we'll enter the Lago Las Torres National Reserve, cycling through spectacular geological formations and mountains. During the tour, we'll witness a unique transition, where the temperate rainforest gives way to the Patagonian steppe.
We'll cycle to the town of Villa Mañihuales, passing by the unique Esponja Lagoon and Cerro Colmillo. Upon arrival in the village, we'll enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
In the afternoon, we'll hop in a vehicle that will take us to Puerto Aysén, the second largest city in the region, where we'll stay at the Hotel Patagonia Green.
Day 10: Puerto Aysén - Coyhaique
On the tenth day, the final and most rewarding stretch of the journey awaits us. The day begins with a raft trip down the river, which will take us to a secluded and peaceful country road, far from traffic.
This route, the hidden gem of our trip, will guide us through landscapes of pure nature, passing by secret lakes hidden among the mountains. At the end of the day, we'll arrive in the city of Coyhaique, our final destination.
Tonight, we'll stay at the Rumbo Sur Apart Hotel and gather for a celebratory dinner. It will be the perfect time to share our experiences and reflect on the trip.
Day 11: Coyhaique
Breakfast will be included at the hotel in Coyhaique, where this 11-day adventure through Chile will conclude.
Accommodation & Meals
The tour includes 10 nights of accommodation with breakfast at the following establishments:
- Day 1 in Puerto Varas: Hotel Germania 3*, or similar hotels
- Day 2 in Hornopirén: 2* Quilda hostel, cabins or similar hotels
- Day 3 in Chaitén: Posada de Expediciones Kahuel, hotels or similar hostels
- Day 4 in Lake Yelcho: Yelcho en la Patagonia Hotel, or similar cabins, hotels or hostels
- Day 5 in La Junta: 2* Copihue Patagón hostel, cabins or similar hotels
- Day 6 in Aysén: Posada Queulat, or similar hotels or hostels.
- Day 7 in Aysén: Posada Queulat, or similar hostels or hotels.
- Day 8 in Villa Amengual (Queulat Park): Refugio Río Cisnes, or similar cabins, hotels or hostels.
- Day 9 in Puerto Aysén: Hotel Patagonia Green 4*, or similar hotels or hostels.
- Day 10 in Coyhaique: Rumbo Sur Apart Hotel 3*, or similar hostels or hotels.
Lunches will be served at the different outdoor stops we make during the cycling route and will consist of two snacks, which we'll give you each day at two different times:
- Snack: includes nuts, energy bars, fruit, sweets, and chocolate.
- Picnic bag: includes a sandwich, fajitas, or a similar food, juice, tea, coffee, and mineral water.
Dinners will be served at the accommodations or at local restaurants, depending on availability. They will consist of roasts or a la carte menus which are not included in the price of the tour.
Bike rental
When you make your reservation, there is an option that includes a bike and helmet rental. If you already have your own cycling equipment, however, you can also book the tour without equipment.
10-Day Tour of Carretera Austral Sur
If you prefer, you can book our 10-day bike tour of the Carretera Austral Sur from Coyhaique.
