Carretera Austral Norte 11-Day Bike Tour

Embark on an adventure along the northern segment of the Carretera Austral heading to Coyhaique with this 11-day cycling expedition starting from Puerto Varas. This journey offers a marvelous opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting Andean scenery of Patagonia, featuring highlights such as Queulat and Pumalin National Parks.

11-Day Northern Carretera Austral Bike Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Varas

Our journey begins at 3 pm at the Hotel Germania in Puerto Varas. Here, you'll connect with your team of guides and drivers who will be by your side for the duration of this 11-day cycling experience, finalizing all route details.

This location will also be our lodging for the first night.

Day 2: Puerto Varas - La Arena - Hornopirén

After enjoying breakfast, we'll board a minibus bound for La Arena's pier, where a boat will take us across the Reloncaví Estuary to Caleta Puelche. Upon disembarking, we'll embark on an exhilarating bike ride along the northern stretch of Route 7, known as the renowned Carretera Austral.

As we cycle through breathtaking Patagonian vistas, we will arrive at a comfortable hostel in Hornopirén for the night.

Day 3: Hornopirén - Chaitén

Following breakfast, we'll travel to the port of Hornopirén to board a vessel for a five-hour sailing journey to Caleta Gonzalo. Located at the entrance of Pumalín National Park, we will begin our cycling adventure through lush forests.

This leg of the trip will take us past the Chaitén volcano, concluding at a nearby campsite close to the town of Chaitén.

Day 4: Chaitén - Yelcho Lake

Leaving our campsite, we'll cycle through the El Amarillo region of Pumalín National Park. Our first destination will be Puerto Cardenas, where we can admire a striking suspension bridge over the Yelcho River and glimpse the glacier bearing the same name.

Continuing our journey along the Carretera Austral Norte, we'll reach a campsite nestled on the banks of Yelcho Lake.

Day 5: Yelcho Lake - La Junta

Setting off from the campsite, we'll ride our bikes to take in the magnificent views of the Yelcho Lake's snowdrifts. The route leads us through Cuesta Moraga towards the town of Villa Santa Lucía, where we will see the remnants of a devastating mudslide that struck in 2017.

Breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains will surround us, making it clear why this part of Route 7 is famous for its stunning panoramas.

We'll end our day in a welcoming hostel in La Junta.

Day 6: La Junta - Queulat National Park

Day six will take us into the breathtaking Queulat National Park, recognized as one of Chilean Patagonia's most stunning regions.

Our path continues toward Puyuhuapi, where we will enjoy a lunch break at a local hostel. Afterward, a minibus will transport us to the Ventisquero hot springs for a relaxing soak along the Puyuhuapi fjord.

By late afternoon, we'll settle in at a lodge within Queulat National Park, where dinner and rest await.

Day 7: Experiencing Queulat National Park

We’ll kick off the morning riding alongside the Puyuhuapi fjord, leading into Queulat National Park. For those interested, there is the option to participate in a hike to the Ventisquero Colgante viewpoint. Alternatively, you can take your time to enjoy the breathtaking surroundings.

Our seventh day concludes at a comfortable lodge in Queulat National Park.

Day 8: Queulat National Park - Villa Amengual

On day eight, we’ll confront one of the most formidable challenges of the journey: Cuesta Queulat, one of the steepest sections along the Carretera Austral Norte.

As we ascend this winding path, characterized by 33 curves, the extraordinary vistas of Queulat National Park will unfold before us.

The route will eventually lead us to the Cisnes Bed Refuge via paved roads.

Day 9: Villa Amengual - Puerto Aysén

The day begins with a bike ride up to Villa Amengual, then we’ll venture into the Lago Las Torres National Reserve, cycling through remarkable geological formations and mountains. We will observe the transition from the temperate rainforest to the open Patagonian steppe.

We’ll pedal towards the town of Villa Mañihuales, passing the unique Esponja Lagoon and Cerro Colmillo. Upon reaching the village, a well-deserved lunch awaits.

In the afternoon, we'll take a vehicle to Puerto Aysén, the region's second-largest city, where we’ll stay at the Hotel Patagonia Green.

Day 10: Puerto Aysén - Coyhaique

The tenth day presents the final and most gratifying stretch of our adventure. We’ll start with a rafting trip downriver, leading us to a secluded, tranquil country path that offers respite from traffic.

As we traverse this hidden gem, we will explore landscapes rich in nature and visit secret lakes tucked away in the mountains. At day’s end, we will reach the city of Coyhaique, marking our final destination.

Tonight, we will spend the night at the Rumbo Sur Apart Hotel, gathering for a celebratory dinner to share stories and reflect on our journey.

Day 11: Departure from Coyhaique

Our adventure concludes after breakfast at the hotel in Coyhaique, marking the end of this 11-day expedition through the captivating landscapes of Chile.

Accommodation & Meals

Your journey includes 10 nights of lodging with breakfast at the following establishments:

• Night 1 in Puerto Varas: Hotel Germania 3*, or equivalent
• Night 2 in Hornopirén: 2* Quilda hostel, cabins or equivalent
• Night 3 in Chaitén: Posada de Expediciones Kahuel, hotels or equivalent
• Night 4 at Lake Yelcho: Yelcho en la Patagonia Hotel, or equivalent
• Night 5 in La Junta: 2* Copihue Patagón hostel, cabins or equivalent
• Night 6 in Aysén: Posada Queulat, or equivalent
• Night 7 in Aysén: Posada Queulat, or equivalent
• Night 8 in Villa Amengual (Queulat Park): Refugio Río Cisnes, or equivalent
• Night 9 in Puerto Aysén: Hotel Patagonia Green 4*, or equivalent
• Night 10 in Coyhaique: Rumbo Sur Apart Hotel 3*, or equivalent

Lunches are provided at various outdoor stops throughout the cycling journey and include two different snacks, provided at two separate times each day:

• Snack: consisting of nuts, energy bars, fruit, sweets, and chocolate.
• Picnic bag: containing a sandwich, fajitas, or similar, along with juice, tea, coffee, and mineral water.

Dinners will be at the accommodations or in local eateries, subject to availability, featuring roasts or à la carte selections that are not included in the tour price.

Bicycle Rental

During your booking, there's an option to include bike and helmet rental. If you have your own cycling gear, you may also reserve the tour without equipment.

10-Day Southern Carretera Austral Tour

If you're interested, you may also opt for our 10-day bike tour of the Southern Carretera Austral from Coyhaique.