Bike Patagonia We follow Chile's Carretera Austral route. Though most of the trip involves gravel, winding curves and unpredictable weather, the rewards are enormous. It's no exaggeration to say that each km offers picture-perfect vistas - so have the camera at the ready.
Day 1 Arrive Puerto Varas (D) Suggest fly into Puerto Montt On arrival transfer to the hotel in the lovely lakeside town of Puerto Varas Accomodation: Germania Hotel At 3 p.m., participants and staff will meet at the hostel in Puerto Varas to introduce themselves, have a briefing about the bike journey, and check bikes and equipment. This is the last chance to buy any necessary items for the trip in a big city. Additionally, if you want to travel light and send luggage to Coyhaique to pick it up on the last day of the trip, this is the opportunity (extra service).
Day 2 Puerto Varas – Hornopirén (B,L,D) We will leave Puerto Varas in the minibus, traveling along the coast of Puerto Montt to approach the Carretera Austral (Route 7), where we will take a ferry across the Reloncavi Estuary to reach Caleta Puelche. After a nice lunch in the village of Contao, the ride will begin, leaving the city behind and entering the rural sector of Hualaihué, admiring nature, forests, and coastal views, until reaching the city of Hornopirén. Distance: 45 km Road type: Paved Accomodation: Hosteria Catalina Cabins
Day 3 Hornopiren -Chaitén (B,L,D) Early in the morning, we will embark with our bikes on a fantastic ferry journey along the Bimodal route. The navigation lasts 5 hours, passing through majestic fjords in Chilean Patagonia, offering spectacular views of the Andes Mountains. After riding 10 km, we will take the second ferry to reach the Douglas Tompkins Pumalín National Park in Caleta Gonzalo, a part of the largest land donation for conservation purposes in the world. There, we will cycle through the evergreen forest, hike the trail of ancient Alerce trees, and continue along the gravel road next to the beautiful lakes that will guide us to our next accommodation in Chaitén Distance: 30 km Road type: Gravel & paved Accomodation: Kahuel Posada de Expediciones
Day 4 Chaiten -Yelcho Lake (B,L,D)
We continue along a paved road through the El Amarillo sector of Pumalín Park. The route continues until we reach the town of Puerto Cárdenas and the famous Yelcho suspension bridge, where it is possible to admire the mouth of the lake and the glacier of the same name. We will then border the beautiful Yelcho Lake to arrive at our accommodation. Distance: 64 km Road type: Paved Accomodation: Yelcho en la Patagonia Cabins
Day 5 Yelcho - La Junta (B,L,D) The route begins with beautiful scenery surrounded by native forest and views of the Yelcho Glacier. We will challenge the Moraga slope until the pass, where the downhill begins, allowing us to admire the impressive trace left by the devastating alluvium of Villa Santa Lucía (2017), an event that radically transformed the town's landscape and the life of its inhabitants. We will continue on the asphalted road, bordering the Frío and Palena Rivers, entering the Aysén Region, enjoying a nice picnic in Villa Vanguardia, and finally completing this long stretch in the town of La Junta. Distance: 89 km Road type: Paved Accomodation: Espacio y Tiempo Hotel
Day 6 La Junta – Puyuhuapi (B,L,D) The ride continues towards Puyuhuapi, bordering the Risopatron River and Lake, immersing ourselves in the beauty of the scenery shaped by Queulat National Park. We will reach the town, known for its carpet factory and architecture influenced by German settlers. Today, a surprise awaits to offer a unique cultural encounter. Distance: 49 km Road type: Paved Accomodation: Rossbach Cabins
Day 7 Puyuhuapi - Queulat National Park (B,L,D) This will be a multi-adventure day to recover energy for the next day's Queulat slope challenge, with a scenic ride. On this day, the famous Queulat National Park and its hanging glacier will be explored, with the opportunity to hike some trails to the viewpoint or navigate the Tempano Lagoon to get closer to unique picture spots to admire the glacier. To finalize the day, the chance to relax in the hot springs in front of the Puyuhuapi fjord will be possible (extra service). Distance: 21 km Road type: Paved Accomodation: Rossbach Cabins
Day 8 Queulat - Amengual Village (B,L,D) The Queulat slope, one of the main challenges that makes the Carretera Austral route legendary, is faced today. In the middle of the evergreen forest, with fantastic views of glaciers and fjords, the gravel road takes us through an incredibly beautiful but demanding terrain, with a progressive 33-curve climb, offering a unique perspective of remote Patagonia at the Queulat Pass. From there, the asphalted descent begins, leading us next to the Cisnes River, which will guide us to our accommodation in the rural village of Amengual. Distance: 67 km Road type: Loose gravel & paved Accomodation: Refugio Cisnes B&B Day 9 Amengual - Mañihuales & Puerto Aysén (B,L,D) To start the day, an uphill ride begins to reach Amengual. The journey continues through the Las Torres National Reserve, enjoying a ride amidst the interesting geological formations and mountains, as well as the scenery shaped by the sky, rivers, forests, and mountains. This route marks the transition to the Patagonian steppe, where it is also possible to observe agricultural fields, the unique Esponja Lagoon, and Mount Colmillo in the town of Villa Mañihuales. After lunch, the minibus will take us to Puerto Aysén, the second largest city in the region. Distance: 60 km Road type: Paved Accomodation: Patagonia Green Hotel Day 10 Puerto Aysen – Coyhaique (B,L,D) This day is the most challenging, but also the most rewarding. The ride begins with a river raft that will take us to the best back road of this bike journey, full of nature and free from road congestion. The rural road will guide us to our final destination in Coyhaique City, passing through stunning lakes hidden in the mountains. Tonight enjoy a special dinner Distance: 80 km Road type: Loose gravel Accomodation: Rumbo Sur Apart hotel Day 11 Coyhaique - Balmaceda Airport (B) Transfer to Balmaceda Airport . We recommend scheduling your flight after 2:00 p.m. Day between tours: If you continue to the southern Carretera Austral bike tour, today is a rest day, perfect for sightseen in Coyhaique, Capital of Aysen region. Southern Austral Extension
Day 12 Cerro Castillo National Park (B,L) A change from biking today Enjoy a hike into Cerro Castillo National Park . An unforgettable trekking adventure to the pristine lagoon of Cerro Castillo in Patagonia. This full-day hike spans 12 km (7.5 miles) round-trip and features a challenging 1000-meter (3280 feet) elevation gain, offering stunning views, diverse landscapes, and the natural beauty of the Patagonian Andes. Day 13 San Rafael Glacier (B,L) Transfer to Puerto Chacabuco and embark on a catamaran to Laguna San Rafael and be part of the adventure to one of the last natural wonders of the world.Sailing through the channels of the Chilean Patagonia discover the native forests melting into the sea in a breathtaking spectacle. Sail aboard the Catamaran Aysén or Chaitén the 125 nautical miles between Patagonian channels, green islands and fjords of exuberant nature, to finish the tour at the foot of the San Valentín glacier that in spectacular detachments delivers its icebergs to the San Rafael Lagoon
Day 14 Coyhaique (B,D) Day at leisure to get ready for the next Bike stage At 3 p.m., participants and staff will meet at the hotel in Coyhaique to introduce themselves, have a briefing about the bike journey, and check bikes and equipment. This is the last chance to buy any necessary items for the trip in a big city. Additionally, if you want to travel light and store some luggage in Coyhaique or have it sent to a southern town to continue your travels through Patagonia to El Chaltén or Torres del Paine National Park, please let us know (extra service).
Day 15 Coyhaique - Cerro Castillo (B,L,D)) Our first stretch of the southern part of the route will be a paved road of the Southern Way, riding through flatlands along what is called the Chinese Wall, where the countryside of Coyhaique emerges, passing through El Blanco town and accompanied by a spectacular landscape of Patagonian steppe and rock formations. After the junction between Route 7 and Balmaceda, the road begins to slightly ascend until Laguna Chiguay, a perfect place for a picnic lunch. We continued the ride along the overwhelming Cerro Castillo National Park to reach its pass, the highest point of the Carretera Austral. The "Devil's Slope" downhill begins, passing from the viewpoints of the Ibáñez River and reaching Cerro Castillo Village. Distance: 93 km Road type: Paved Accomodation: Ruta 7 Cabins
Day 16 Cerro Castillo - Puerto Tranquilo(B,L,D) After 15 km from Villa Cerro Castillo, the asphalt ends, and we begin a road of high difficulty with loose gravel and a corrugated surface. We can observe various attractions along the route, such as the Green Lagoon and the Dead Forest in the Ibáñez River, a landscape shaped by the ashes from the eruption of the Hudson Volcano in 1991. The ride is supported by the minibus to approach Murta Valley and ride next to the turquoise waters of the second-largest lake in South America, General Carrera Lake. The day finishes in the cozy town of Puerto Tranquilo. Distance: 83 km Road type: Loose gravel Accomodation: Turismo Don Hugo Cabins
Day 17 Puerto Tranquilo - Puerto Bertrand (B,L,D) Early in the morning, kayaking or a motorboat trip to the Marble Chapels is possible (extra service). We start the ride by bordering what is also called Chelenko Lake in the Indigenous dialect. In the distance, we can admire valleys and glaciers that descend from Campos de Hielo Norte (the Northern Ice Field), and we will arrive at the General Carrera hanging bridge, where Bertrand Lake is formed, followed by the famous Baker River. The road continues to the junction between Puerto Guadal and Chile Chico, then follows the Carretera Austral through a section of constant climbs and slopes to reach the beautiful townscape of Puerto Bertrand. Distance: 73 km Road type: Loose Gravel Accomodation: Konaiken Cabins Day 18 Puerto Bertrand- Cochrane(B,L,D) We continue along the Southern Highway, following the Baker River through a Patagonian steppe landscape where trees begin to disappear and grasslands take over the scene, surrounded by winding mountains. We will stop for a hike at the 'confluence of the Baker and Nef rivers,' admiring the impressive flow descending from the depths of the Northern Ice Field. The journey continues, passing by the Patagonia National Park, founded by Mr. Douglas Tompkins, the owner of The North Face, who made the largest donation of conservation lands in the world to the Chilean government. At this spot, wildlife observation of Guanacos (Camelidae family) and other native species may be possible until we reach Cochrane. Distance: 51 km Road type: Loose gravel Accomodation: Choikehuapi Cabins Day 19 Los Ñadis/Cochrane (B,L,D) The initial ride starts on a paved road and then continues on a gravel surface while enjoying the views of Emerald, Juncal, and Chacabuco lakes amidst Patagonian steppe fields. It will also be possible to admire the view of Mount San Lorenzo. We will then continue through a landscape of native forests until descending the Los Ñadis Hill, entering one of Patagonia's best-kept secrets, surrounded by a unique scenery. In this valley, we will share time with pioneering handworkers who will host us and prepare a unique Patagonian BBQ with lamb on the spit and vegetables. Minibus transportation will be available to reach the accommodation. Distance: 50 km Road type: Paved & gravel Accomodation: Choikehuapi Cabins Day 20 Cochrane - Caleta Tortel (B,L,D) By minibus, this first section will be shortened to get our bikes at Los Ñadis. We will continue through native forests, wetlands, and peatlands. Did you know that a recent study by National Geographic and Rewilding Chile explains that Patagonian forests can store three times more CO2 per hectare than those in the Amazon? From this area, the transition from the Patagonian steppe to the evergreen forest emerges, until we reach the picturesque townscape of Caleta Tortel, certified as one of the Best Tourism Villages by the UNWTO. Caleta Tortel is famous for its footbridges made from Guaitecas cypress trees, which connect the houses with the civic center and public services of the town. We will hike around before finalizing our expedition and beginning our return to Coyhaique. Distance: 83 km Road type: Gravel Accomodation: Natureza Hostel at this point. you can connect this route with the ferry to Puerto Natales to hike Torres del Paine W Trek or continue to Argentina El Chaltén via Laguna del Desierto Crossing.
Day 21 Caleta Totel - Catalina Bay (B,L,D) On this day, after loading the bikes and luggage onto the minibus, we will begin our journey back towards Bahía Catalina (190 km) to stay in a wonderful accommodation by General Carrera Lake. We will be able to appreciate the nature of Patagonia through sightseeing and moments of educational and interpretative activities with the group, finishing the day with a nice dinner and a unique view of General Carrera Lake Distance: 190 km by minibus Road type: Gravel Accomodation: Pared Sur Camp Day 22 Balmaceda Airport (B) Last day logistics: The tour concludes with the return to Coyhaique, where participants will be dropped off at Balmaceda Airport. We recommend scheduling your flight for after 2 PM. Distance: 228 km by minibus Road type: Paved
Extension crossing to Argentina Day 21 Caleta Tortel (B) Day at leisure Accomodation: Natureza Hostel Day 22 Caleta Tortel – Bernardo -O’Higgins (B) Travel by bus to Bernardo O’Higgins , the end of the Carretera Austral road Accommodation : El Mosco Hostel
Day 23 Bernardo O’Higgins -Candelario Mancilla (B,D) Today we will begin our voyage across Lake O'Higgins and Lake San Martin. First we will have breakfast and be prepared to cross the ferry. A minibus will take us to Bahamondes Bay and then board a ferry that will take us two and a half hours across Lake O'Higgins to Candelario Mansilla, where we will stop and enjoy the life of this remote Estancia for the evening. Day 24 Candelario Mansilla - el Chalten (B) We will begin the day hiking/cycling 4-6 hours on a trail that isn´t maintained very well; the distance is only 22 km. It will be difficult, but will add an aspect of true adventure and wilderness to your ride. Finally you will reach Lago Del Desierto and will board another boat to cross the lake. A van transfer will meet you and as you come into El Chalten you will notice the amazing peaks that made this area famous. We are able to assist with arrangements in el Chalten ( Fitzroy National Park ) and el Calafate ( Los Glaciars National Park ) and / or continue across back into Chile and the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park
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Dates & Prices: Departures : 2 Feb 2026 , 2 March 2026
Cost : Day1 – 11 Northern Austral US$3200 Days 11-14 US$ Day 14-22 Southern Austral US$2700 Extension to Argentina Day21-22 US$375 Single room supplement on request
Inclusions Accommodation in hotels and cabins twin/double Meals - Breakfast: In the accommodations,Snacks and lunches: On the road prepared by the guides and local restaurants when possible. (snacks are a combination of nuts, energy bars, fruits, Chilean sweets and snacks, chocolate, sandwiches, burritos, salads, juice, tea, coffee, mate, water).Dinner: Prepared in accommodations and in local restaurants. Tour leader: Cycling tour guide, responsible for the expedition, certified in first aid, knowledgeable in environmental interpretation and bicycle touring, English and Spanish speaking.Driver: Responsible for vehicle support, technical assistance with the repo-bike, food logistics and in emergency evacuations.Assistance guide*: Cycling tour guide, responsible for the mechanics of bicycles and monitoring of the tour group cycling equipment. Advanced knowledge in mechanics and bicycle touring recommendations.( subject to min of 7 travellers)
National Park entrance fee. Accident insurance*: Covering cycling & adventure activities only. Associated operational costs for guides. Transportation:A minibus as a vehicle support & a trailer for bicycles and luggage, ferries
Not Included Bike Hire Kona Rove AL or Cannondale Trail SL4 US$25 per day Giant Talon E+1 E Bike US$50 per day You are welcome to bring your own standard bike , the airline will charge aprox an extra US$150 each way |
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