Northern Carretera Austral Road Trip

Day 1: Arrival at Puerto Montt Airport; Transfer to your hotel

You'll fly into Puerto Montt Airport and take a transfer to your hotel in Puerto Varas.

You can explore the town on foot, perhaps walking down to Lake Llanquihue. If the weather is clear, you should be able to see Osorno Volcano on the other side of the lake.

You'll spend the night in Puerto Varas.

Accommodation: Hotel Cumbres, or similar

Day 2: Flight to Chaitén; Explore El Amarillo section of Pumalín National Park

Today you'll take a transfer from your hotel to the local aerodrome for the 30-minute morning flight to Chaitén.

There you'll spend a full day exploring the El Amarillo section of the Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park.

You'll have the opportunity to follow the El Mirador trail (6km/3.75 miles) and the Darwin's Frog trail (2 miles/3km). Both of these are low difficulty hikes.

In the evening you'll drive along the Carretera Austral from Chaitén to the lodge at Caleta Gonzalo, located on the edge of the Reñihué fjord. Here a delightful wooden cabin will be your base for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Caleta Gonzalo Lodge

Day 3: Hike up Chaitén Volcano; Explore Alerce & Negro trails

Today you'll have the fantastic opportunity to hike to the top of Chaitén Volcano. The route (2.7 miles/4.4km) is well marked, though can be steep, with plenty of steps. 

From the top you'll have amazing views of the surrounding landscape and the volcano crater.

There are also a couple of short and easy walking trails to discover in the area: the Alerce (0.6 miles/1km) and Lago Negro (1 mile/1.6km) trails.

Back at Caleta Gonzalo you can visit the new Visitor Center and Museum where you can learn more about the ongoing conservation projects in the area and the challenges facing them.

You'll spend a second night in your cabin here.

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Caleta Gonzalo Lodge

Day 4: Drive to Futaleufú; Hike to Yelcho Glacier

This morning you'll head south, driving along the Carretra Austral from Caleta Gonzalo to the town of Futaleufú.

This town, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, is famous for the world-class white water rafting on the Futaleufú River.

About 72 miles/115km into your drive, there is the option of stopping off for a hike to the Yelcho Glacier. This is the only section of the Corcovado National Park that is open to visitors. The hike starts at the road and follows a trail through the forest, parallel to the Río Velcho Chico. You'll reach viewpoints where, if the weather is clear, you'll have fantastic views of the glacier.

Once checked in to your hotel in 'Futa', you can explore the town in the evening and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Hike: 3.7 miles/6km

Drive: 129 miles/207km

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Hotel El Barranco

Day 5: Activities on Futaleufú River; Drive to Puyuhuapi

This morning you'll head to the Futaleufú River for a choice of activity. You can go rafting 'bridge to bridge', or perhaps opt for a more relaxing floating adventure on the river.

In the afternoon you'll be back on the road, driving south along the Carretera Austral from Futaleufú to the village of Puyuhuapi, located at the end of the Puyuhuapi Fjord.

Here you'll check in to your accommodation and spend the night.

Drive: 118 miles/190km

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Pangue Lodge or similar

Day 6: Hike in Queulat National Park; Puyuhuapi hot springs

This morning you'll head off on a hike to the Hanging Glacier in Queulat National Park. The trail to the viewpoint starts in the car park, about 1 mile/1.5km off the Carretera Austral.

You'll ascend through forests to the main viewpoint - a small area which has some breathtaking views of the glacier. There's also a lake viewpoint which is well worth the effort.

After your hike you'll return to Puyuhuapi. In the afternoon there is the option to visit the hot springs for some well-deserved relaxation. They are located on the edge of the fjord, about 10 minutes drive south of Puyuhuapi. There are several pools of varying temperatures and you can take a dip in the fjord too.

Alternatively, you could spend the afternoon exploring the area - there are several walking trails around Puyuhuapi which are worth investigating.

Hike: 4.1 miles/6.6km

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Pangue Lodge or similar

Day 7: Drive to Coyhaique

On the penultimate day of your trip you'll cruise the Carretera Austral once more. You'll head further south to reach Coyhaique, the capital city of the Aysén region and home to 60,000 people.

The drive first takes you along the edge of the fjord, before heading inland parallel to the River Quelat. This is a remote area, with few villages along the route. But you will have the chance to stop at some great viewpoints along the way whenever you like.

On arrival in Coyhaique you'll check in to your accommodation for your final night.

This is a charming town with some great cafés and restaurants.

Drive: 145 miles/233km

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Raíces or similar

Day 8: Transfer to Balmaceda Airport

This morning you'll check out of your hotel and take a transfer to Balmaceda Airport from where you'll continue your journey.

Meals: Breakfast