Carretera Austral – Lakes, Marble And Glaciers

11 days
From
1.443.292 ARS

Embark on an unforgettable expedition across southern Chile and Patagonia, perfect for those eager to blend breathtaking landscapes with untouched nature and genuine experiences along the legendary Carretera Austral. The adventure kicks off in the Los Lagos Region, where you'll explore delightful cities such as Puerto Varas, Llanquihue, and Frutillar, all offering stunning views of Lake Llanquihue and the majestic Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Volcanoes, lakes, and cultural heritage define the initial days of this remarkable journey. The adventure proceeds with an overnight cruise to Chaitén, the entrance to verdant Patagonia, featuring rest stops before heading further south. Continuing from Puyuhuapi, the expedition immerses into the Aysén region of Patagonia, exploring natural wonders like the Queulat National Park and its renowned Hanging Glacier. From a base in Coyhaique, essential excursions are available, including a boat tour to the Marble Caves on General Lake. Experience a thrilling race and trek on the Exploradores Glacier, offering a rare opportunity for direct engagement with Patagonian ice. The trip concludes with a City Tour of Coyhaique and a soothing horseback ride along the Simpson River, wrapping up a well-rounded journey rich in adventure, scenery, and local culture.

Join us for this incredible adventure!

Tour Description

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Day 1 | Arrival in Puerto Montt – Puerto Varas
Arrive in Puerto Montt on a morning flight and transfer to your hotel in Puerto Varas, beautifully located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue.

In the afternoon, enjoy a City Tour of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas, exploring key attractions, waterfronts, and viewpoints. This tour offers a first encounter with the enchanting landscape of southern Chile, featuring lakes and volcanoes.

Day 2 | Osorno Volcano Petrohué Falls (Full Day)

Set off from Puerto Varas along the shores of Lake Llanquihue, where you'll enjoy stunning views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Ascend to the Osorno Volcano Mountain Center (1,240 m above sea level) with time for photography, hiking, a coffee break, or an optional chairlift ride.

Descend to Ensenada for a lunch break (not included). Experience a day filled with nature, volcanoes, and breathtaking scenery.

Day 3 | Llanquihue Frutillar – Night Navigation

In the morning, embark on a half-day excursion to Llanquihue, a city on the historic Settlers' Route, and Frutillar, a delightful town with German heritage. Stroll along the waterfront, admire heritage houses, and enjoy views of the Lake Theater with Lake Llanquihue and the volcanoes in the background.

Return to the hotel around 1:00 PM for a free afternoon to relax, pack, or explore Puerto Varas at your leisure.

In the evening, depart from your hotel in Puerto Varas to embark on the overnight sailing from Puerto Montt to Chaitén, navigating the fjords and channels of southern Chile.

Arrive in Chaitén at 08:00 hrs. Transfer from the port to the hotel. Spend the morning resting after the voyage, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore the town, walk along the waterfront, visit nearby viewpoints, or simply relax in the Patagonian environment. Day 5 | Chaitén – Puyuhuapi (Regular Bus)

Enjoy a free morning in Chaitén.

Depart at 11:00 AM by regular bus to Puyuhuapi, a journey of about 3 hours through the untouched landscapes of the Carretera Austral. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore the town, its natural beauty, and the serene atmosphere of Aysén Patagonia.

Depart early from Puyuhuapi for a full-day tour of Queulat National Park, a natural gem of the Carretera Austral. Experience landscapes of rivers, mountains, natural viewpoints, and waterfalls. Upon reaching the park, we will hike easy trails through native forests to Laguna Témpano for a spectacular view of the Queulat Hanging Glacier. Take time for photos, contemplation, and lunch (included depending on the option chosen). Return to Puyuhuapi in the afternoon. Day 7 | Puyuhuapi – Coyhaique

At the designated time, depart by private transfer to Coyhaique, the capital of the Aysén Region. This approximately 4-hour journey passes through breathtaking Patagonian landscapes, with mountains, rivers, and forests at every turn. Arrive in Coyhaique and enjoy a free afternoon to rest, explore the city, or savor its local cuisine. Day 8 | Marble Caves – General Carrera Lake (Full Day)

Depart early from Coyhaique along the Southern Highway to Puerto Tranquilo. During the trip, cross the Cerro Castillo National Park, with vistas of the imposing massif, valleys, rivers, and lagoons.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip on General Carrera Lake to visit the Marble Caves Nature Sanctuary, a stunning collection of limestone formations sculpted by water, renowned as one of the most extraordinary sights in Chilean Patagonia.

Return to Coyhaique at the end of the day.

Day 9 | Exploradores Glacier (Full Day)

Embark on a full-day excursion to the Exploradores Glacier, located in Laguna San Rafael National Park. After a safety briefing and equipment check, begin a guided hike to reach the glacier's ice. This adventure includes ice trekking, cave exploration, blue ice formations, and direct contact with a living glacier, all under the guidance of expert guides.

Return in the afternoon.

Day 10 | Coyhaique – City Tour Simpson River Horseback Riding

In the morning, take a Coyhaique City Tour, exploring residential neighborhoods, viewpoints, the pentagonal Plaza de Armas, and the local artisan market.

In the afternoon, transfer to the Simpson River area for a guided horseback ride of about 2 hours along the river and through wooded trails. This activity is suitable for all ages and requires no prior experience. A snack is provided at the end.

Day 11 | Farewell – Transfer to Balmaceda Airport

At the agreed time, transfer from Coyhaique to Balmaceda Airport to catch your return flight, concluding an unforgettable journey through southern Chile and Patagonia.

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What’s included?

What’s included:

Airport transfers from Puerto Montt to your hotel in Puerto Varas with Spanish-speaking drivers. Transfer from your hotel in Puerto Varas to the Puerto Montt pier. Transfer from the port of Chaitén to your hotel in Chaitén. Transfer from Chaitén to Puyuhuapi by regular bus. Transfer from Puyuhuapi to Coyhaique by private service. Transfer from your hotel in Coyhaique to Balmaceda Airport. Standard room with breakfast included in Puerto Varas: 3 nights *Accommodation in Puerto Varas includes room use until the transfer time for the night cruise. Standard room with breakfast included in Chaitén: 2 nights *Accommodation in Chaitén includes room use from arrival time until departure day. Standard room with breakfast included in Puyuhuapi: 2 nights Standard room with breakfast included in Coyhaique: 4 nights Taxes

What’s NOT included:

Flights National Park or Museum Entrance Fees Travel Insurance Food or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary Extra and personal expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

The typical tour departs from Coyhaique or Balmaceda Airport and follows Route 7 (Carretera Austral) to Puerto Río Tranquilo, where you'll sail to the Marble Caves on General Carrera Lake. Depending on the program and weather, excursions may include hikes to viewpoints, fjords, and temperate forests, as well as a glacier experience (either a trek on Exploradores Glacier or a boat trip to San Rafael Lagoon). The duration varies between 3 and 7 days, with days that combine scenic transfers and outdoor activities. Full-day options are also available. The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather conditions and safety concerns. Please request a detailed schedule, including pick-up times and overnight stays, when booking.

The tour typically includes: ground transportation in a tourist vehicle along the Carretera Austral, a boat trip to the Marble Caves, a certified bilingual (Spanish/English) guide, selected accommodations with breakfast, and entrance fees to protected areas as indicated in the program. If you choose the glacier activity, basic technical equipment and a helmet are provided by an authorized operator. It does not usually include: flights, lunches and dinners, beverages, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance, and specific port fees for Laguna San Rafael. Departures are subject to weather conditions; some boat trips may be rescheduled. Please check cancellation policies, single room supplements, and changes due to external conditions before confirming your reservation.

Chilean Patagonia has a variable climate year-round. The best time for this excursion is from November to March (spring-summer), with longer daylight hours, temperatures between 8°C and 18°C, and better conditions for boating and hiking. Between September and November and March and May, there are fewer tourists, more colorful landscapes, and the possibility of rain and wind. In winter (June-August), there may be snow, road closures, and cancellations for safety reasons, so some sections or tours may not operate. Always wear layers and waterproof clothing. Excursions to the Marble Caves and glaciers depend on lake conditions, swells, and the local weather forecast.

The general tour along the Carretera Austral is of low to moderate difficulty, suitable for active travelers and families. It includes vehicle journeys, boat trips, and short hikes to viewpoints (1–3 hours, gentle inclines). The glacier activity requires a moderate level of fitness, good stability, and adherence to the guide's instructions; it is not recommended for people with knee or balance problems. The minimum age for boat trips and ice trekking varies depending on the provider and weather conditions; please inquire if traveling with children. This experience is not fully wheelchair accessible. We recommend travel insurance, informing the guide of any medical conditions, and bringing personal medication.

To fully enjoy the Carretera Austral, Marble Caves, and glaciers, bring: layered technical clothing (thermal base layer, fleece, and waterproof/breathable jacket), comfortable pants, trekking boots with good traction, a hat, gloves, UV sunglasses, and sunscreen. Also pack a reusable water bottle, energy snacks, a camera or smartphone with an extra battery/power bank, and a dry bag for boat trips. We recommend motion sickness medication if you are prone to it, cash for local purchases, your ID/passport, and travel insurance. Avoid plastic bags; follow Leave No Trace principles. The tour operator will provide you with specific glacier-related technical equipment when applicable.

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Carretera Austral – Lakes, Marble And Glaciers

11 days
From 1.443.292 ARS
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From 1.443.292 ARS
Carretera Austral – Lakes, Marble And Glaciers

From 1.443.292 ARS

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