Carretera Austral Sur 10-Day Bike Tour

Attention cycling enthusiasts! Join us on an extraordinary 10-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Chilean Patagonia, where we will navigate the Carretera Austral Sur from Coyhaique to Caleta Tortel—an experience to cherish!

10-Day Biking Expedition Along Carretera Austral Sur

Day 1: Arrival in Coyhaique

Our cycling adventure kicks off at 4 pm with a gathering at the Huella Patagonica hostel in Coyhaique. We will discuss the route details, which will guide us through some of the most stunning segments of the Carretera Austral Sur.

The rest of the day entails preparing our bikes, followed by a delicious evening meal at a local restaurant in Coyhaique. After a satisfying dinner, we will rest at the hostel, ready for the excitement that lies ahead!

Day 2: From Coyhaique to Villa Cerro Castillo

Following a hearty breakfast at the hostel, we set off on an exhilarating cycling journey along Chile’s Route 7. This path offers one of the most awe-inspiring portions of the Carretera Austral Sur, revealing the breathtaking vistas within Cerro Castillo National Park.

We will conclude our day with an overnight stay at a hostel in Villa Cerro Castillo.

Day 3: Villa Cerro Castillo to Murta Valley

After breakfast at our hostel, we continue our cycling journey along the Carretera Austral Sur. This segment involves departing from the paved road to explore untamed trails leading us to the enchanting Laguna Verde.

We will traverse the dead forest of the Ibañez River, shaped by the ash from the 1991 eruption of the Hudson Volcano.

A picnic lunch awaits midway, and we will finish the day by setting up camp in the Murta Valley.

Day 4: Murta Valley to Puerto Río Tranquilo

After a revitalizing breakfast, we depart from our Murta Valley campsite to continue our cycling adventure. Our route on day four meanders through distinctive endemic forests and sweeping farms, locally known as predios.

Paddling alongside the Murta River, we will eventually arrive at the Chilean shores of General Carrera Lake, which is shared with Argentina, where it is known as Lake Buenos Aires.

To wrap up this fulfilling day, we reach the charming riverside community of Puerto Río Tranquilo, a notable stop on the Carretera Austral Sur, where we enjoy a boat tour of the marble chapels—one of the area’s remarkable geological highlights.

We will then return to Puerto Río Tranquilo for an overnight stay at a campsite in the town.

Day 5: Puerto Río Tranquilo to Puerto Bertrand

Our fifth day begins with a bike ride along the shore of General Carrera Lake, showcasing enchanting views! We will observe the valleys stretching down from the Northern Patagonian Ice Field and pause at the General Carrera Bridge to glimpse the source of Bertrand Lake.

Our adventure continues toward Cruce El Maitén, linking with the access roads to Puerto Guadal and Chile Chico. From here, we’ll navigate a series of challenging ascents before reaching a cozy cabin in Puerto Bertrand.

Day 6: Puerto Bertrand to Cochrane

On the sixth day, we cycle onward along the Carretera Austral Sur, tracing the course of the Baker River. This spectacular river flows through stunning Patagonian steppe landscapes, where the trees give way to captivating grasslands framed by mountains.

To savor the scenery, we will embark on a hiking excursion at the confluence of the Baker and Neff rivers, both originating from the depths of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field.

As we conclude this day, we will make our way to a hostel in Cochrane.

Day 7: Cochrane to Los Ñadis

Leaving Cochrane behind, our cycling route leads us southward past the picturesque Esmeralda, Juncal, and Chacabuco lakes. The expansive Patagonian steppe offers us a stunning view of Monte San Lorenzo, a mountain marking the border between Chile and Argentina.

Our day culminates at a campsite in Los Ñadis.

Day 8: Los Ñadis to Caleta Tortel

On this final cycling day, we traverse through a landscape dotted with wetlands and peat bogs, witnessing the shift from the Patagonian steppe to the lush Andean forest. Throughout the ride, we will be captivated by the striking Andean scenery.

We will conclude our journey at a centrally located hostel in Caleta Tortel, renowned for its distinctive footbridges made from Guaitecas cypress that link various homes to the town's historical center.

Day 9: Caleta Tortel to Coyhaique

After breakfast at our hostel in Caleta Tortel, we will return via minibus to the meeting point in Coyhaique, expecting to arrive in the late afternoon.

We will spend the night back at the Huella Patagonica hostel in Coyhaique.

Day 10: Departure from Coyhaique

Our 10-day bike tour through Chile culminates with breakfast at the hostel in Coyhaique.

Accommodation & meals

This tour provides 9 nights of lodging with breakfast at the following establishments:

Day 1 in Coyhaique: Huella Patagónica 2-star hostel, cabin, or comparable accommodationDay 2 in Villa Cerro Castillo: Domos La Araucaria 2-star hostel, cabin, or comparable accommodationDay 3 in Valle de Murta: Doña Dora campsite, cabin, hotel, or comparable accommodationDay 4 in Puerto Tranquilo: El Pudú campsite, cabin, hostel, or comparable accommodationDay 5 in Puerto Bertrand: Cabañas Buena Vista, hostel, or comparable accommodation.Day 6 in Cochrane: Cabañas La Isla 2-star hostel, cabin, or comparable accommodation.Day 7 in Los Ñadis: La Araucaria campsite, cabin, hostel, or comparable accommodation.Day 8 in Caleta Tortel: Residencial Estilo 2-star hostel, cabin, or comparable accommodation.Day 9 in Coyhaique: Huella Patagónica 2-star hostel, cabin, or comparable accommodation.

Lunches will be provided at various outdoor stops along the cycling route, consisting of two snacks served at different intervals throughout the day:

Snack: includes nuts, energy bars, fruit, sweets, and chocolate.Picnic bag: contains a sandwich, fajitas, or similar food, along with juice, tea, coffee, and mineral water.

Dinners will be available at the lodgings or local eateries, depending on the options available, featuring either roasts or à la carte selections that are not included in the tour price.

Bicycle Rental

Upon booking your trip, there is an option for bike and helmet rental. Alternatively, if you possess your own cycling gear, you can book the tour without equipment.