Carretera Austral Chile Travel Guide
The primary airport for accessing the northern Carretera Austral is Balmaceda Airport (BBA), situated about 55 kilometers from Coyhaique. This airport works as a direct gateway to the Aysén region. For the very northern end of the Carretera Austral, or inside the capacity of an alternative starting point, Puerto Montt's El Tepual Airport (PMC) works as a major hub. It connects to the Carretera Austral via ferry services. For the southern end of Patagonia, Punta Arenas (PUQ) is a major hub, although not directly on the Carretera Austral. It features connections to southern Patagonia and can be part of a larger Patagonian itinerary.
Flights are most regular and expensive during the high season (December-February) due to peak demand. Prices decline in shoulder and low seasons, and flight frequency may be reduced. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for peak travel times, to secure better prices and availability.
Secure better costs and availability, particularly in high season.
Balmaceda has fundamental services; Puerto Montt offers more options.
Expect highest prices during the busy season due to demand.
A small airport with necessary amenities: car rental, limited food options, and ATMs (may be unreliable).
A larger airport with more extensive facilities: wider range of car rental companies, a range of food outlets, and more trustworthy ATMs.
Both airports feature amenities for departing and arriving passengers, including restrooms and waiting areas.
Buses are the main form of public transport along the Carretera Austral. Services connect towns, but segments may need multiple connections or ferry crossings where the road is incomplete. Companies include Buses Becker, Buses Pullman Bus, Buses Suray, Buses Don Carlos, and Buses Ali. Smaller, local operators serve shorter segments. Services run between major towns like Coyhaique, Puerto Río Tranquilo, Cochrane, La Junta, and Chaitén. Some journeys include ferry crossings where the bus may drive onto the ferry.
The Carretera Austral sits entirely within Chile. However, many travelers combine their Carretera Austral journey with a trip into Argentine Patagonia. Common crossings include Futaleufú (near La Junta, leading to Esquel), Chile Chico (near Cochrane, connecting to Los Antiguos), and Paso San Carlos/Roballos (south of Cochrane, also leading to Ruta 40 in Argentina).
Driving yourself delivers the most the ability to explore freely the Carretera Austral at your own pace. You need a valid domestic driver's license. If your license is not in Spanish, an International Driving Permit (IDP) comes highly recommended. You must also hold a credit card for rental deposits. Road conditions feature a mix of paved and gravel (Ripio) sections. Gravel sections can be rough, washboarded, dusty in dry weather, and muddy/slippery in wet weather. Expect slower travel times on these sections.
Dust has an issue in summer, and mud in winter or during rain. Drive carefully and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Many winding roads exist, especially in mountain regions; reduce your speed and anticipate turns. Single-lane bridges are common; yield to oncoming traffic as indicated by signage.
Ferry services are a key part of navigating the Carretera Austral, connecting segments of the road where land routes are incomplete. These bridge gaps, circumventing challenging terrain or linking the route to other regions. Naviera Austral is the main operator for most major boat routes. Other smaller, local operators may run shorter crossings.
Booking comes highly recommended for vehicles on all major ferry routes, particularly during peak season. It also makes sense for passengers on longer routes to secure a spot. Book online in advance through the ferry company's website. For domestic ferries within Chile, no immigration procedures occur. Ferry terminals typically have bus connections or locate close to the main road, making possible continuation of your trip by car or bus. In some cases, buses drive directly onto the ferry.
Confirm your spot, especially for vehicles and during high season.
Ruta Cordillera offers multi-day scenic ferry access to southern Patagonia.
Ferry services combine with land transport for continuous travel.
No specific exit fees or taxes are charged when departing Chile by air or land for tourists. Airline tickets usually include leaving the airport taxes within the fare.
Facilities vary significantly by location. Balmaceda (BBA) has extremely simple facilities. Expect limited food and drink options. Plan accordingly for any long waits. Puerto Montt city (PMC) offers more extensive facilities, with cafes, shops, and more services for departing travelers. Bus terminals' facilities vary significantly by town. Larger towns have basic services and waiting areas, while smaller villages may just feature a simple bus stop or a small office.
Double-check all departure times and connections before leaving your accommodation.
Keep passport, Visitor Card, and any tickets readily accessible for smooth processing.
Spend remaining the local money or exchange it before departure, as remote zones have fewer options.
Departing Patagonia means carrying recollections of an extraordinary journey. Plan ahead to render your exit as smooth as the arrival.
