Introduction

The drive north, along the Carretera Austral, towards Puyuhuapi, is explained here under Stage A. Considering the distance, an overnight break, or a stay for a few nights to properly enjoy the area, would be sensible at Queulat or around the Puyuhuapi area.

It goes without saying that here at ExperienceChile.Org we will arrange the rent a car you will need to drive through the Patagonian forest and Andean valleys, as well as your accommodation.

Click on map for larger image

Carretetera Austral South to North Sector 3

Coyhaique to Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas

Stage A

Start: Coyhaique - End: Puyuhuapi

This route is broken into these route options:

Coyhaique

This is the main city of the Aysen region and offers itself as a base from which to explore the Carretera Austral either heading south or north. It is also the only city with an airport that can receive commercial jet liners, with connections to Puerto Montt (and sometimes with Punta Arenas), although the actual airport is called Balmaceda and is about 50km south from Coyhaique.

The scenery around Coyhaiqe is similar to that the Mid-Western USA. High, mountainous ridges as well as plains. It has a kind of “cowboy” feel to the place and, indeed it is a Chilean “cowboy” town in the heart of Patagonia. There are many sheep and cattle farms in the area.

In line with our other self-drive Carretera Austral stages, in order to understand the sectors as clearly as possible we have further divided our stage A into 2 route options, and these are:

Route Option 1 Coyhaique to Chacabuco:

Total: 79km

Coyhaique Puerto Aysen Puerto Chacabuco

Route Description

There is only one main road, the Carretera Austral Ruta 7 that exits the northern sector of Coyhaique city. Once you are on this paved road it is a straight 65km west to Puerto Aysen. Along this route the scenery is nice, but nothing outstanding compared with the other parts of the Carretera Austral.

Upon arrival to Puerto Aysen, which is a non-descript village, you will see quite an impressive-looking suspension bridge that takes the road over the Simpson River and on to Puerto Chacabuco, which is about 14km south from Puerto Aysen.

Puerto Chacabuco is a tiny settlement, beside a fiord.

Puerto Chacabuco 79km west from Coyhaique. The reason to come here is to get the catamaran that departs from this point to go to the impressive San Rafael Glacier.

NOTE: This should be booked in advance and will require a night after the excursion, ideally, at the hotel in Chacabuco, which ExperienceChile.Org will arrange.

San Rafael Glacier (Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael)

Glacier Location: South-west of Coyhaique.

5hrs by catamaran from Puerto Chacabuco, or few a days by boat from Puerto Montt (see our Patagonia Cruises, Crucero Skorpios itinerary). To fly over the glacier takes 1hr 30min by light aircraft from Coyhaique.

The Park covers an area of 1,742,000 hectares and includes the Glacier San Rafael which, as it slowly recedes back from the sea, breaks off into huge icebergs that float in the San Rafael Lagoon. The size of the glacial wall and the massive chunks that break off draws travellers from all over the world. All boats pass between the archipelago channels and passengers can enjoy a beautiful scenic journey going to and returning from the glacier.

Apart from the glacier, Coyhaique offers horse riding, fishing and hiking, but mainly Coyhaique should be looked upon as a stop-over place in order to get further south or to go north if you have arrived here first.

Route Option 2 Coyhaique to:

  • Queulat National Park: 188km
  • Puyuhuapi Lodge: 196km
  • Puyuhuapi Village: 209km
  • El Pangue Lodge: 227km
  • La Junta: 255km

Coyhaique Villa Mañihuales Villa Amengual National Park Queulat Puyuhuapi Lodge C Park Puyuhuapi Village El Pangue

Route Description

On the way to the above destinations, you will have the option to turn left at a point approximately 34km past the village of Villa Amengual that will lead west to Puerto Cisnes.

Puerto Cisnes

Puerto Cisnes is a small fishing village located 35km west from the turn off mentioned above, on the coast of Patagonian Chile. It is a nondescript place, but if you seek to see some real life that is NOT made for the tourists then this place will give you that. Basic accommodations and very rustic. There is a National Park near here: Parque Nacional Isla Magdalena, but this requires a navigation across the water.

Ignoring Puerto Cisnes

Ignoring the turn left to Puerto Cisnes, continue onward towards Queulat National Park and Puyuhuapi village.

Queulat Hanging Glacier

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Where? In Queulat National Park

Here, you will have the option to stop off for a quick visit to see the Queulat Hanging glacier, but much better if you can plan in a few nights in the area.

Puyuhuapi Hot Springs

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Where? Puyuhuapi Lodge

As well as, or alternatively, you can drive on for another 8km and get to the embarkation point to cross over the fiord and arrive to the Puyuhuapi Lodge. This is a wonderful place for a relaxing few days amid the tranquillity of the Patagonian natural forest, beside a fiord.

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