307 - Carretera Austral South - 3 nights

Day 1

Balmaceda, Puerto Tranquilo, Marble Cathedral, Puerto Guadal

Arrive at Balmaceda Airport on a flight scheduled to land between 9:30 and 10:30 AM. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed and begin your journey along the Southern Carretera Austral towards the charming town of Puerto Tranquilo, located 182 km away (approximately a 3.5-hour drive).

Puerto Tranquilo is a quaint village on the western shore of Lake General Carrera, the largest lake in Chile and the second largest in South America, covering an impressive area of 978.12 km². The lake’s turquoise waters are home to abundant salmonid fish, creating a stunning visual experience.

As you travel, you’ll pass through beautiful lenga, ciruelillo (or notro), coigüe, and ñire forests. The route also takes you by several iconic landmarks, including Laguna Chiguay, La Piedra del Conde, and Cuesta del Diablo. From these points, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Cerro Castillo. We’ll drive past this impressive peak and through the charming town of Cerro Castillo, a classic Patagonian settlement. This part of the journey will also take you through Cerro Castillo National Park, offering unforgettable sights of its natural beauty.

We’ll continue our descent through the picturesque Murta River Valley, which bursts into color with fields of blooming lupines in spring. The scenery becomes even more spectacular as we approach the vast expanse of General Carrera Lake. We’ll make several stops along the way for some fantastic photo opportunities.

Upon reaching Puerto Tranquilo, we’ll embark on a boat tour to visit the Capillas de Mármol (Marble Caves), a stunning natural sanctuary. These magnificent limestone formations, sculpted by the lake’s waves over millennia, create an unforgettable display of natural beauty.

After the boat tour, we’ll drive south for 59 km (approximately a 70-minute drive) to the Puerto Guadal area, where you’ll check into Terra Luna Lodge or a similar accommodation.

A set menu lunch will be provided at a local restaurant in either Cerro Castillo or Puerto Tranquilo.

Day 2

Patagonia National Park, sector ex Reserva National Tamango - Cochrane

After breakfast, at 9:00 am, we’ll head south along the Carretera Austral to explore the Patagonia Park sector, formerly known as the Tamango National Reserve. This area is about 125 km away. We’ll embark on a scenic 40-minute boat ride along the Cochrane River, surrounded by stunning landscapes. The boat is simple but safe. Once we reach the dock, we’ll begin a well-marked, moderately challenging hike suitable for those in good physical health. If we’re lucky, we might even spot the elusive Huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) up close.

Afterward, we’ll head to Cochrane for lunch at a local restaurant. Later, we’ll return via the same route, enjoying views of the Baker River, the largest river in Chile. Along the way, we’ll stop at a must-see viewpoint to observe and photograph the breathtaking confluence of the Baker and Nef rivers.

We’ll end the day with accommodation at Terra Luna Lodge or a similar lodge in the Puerto Guadal area.

Day 3

Puerto Guadal, Valle Exploradores Viewpoint - Coyhaique

After breakfast, at 9:00 am, we’ll head north along the Austral Highway to Puerto Tranquilo (59 km). After a brief stop to purchase snacks if desired, we’ll continue 50 km west, making several photo stops along the way. As we travel through the stunning valley, you’ll experience nature in its pristine, untouched wilderness.

Once we reach the visitor center in Valle Exploradores, we’ll begin a moderately challenging hike through lush evergreen forest. The trail includes a short but steep climb up a moraine, leading to a breathtaking viewpoint of the Exploradores Glacier. If the weather is clear, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Northern Ice Field, Mount San Valentín, and the expansive Exploradores Glacier. A box lunch will be provided.

After this unforgettable experience, we’ll return to Coyhaique, the regional capital (218 km), with stops along the way to capture more beautiful moments at various viewpoints. Accommodation will be at Hotel El Reloj or a similar hotel. Estimated arrival time: 8:30 pm.

Day 4

Coyhaique - Balmaceda Airport

After breakfast, at the agreed time, you will be transferred to the airport without a guide (55 km – approximately 50 minutes). Passengers will be picked up about 2.5 hours before their flight’s departure.

Note:
✓ If your flight departs in the afternoon, feel free to ask us for suggestions on optional half-day excursions from Coyhaique.