Self Drive in the northern Carretera Austral
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Discover the Northern Carretera Austral from its beginning. While touring the Bimodal Route, behold the incredible beauty of one of the most pristine roads in the world. The Carretera Austral is “open” year round, and full of breath taking scenery and stunning destination towns. There is no better way to travel this road than on a self-drive. Adistinct and novel alternative is to travel by all-terrain vehicles (4×4), through remote and inaccessible places where, what matters is not the destination it self, but the journey and experiences.
Itinerary
Day 1: Puerto Montt - Hornopirén
Reception in the El Tepual airport in Puerto Montt and pick-up of vehicle to start the journey south on Route 7, known as the Carretera Austral. The section between Puerto Montt / Hornopirén combines land with a part on the sea taken on a regular ferry service. The first cross of the ferry from Caleta La Arena to Caleta Puelche is at 7:15, and then every 45 minutes until 8:45 pm.
Dinner and hotel accommodations at Bahia Catalina in Hornopirén.
Day 2: Hornopirén - Caleta Gonzalo - Lake Yelcho
Breakfast.
Time of arrival at the dock of Hornopirén is at 9:30 to board and sail to Caleta Gonzalo through the Bimodal route. This route is divided into three sections:
Section 1: Daily from Hornopirén to Leptepu, departs at 10:30 on the barge MAILEN, with a duration of 3:30 hours.
Section 2: Trip continues by a narrow gravel road of 10kilometers. Approximate duration is 30 minutes.
Section 3: Half-hour crossing from Fiord Largo to Caleta Gonzalo. Departure is at 3:30 pm.After arriving in the town of Caleta Gonzalo, it continuesalong the Carretera Austral for about 100 km to the sector of Lake Yelcho. Before this, we suggest taking a walk along the path of Los Alerces.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Yelcho Lodge.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Yelcho Lodge.
Day 3: Lago Yelcho - La Junta
In the morning we suggest going trekking in the area surrounding the lodge, enjoying the nature of the area. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon we continue to the south by the mythical Carretera Austral to the town of La Junta (approximately 100 km, a distance of about 1 ¼ hours). On the way you can find several attractions, such as the town of Santa Lucia and the Palena River. Arrival to Hotel Espacio y Tiempo.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Palena River rafting and El Sauce Natural Spa
Breakfast.
Tour departure from La Junta and just 1 km from the town to the Rosselot River, where we will start the trip. After a short safety briefing, we will begin our descent of the river. After floating about 1 km, you will see the confluence of the Palena River, one of the 3 most important tributaries of the Aysén region. After sailing for about 3 hours, finally you come to the beach destination, where the vehicle will be waiting to go to Puerto Raul Marin Balmaceda. After traveling 7 km, you will reach the El Sauce hot springs. Box lunch included. Return by car to the town of La Junta.
Accommodations and dinner at Hotel Espacio y Tiempo.
Day 5: La Junta - Coyhaique
Breakfast.
The trip continues south on the Carretera Austral to the village of Puyuhuapi (44 km, about 1 hr.), which can be visited before going to Queulat national park. Here you can enjoy the splendor of the Queulat hanging glacier and the trails through the forest of the national park. Lunch: Box lunch.
We will continue south on the Carretera Austral down to the regional capital, Coyhaique (222 km, approximately 4 hr.). Arrival in Coyhaique.
Accommodations at the El Reloj Hotel.
Day 6: Coyhaique
Breakfast.
We will ride to the Los Franciscanos slopes on tame horses that are used to tourists. Departure is from the equestrian field located 8 km from Coyhaique to Coyhaique Alto, where each of you will receive the appropriate safety equipment (helmets, ponchos, and chaps) and then start the tour through native forests, streams and trails up to see a panoramic view of the whole valley of Coyhaique. We will then return to Bonanza field where you will enjoy a rich barbecue roast on the grill. Return to hotel in Coyhaique.
Accommodations at the El Reloj hotel.
Day 7: Coyhaique - Balmaceda Airport
Breakfast, and depending on the flight schedule, you can have the morning free to walk around the city center and visit the craft fair to buy a souvenir from the Aysén region. Transfer to Balmaceda airport (55 km) by paved road, return flight.
- Rent a 4×4 crew cab diesel truck Hertz K with CDW insurance.
- Ticket Bimodal Route, Hornopirén / Caleta Gonzalo
- Accommodations as program description: Hostel Catalina (breakfast and dinner); Yelcho Lodge (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); Espacio y Tiempo mountain hotel (2 breakfasts and 2 dinners); Hotel El Reloj (2 breakfasts).
- Visit to El Sauce natural hot springs, with rafting down the Palena River; it includes box lunch.
- Visit to the Queulat National Park with box lunch.
- Ride at Bonanza with barbecue.
- Airfare.
- Tips.
- Meals, drinks and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Insurance.