Driving the Chilean Carretera Austral is a lifetime adventure
Chile, south-america
1,240 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime on the Carretera Austral in Chilean Patagonia! This epic road, opened in 1988, carves its way through some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes on Earth.
Stretching 1,240 km (770 miles) from Puerto Montt down to Villa O'Higgins, this north-south route, also known as Ruta CH-7, immerses you in a world of mountains, lakes, glaciers, and forests. Prepare to be amazed!
But here's the thing: about 70% of the road is unpaved. You'll experience everything from decent gravel to seriously bumpy sections. While a 4WD isn't strictly required, your car will definitely feel the journey! Expect to hop on a ferry or two along the way. Keep your speed in check, and watch out for dust clouds kicked up by passing vehicles. Locals often drive faster than conditions allow.
The Carretera Austral area is a true wilderness, so be prepared for wild weather! Picture yourself surrounded by dense forests, deep fjords, shimmering glaciers, winding canals, and towering mountains. You'll find endless stretches of empty dirt roads, scenic villages, awesome free campsites, and rejuvenating hot springs.
Traffic is light, especially off-season. The best time to explore this incredible road is between November and April. So, are you ready for the ride of your life?
Where is it?
Driving the Chilean Carretera Austral is a lifetime adventure is located in Chile (south-america). Coordinates: -36.3261, -69.0498
Road Details
- Country
- Chile
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 1,240 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -36.3261, -69.0498
Related Roads in south-america
extremeThe road to Abra de Olivares in the Andes is for Experienced Drivers with Advanced Off Road Skills Only
🇦🇷 Argentina
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Abra de Olivares! This beast of a mountain pass clocks in at a whopping 4,928m (16,167ft), making it one of Argentina's highest roads. You'll find it nestled in the rugged Iglesia Department, west of San José de Jáchal, practically spitting distance from the Chilean border. Forget smooth sailing; the 15km (9 miles) stretch from Road 150 is a wild, unpaved ride. We're talking serious 4x4 territory here, folks. Expect steep climbs, hairpin turns that'll test your skills, and narrow sections that'll have you holding your breath. The road isn't maintained, so you're in for a real, raw adventure! Oh, and did I mention the views? You're cruising in the shadow of the majestic 6,216 m Nevado de Olivares in the Andes. Just be warned: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Extreme weather can shut things down in a heartbeat, and rain can leave the road pretty rough. So, check the forecast before you go and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
extremeLaguna Chuspi
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're in Peru and craving some serious altitude with killer views, you HAVE to check out Laguna Chuspi. We're talking a sky-high lake sitting at a whopping 14,419 feet! Getting there is half the fun... or maybe half the terror, depending on your driving skills. You'll be tackling Route 120, and trust me, it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, super narrow stretches, and mud – especially after it rains! A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. But wait, there's more! Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting with potential avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides. Oh, and did I mention the ice patches? Yeah, be extra careful. The climb is brutal, and the air gets thin. Seriously, that lack of oxygen is a beast. And altitude sickness? Most people start feeling it way before you even reach the lake, around 8,000-9,000 feet. But the views? Absolutely worth it. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
hardPuente del Rio San Pablo
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're way down in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, practically at the bottom of the world. You're cruising along a super scenic road when BAM! You hit this totally awesome wooden bridge stretching 42 meters over the San Pablo River. Seriously, this bridge is a showstopper! Now, the road itself? It's generally kept in good nick, so a 2WD with decent clearance should be fine if you take it slow on the straight bits. But pro tip: Rent a 4x4. Trust me, it'll make the ride smoother and less stressful. You're heading up to Cerro Estrella, after all, right in the Andes! Just a heads-up: the weather here is a bit wild, and the wind can be a real beast. Be prepared for anything! Also on the itinerary is the surreal Salar del Hombre Muerto. Get ready for an epic adventure!
extremeThe Road to Salinas Lake is One of the Toughest Tracks in the World
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Arequipa Region of Peru, nestled way, way up in the Andes, lies the Laguna de Salinas – a shimmering salt lake sitting at a staggering 14,222 feet. Getting there? Buckle up, buttercup! We're talking Ruta 34C, a 40-mile dirt track that’ll test your nerve and your vehicle's suspension. This isn’t your Sunday drive. Think hairpin turns galore, super narrow stretches (sometimes only wide enough for ONE car!), and seriously exposed drop-offs – hundreds of feet down – with zero guardrails to save you. Oh, and did I mention the tunnels? Starting near Arequipa, one of Peru’s biggest cities, give yourself at least two hours to conquer this beast of a road, and that's without stopping to admire the killer views (if you can bear to take your eyes off the road, that is!). Confidence in your 4x4 and your driving skills is an absolute must. This one’s for the thrill-seekers!