Carretera Austral – Lakes, Marble And Glaciers

11 days
From
1.443.292 ARS

Embark on an unforgettable expedition through southern Chile and Patagonia, perfect for those eager to merge breathtaking landscapes, untouched nature, and genuine experiences along the legendary Carretera Austral. The adventure kicks off in the Los Lagos Region, where you'll explore delightful towns like Puerto Varas, Llanquihue, and Frutillar, taking in views of Lake Llanquihue and the majestic Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Volcanoes, lakes, and cultural heritage define the initial days of this journey. The adventure continues with an overnight sail to Chaitén, the gateway to green Patagonia, including rest stops before proceeding south. From Puyuhuapi, the journey ventures into the Aysén region of Patagonia, where you'll visit natural landmarks such as Queulat National Park and its renowned Hanging Glacier. Based in Coyhaique, can't-miss excursions await, including a boat tour to the Marble Caves on General Lake. Engage in a race and trek on the Exploradores Glacier, offering a rare opportunity for direct interaction with Patagonian ice. The journey culminates with a City Tour of Coyhaique and a soothing horseback ride along the Simpson River, wrapping up a perfect blend of adventure, scenery, and local culture.

Join us for this incredible adventure!

Tour Description


Day 1 | Arrival in Puerto Montt – Puerto Varas
Arrive on a morning flight to Puerto Montt and transfer to your hotel in Puerto Varas, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Llanquihue.

In the afternoon, embark on a City Tour of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas, exploring key attractions, waterfronts, and viewpoints, providing an initial introduction to southern Chile's scenic lakes and volcanoes.

Day 2 | Osorno Volcano Petrohué Falls (Full Day)

Set off from Puerto Varas along the stunning Lake Llanquihue, with panoramic views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Ascend to the Osorno Volcano Mountain Center (1,240 m above sea level), where you can enjoy photography, hiking, a coffee break, or an optional chairlift ride.

Descend to Ensenada and take time for lunch (not included). Enjoy a day filled with nature, volcanoes, and postcard-perfect landscapes.

Day 3 | Llanquihue Frutillar – Night Navigation

In the morning, embark on a half-day excursion to visit Llanquihue, a city along the historic Settlers’ Route, and Frutillar, a quaint town with rich German heritage. Stroll along its waterfront, admire heritage houses, and take in views of the Lake Theater, with Lake Llanquihue and the volcanoes as a stunning backdrop.

Return to the hotel around 1:00 PM for a free afternoon to relax, pack, or explore Puerto Varas at your leisure.

In the evening, you'll be transferred from your hotel in Puerto Varas to board the overnight sailing from Puerto Montt to Chaitén, navigating the fjords and channels of southern Chile.

Arrive in Chaitén at 08:00 hrs. Enjoy a coordinated transfer from the port to your hotel. Spend the morning resting after your journey. In the afternoon, you're free to explore the town, walk along the waterfront, visit nearby viewpoints, or simply unwind in the Patagonian setting. Day 5 | Chaitén – Puyuhuapi (Regular Bus)

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Chaitén.

At 11:00 AM, depart by regular bus to Puyuhuapi, experiencing a scenic 3-hour journey through the untouched landscapes of the Carretera Austral. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore the town, its natural beauty, and the serene Aysén Patagonia atmosphere.

Depart early from Puyuhuapi for a full-day excursion to Queulat National Park, a renowned natural landmark on the Carretera Austral. Enjoy stunning landscapes of rivers, mountains, natural viewpoints, and waterfalls. Upon reaching the park, take an easy hike through native forest trails to Laguna Témpano, offering a breathtaking view of the Queulat Hanging Glacier. Spend time taking photos, reflecting, and enjoying lunch (included based on your chosen option). Return to Puyuhuapi in the afternoon. Day 7 | Puyuhuapi – Coyhaique

At the designated time, depart via private transfer to Coyhaique, the capital of the Aysén Region. This approximate 4-hour journey traverses stunning Patagonian landscapes, with mountains, rivers, and forests ever-present. Arrive in Coyhaique and enjoy a free afternoon to relax, explore the city, or savor local cuisine. Day 8 | Marble Caves – General Carrera Lake (Full Day)

Set off early from Coyhaique along the Southern Highway to Puerto Tranquilo. The journey crosses Cerro Castillo National Park, offering views of the imposing massif, valleys, rivers, and lagoons.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat trip on General Carrera Lake to explore the Marble Caves Nature Sanctuary, a striking set of limestone rock formations sculpted by water, renowned as one of Chilean Patagonia's most mesmerizing sceneries.

Return to Coyhaique at the end of the day.

Day 9 | Exploradores Glacier (Full Day)

Embark on a full-day tour to the Exploradores Glacier within Laguna San Rafael National Park. After a safety briefing and equipment check, embark on a guided hike to reach the glacier's ice. Experience ice trekking, cave exploration, blue ice formations, and direct interaction with a living glacier, all under the guidance of expert guides.

Return in the afternoon.

Day 10 | Coyhaique – City Tour Simpson River Horseback Riding

Start your morning with a Coyhaique City Tour, exploring residential areas, viewpoints, the pentagonal Plaza de Armas, and the local artisan market.

In the afternoon, transfer to the Simpson River area for a guided horseback ride of approximately 2 hours, meandering along the river and through wooded trails. Suitable for all ages and requiring no prior experience, this activity includes a snack at the end.

Day 11 | Farewell – Transfer to Balmaceda Airport

At the scheduled time, transfer from Coyhaique to Balmaceda Airport to catch your return flight, bringing to a close an unforgettable journey through southern Chile and Patagonia.

What’s included?

What’s included:

Airport transfers from Puerto Montt to your hotel in Puerto Varas with Spanish-speaking drivers. Transfer from your hotel in Puerto Varas to the Puerto Montt pier. Transfer from the port of Chaitén to your hotel in Chaitén. Transfer from Chaitén to Puyuhuapi by regular bus. Transfer from Puyuhuapi to Coyhaique by private service. Transfer from your hotel in Coyhaique to Balmaceda Airport. Standard room with breakfast included in Puerto Varas: 3 nights *Accommodation in Puerto Varas includes room use until the transfer time for the night cruise. Standard room with breakfast included in Chaitén: 2 nights *Accommodation in Chaitén includes room use from arrival time until departure day. Standard room with breakfast included in Puyuhuapi: 2 nights Standard room with breakfast included in Coyhaique: 4 nights Taxes

What’s NOT included:

Flights National Park or Museum Entrance Fees Travel Insurance Food or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary Extra and personal expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Carretera Austral: Lakes, Marble, and Glaciers excursion is typically offered as a full-day tour or as a 2- to 4-day program in the Aysén region of Patagonia. Depending on the itinerary, departures are from Coyhaique, Balmaceda Airport, or Puerto Río Tranquilo, with transfers along the Carretera Austral, scenic stops, and a boat trip to the Marble Caves on General Carrera Lake. Extended programs include the Exploradores Valley and glacier viewpoints. Travel times vary depending on weather and road conditions; allow 10–12 hours for a full-day tour. Pick-up and drop-off at your designated accommodation are included. We recommend booking in advance and allowing flexibility due to weather conditions.

The main attractions of the tour are the landscapes of the Carretera Austral, the boat trip to the Marble Caves/Cathedral on General Carrera Lake, the temperate rainforests, waterfalls, and Andean viewpoints. Many programs include the Exploradores Valley with close-up views of glaciers (Exploradores Glacier) and photo stops on turquoise rivers. Typical activities include boating (and, in some programs, kayaking), short hikes, environmental interpretation with a local guide, and time for nature photography. There are also stops to sample local cuisine in Puerto Río Tranquilo. Everything is done with a licensed tour operator, emphasizing safety, sustainability, and minimal impact on protected areas.

The price generally includes tourist ground transportation, a certified bilingual guide, navigation on authorized boats with life jackets, local entrance fees/tolls, and a snack or boxed lunch on longer excursions. Multi-day programs may include accommodation and breakfast. Flights, dinners, drinks, tips, personal equipment (technical clothing, trekking poles), travel insurance, and incidental expenses are not typically included. Some optional activities (kayaking, ice walking) have an additional cost. Departures may be rescheduled due to wind or heavy rain, according to the operator's policies. Payment is accepted by credit card or bank transfer, and the reservation is confirmed with a voucher. Please request the final list of inclusions before booking.

The best time to visit the Aysén region of Patagonia and travel the Carretera Austral is from November to March, with longer days and more frequent tourist services. Spring and autumn offer spectacular scenery and fewer crowds, although the weather is more changeable. In winter, some boat trips and roads may be restricted by snow or wind. The weather in the region can change rapidly: you might experience sun, rain, and gusts of wind all in the same day. Typical temperatures range from 5°C to 18°C during peak season. We recommend flexibility in your itinerary, checking the local forecast, and bringing waterproof layers and sun protection.

This excursion is of low to moderate difficulty, suitable for travelers in good general fitness, families, and nature lovers. It includes transfers and short walks over uneven terrain; ice activities, if offered, are optional and require a higher level of fitness and a specialized guide. For safety, life jackets are worn while navigating, and weather protocols are followed. What to bring: trekking boots with good grip, a waterproof/windproof jacket, thermal layers, a hat, gloves, sunscreen, UV sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, snacks, a camera and external battery, cash for expenses along the way, identification, and travel insurance. A 20–30 liter backpack is recommended.

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Carretera Austral – Lakes, Marble And Glaciers

11 days
From 1.443.292 ARS
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From 1.443.292 ARS
Carretera Austral – Lakes, Marble And Glaciers

From 1.443.292 ARS

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