ITINERARY
CARRETERA AUSTRAL – EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION
Not included:
- Meals not specified
- Other expenses not mentioned
- Other services not specified
- Personal insurance or travel insurance
- Technical clothing or suitable attire for the activity, unless otherwise indicated in each excursion
What to bring:
- Personal water (mandatory)
- Camera or mobile phone with a fully charged battery
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for the service, according to the destination and weather conditions
General recommendations:
- Passengers are advised not to consume alcohol or red meat the night before high-altitude excursions
Day 1
➜ Flight and transfer
Inbound flights: Santiago – Balmaceda:
Shared transfer: Balmaceda Airport – Accommodation in Coyhaique
Check In – Accommodation: From 15:00 hrs
Day 2
➜ Capillas de Mármol (Marble Chapels)
The Capillas de Mármol (Marble Chapels) excursion is one of the most visited tours on the Carretera Austral and allows you to discover one of the most emblematic natural attractions of the Aysén Region, in Chilean Patagonia, in southern Chile, located on General Carrera Lake, the largest lake in Chile. These formations are mineral structures of calcium carbonate shaped by the action of water over thousands of years.
The excursion begins from your accommodation in Coyhaique, traveling along the Carretera Austral, one of the most important scenic routes in Chilean Patagonia, toward Puerto Río Tranquilo, a village located on the shores of General Carrera Lake. During the route, stops are made at viewpoints and panoramic spots such as Cerro Castillo National Park, Cuesta del Diablo Viewpoint, Cerro Castillo Viewpoint, and General Carrera Lake Viewpoint, making the journey itself an essential part of the experience.
From Puerto Río Tranquilo, navigation begins toward the Capillas de Mármol Nature Sanctuary, where formations such as the Catedral de Mármol (Marble Cathedral), the Capilla de Mármol (Marble Chapel), and the Cavernas de Mármol (Marble Caves) can be observed, recognized as one of the most representative landscapes of Chilean Patagonia. At the end of the navigation, there is a stop at a local restaurant for the included lunch before returning to the accommodation in Coyhaique.
Places to Visit: Cerro Castillo National Park, Cuesta del Diablo Viewpoint, Cerro Castillo Viewpoint, General Carrera Lake Viewpoint, Catedral de Mármol (Marble Cathedral), Capilla de Mármol (Marble Chapel) and Cavernas de Mármol (Marble Caves)
Departure time: (Departure from the accommodation)
- Between 05:30 and 06:15 hrs approx
Return time: (Return to the accommodation)
- Between 20:00 and 20:30 hrs approx
- Return time may vary depending on weather conditions or other operational circumstances
Starting point of the navigation: Puerto Río Tranquilo
- Transfer time between the accommodation and the starting point of the navigation: Between 3 hrs 30 min and 4 hrs approx per way
Includes:
- Shared round-trip transportation from and to the accommodation in Coyhaique (van, sprinter, or minibus depending on the number of passengers)
- Photo stops at viewpoints
- Boat navigation on General Carrera Lake (shared boat)
- Total navigation time (round trip): 01:30 hrs
- Lunch in Puerto Río Tranquilo (fixed menu)
- Lunch includes: Starter, main course, and dessert (without beverage)
- The lunch menu is fixed and confirmed on the day of the service. In case of dietary restrictions, the available alternatives will be offered
Important information:
- Activity difficulty: Low
- Total activity duration: 14 to 15 hours approx
- Does not include beverages or snacks. We recommend bringing your own
- Activity not recommended for people with reduced mobility
- During much of the route there may be low or no mobile phone signal
- Groups of up to 11 passengers: the service operates with a certified driver/guide (not bilingual)
- Groups of 12 passengers or more: the service operates with a driver and certified guide (not bilingual)
- Breakfast not included: During the journey, there will be a stop at a rustic cafeteria typical of the Carretera Austral, approximately 1 hr 30 min from Coyhaique, where it will be possible to buy breakfast and use restroom facilities
- If the departure is brought forward due to weather conditions, the stop will be made at a Copec service station, as it is usually the only place open at that time
- Activity subject to weather conditions: Departure and return times may vary depending on the weather. The departure time will be confirmed the day before the tour or before the transfer time
- In some cases, the transfer from the accommodation to Puerto Río Tranquilo may operate normally, but once at the port, the navigation could be suspended due to weather conditions. In this situation, the ground transfers already completed are considered a service rendered
- If the activity cannot take place and the cancellation is informed at least one day in advance, the possibility of rescheduling during the trip or the corresponding refund will be evaluated according to operational conditions
Day 3
➜ Ventisquero Colgante in Queulat National Park
The Ventisquero Colgante in Queulat National Park excursion is one of the most representative tours on the Carretera Austral and allows you to discover one of the most iconic glacial landscapes of the Aysén Region, in Chilean Patagonia, in southern Chile. This area of Queulat National Park stands out for the presence of the Ventisquero Colgante (Hanging Glacier), a glacier suspended between mountains covered with native forest, whose thaw creates waterfalls descending toward Laguna Témpanos, forming one of the most recognizable settings of the Carretera Austral.
The excursion begins with departure from your accommodation in Coyhaique, heading north along the Carretera Austral through valleys, forests, fjords, and natural viewpoints that are part of the characteristic landscape of Aysén. During the route, stops are made at places of interest such as Villa Mañihuales, Las Torres Lake, Cisnes River Valley Viewpoint, Salto del Cóndor, and Queulat Fjord, creating a scenic journey that is itself an important part of the experience.
Once in Queulat National Park, the hike to Laguna Témpanos is made, a natural viewpoint from which the main view of the Ventisquero Colgante (Hanging Glacier) and the waterfalls formed by the glacier’s thaw can be seen. At the end of the excursion, there is a stop at a local restaurant for the included lunch before returning to the accommodation in Coyhaique.
Places to Visit: Cascada de la Virgen (Virgin Waterfall), Villa Mañihuales, Las Torres Lake, Cisnes River Valley Viewpoint, Salto del Cóndor, Queulat Fjord and Laguna Témpanos
Departure time: (Departure from the accommodation)
- Between 06:00 and 06:30 hrs approx
Return time: (Return to the accommodation)
- Between 20:00 and 20:30 hrs approx
- Return time may vary depending on weather conditions or other operational circumstances
Starting point of the tour: Queulat National Park
- Transfer time between the accommodation and the starting point of the tour: Between 3 hrs 30 min and 4 hrs approx per way
Includes:
- Shared round-trip transportation from and to the accommodation in Coyhaique (van, sprinter, or minibus depending on the number of passengers)
- Entrance ticket to Queulat National Park
- Photo stops at viewpoints
- Lunch at a local restaurant (fixed menu)
- Lunch includes: Starter, main course, and dessert (without beverage)
- The lunch menu is fixed and confirmed on the day of the service. In case of dietary restrictions, the available alternatives will be offered
Important information:
- Activity difficulty: Low
- Total activity duration: 14 to 15 hours approx
- Does not include beverages or snacks. We recommend bringing your own
- Activity not recommended for people with reduced mobility
- During much of the route there may be low or no mobile phone signal
- Groups of up to 11 passengers: the service operates with a certified driver/guide (not bilingual)
- Groups of 12 passengers or more: the service operates with a driver and certified guide (not bilingual)
- Does not include Zodiac navigation on Laguna Témpanos (approximate additional cost $18.000 per person), subject to availability on site, weather conditions, and available spaces. Approximate duration: 30 to 40 minutes
- Breakfast not included: During the journey, there will be a stop at a rustic cafeteria typical of the Carretera Austral, approximately 1 hr 30 min from Coyhaique, where it will be possible to buy breakfast and use restroom facilities.
- If the departure is brought forward due to weather conditions, the stop will be made at a Copec service station, as it is usually the only place open at that time
- Activity subject to weather conditions or park instructions: Departure and return times may vary depending on the weather. The departure time will be confirmed the day before the tour or before the transfer time
- In some cases, the transfer from the accommodation to Queulat National Park may operate normally, but once at the park, the activity could be suspended and the reason would be indicated by the park administration. In this situation, the ground transfers already completed are considered a service rendered
- If the activity cannot take place and the cancellation is informed at least one day in advance, the possibility of rescheduling during the trip or the corresponding refund will be evaluated according to operational conditions
Day 4
➜ Ensenada Pérez Hot Springs and Cinco Hermanas Navigation
The Ensenada Pérez Hot Springs and Cinco Hermanas Navigation experience is one of the most attractive tours on the Carretera Austral and combines navigation, Patagonian scenery, and thermal relaxation in the surroundings of the Aysén Fjord, one of the characteristic landscapes of the Aysén Region, in the heart of Chilean Patagonia, in southern Chile. This excursion provides access to a natural corner where native forest, mountains, and thermal waters create a unique experience along the southern route.
The excursion begins with departure from your accommodation in Coyhaique toward Puerto Chacabuco, the point where catamaran navigation begins through the Aysén Fjord in the direction of the Cinco Hermanas Natural Monument. During the journey, it is possible to admire the relief of the Patagonian Andes, the presence of Macá Volcano, and the geography typical of this area of Aysén, making the scenic route part of the identity of the experience.
The excursion includes access to the Ensenada Pérez Natural Hot Springs, located on the edge of the fjord and surrounded by native forest, where you can enjoy hot water pools with views of the Patagonian landscape. More than a traditional excursion, this is an experience oriented toward rest, contemplation, and enjoyment of the natural environment characteristic of Chilean Patagonia. At the end of the excursion, return to the accommodation in Coyhaique is included.
Places to Visit: Aysén Fjord, Cinco Hermanas Natural Monument, Macá Volcano, and Ensenada Pérez Natural Hot Springs
Departure time: (Departure from the accommodation)
- March 06 to November 12: Between 06:00 and 06:30 hrs approx
- November 13 to March 05: Between 12:10 and 13:00 hrs approx
- Does not operate: From May 07 to August 15
Return time: (Return to the accommodation)
- March 06 to November 12: From 15:30 hrs approx
- November 13 to March 05: From 23:00 hrs approx
- Return time may vary depending on weather conditions or other operational circumstances
Starting point of the navigation: Puerto Chacabuco, Oxxean Pier
- Transfer time between the accommodation and the starting point of the navigation: 1 hr 20 min approx (per way)
Includes:
- Shared round-trip transportation from and to the accommodation in Coyhaique (van, sprinter, or minibus depending on the number of passengers)
- Certified bilingual guide from Oxxean Pier
- Catamaran boarding
- Boarding is done by providing first and last name
- Total navigation time (round trip): 02:00 hrs
- Use of natural hot water pools
- Food services: tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cookies, and cocktail service: mini empanadas, crostinis, wine, pisco sour, soft drinks, etc.
Important information:
- Half-day excursion
- Activity difficulty: Low
- Activity suitable for all ages
- Available only on Thursdays and Sundays
- Total activity duration: 9 to 10 hours approx
- Does not include beverages or snacks. We recommend bringing your own
- During much of the route there may be low or no mobile phone signal
- Although there are changing rooms at the hot springs, we recommend arriving with your swimsuit already on to make better use of the time and avoid waiting
- Tables on board are not exclusive or private and, if space is available, may be shared with other passengers
- Seat assignment on the catamaran is random. Every effort is made not to separate families or groups, but specific seats cannot be guaranteed
- Bring: Bag for wet clothes, comfortable clothes and a change of clothes, swimsuit, towels, robe, and sandals (if you wish, you may purchase the Thermal Kit at the destination with cash or card)
- Thermal Kit (available for purchase at the hot springs with cash or card)
- Single-use biodegradable kit with towel and robe: $7.000 per person
- Single-use biodegradable kit with towel, robe, and sandals: $10.000 per person
- Thermal Kit (available for purchase at the hot springs with cash or card)
- Activity subject to weather conditions: Departure and return times may vary depending on the weather. The departure time will be confirmed the day before the tour or before the transfer time
- In some cases, the transfer from the accommodation to Puerto Chacabuco may operate normally, but once at the boarding point, the navigation could be suspended due to weather conditions. In this situation, the ground transfers already completed are considered a service rendered
- If the activity cannot take place and the cancellation is informed at least one day in advance, the possibility of rescheduling during the trip or the corresponding refund will be evaluated according to operational conditions
Day 5
➜ Laguna San Rafael Full Day Navigation
The Laguna San Rafael Full Day Navigation excursion is one of the most impressive experiences on the Carretera Austral and allows you to discover one of the most representative landscapes of the Aysén Region, in Chilean Patagonia, in southern Chile, within Laguna San Rafael National Park. This destination is part of the Biosphere Reserve declared by UNESCO and constitutes one of the main access routes to the Northern Ice Field, one of the largest ice reserves in the Southern Hemisphere outside Antarctica.
The excursion begins with departure from your accommodation in Coyhaique toward Puerto Chacabuco, the starting point of the navigation. From there, the route continues through Patagonian channels and fjords, crossing a landscape made up of islands, estuaries, and native forests typical of the geography of Aysén, along a route that includes such recognizable areas as the Moraleda Channel, the Northern Patagonia Fjords, and the Témpanos River.
At Laguna San Rafael, the San Rafael Glacier can be observed, one of the most accessible glaciers of the Northern Ice Field, known for the icebergs that break off into the water. The service also includes navigation in Zodiac boats among the ice of the lagoon, an activity subject to weather conditions, allowing for a direct approach to one of the most breathtaking glacial settings of Chilean Patagonia. At the end of the excursion, return to the accommodation in Coyhaique is included.
Places to Visit: Moraleda Channel, Northern Patagonia Fjords, Témpanos River, Laguna San Rafael and San Rafael Glacier
Departure time: (Departure from the accommodation)
- Between 05:00 and 05:30 hrs approx
Return time: (Return to the accommodation)
- From 22:00 hrs approx
- Return time may vary depending on weather conditions or other operational circumstances
Starting point of the navigation: Puerto Chacabuco, Oxxean Pier
- Transfer time between the accommodation and the starting point of the navigation: 1 hr 20 min approx (per way)
Includes:
- Shared round-trip transportation from and to the accommodation in Coyhaique (van, sprinter, or minibus depending on the number of passengers)
- Certified bilingual guide from Oxxean Pier
- Catamaran boarding
- Boarding is done by providing first and last name
- Total navigation time (round trip): 10 hrs total
- Navigation through Laguna San Rafael
- Zodiac boat excursion among the icebergs of Laguna San Rafael (activity subject to weather conditions)
- Toast with ancient ice (whisky)
- Open bar, games, karaoke, and cocktail service on board
- Food services: breakfast, cocktail, lunch, hot chocolate, tea, and bar service (on the return journey)
Important information:
- Activity difficulty: Low
- Subject to weather conditions
- Total activity duration: 16 to 17 hours approx
- Suitable for all audiences (ages 4 and up for Zodiac)
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption during the navigation
- During much of the route there may be low or no mobile phone signal
- Tables on board are not exclusive or private and, if space is available, may be shared with other passengers
- Seat assignment on the catamaran is random.
- Every effort is made not to separate families or groups, but specific seats cannot be guaranteed
- For safety reasons, children under 4 years old will not be able to disembark for the Zodiac boat navigation and must remain on board the catamaran under the care of a responsible adult
- Activity subject to weather conditions: Departure and return times may vary depending on the weather. The departure time will be confirmed the day before the tour or before the transfer time
- In some cases, the transfer from the accommodation to Puerto Chacabuco may operate normally, but once at the boarding point, the navigation could be suspended due to weather conditions. In this situation, the ground transfers already completed are considered a service rendered
- If the activity cannot take place and the cancellation is informed at least one day in advance, the possibility of rescheduling during the trip or the corresponding refund will be evaluated according to operational conditions
Day 6
➜ Return transfer and flight
Check Out – Accommodation: 11:00 hrs
Shared transfer: Accommodation in Coyhaique – Balmaceda Airport
Flight: Balmaceda – Santiago
End of our services.
