Southern Carretera Austral

How it works: You receive a rental car with unlimited mileage, a road map and detailed itinerary, and hotels booked en route. distance tables

Day 1: Arrive in Balmaceda Airport - Puerto Rio Tranquilo (195 km / 120 mi)
Pick up your car at Balmaceda airport. Dry Pampa will gradually give way to green forests when crossing the pass at the National Reserve of Cerro Castillo. In the afternoon you arrive at Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Overnight in Puerto Rio Tranquilo.

Day 2: Puerto Rio Tranquilo - Caleta Tortel (237 km / 147 mi)
After about 8 hours of driving, you will arrive in the hamlet of Caleta Tortel where you will spend the night. The natural surroundings accompanying this drive are astonishing. Overnight in Caleta Tortel.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 3: Caleta Tortel
An early departure is advisable, to explore the southern most parts of the incredible Southern Highway. The village of Tortel was only recently connected to the "mainland" by road; this unique village is completely built on wooden pillars rising from the water of the Pacific Ocean. An extended system of wooden walkways connects houses and people to each other, definitely a special place to visit.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 4: Caleta Tortel - Lake General Carrera (198 km / 123 mi)
You will head back up North today. You could visit the Tamango National Reserve or enter the Chacabuco Valley on the way. Overnight at the shores of the General Carrera Lake.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 5: Lake General Carrera 
You will have the entire day to discover the surroundings of Lake General Carrera. You will be able to go on hikes, horseback rides or take one of the boat ride excursions offered by the lodge. Overnight at the shores of the General Carrera Lake.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Day 6: Lake General Carrera - Balmaceda (252 km / 157 mi)
Drive back to the airport of Balmaceda to drop off the car and board your connecting flight.

(Included meals: breakfast)

Tour includes: 5 nights incl. breakfast, 6 days car rental incl. unlimited free mileage, local tax,  (with deductible of 20 UF +  19 % VAT), a selfdrive brochure, a basic roadmap and descriptions. Deductible as per general car rental conditions.

Not included: International and domestic Air Fare, airport taxes, meals not mentioned, PAI and SACA insurance (optional), gratuities and personal expenses. In Chile car rental companies charge an additional airport service fee (Hertz rate: USD 8, - per day aprox.) when vehicle will be picked up from airport. This service charge is not included in the rates and has to be paid upon returning the car.

Notes:
-Prices per person in USDollars.
- The services are subject to the availability & rates at the moment of the reservation
- Optional service: Bilingual Assistance with pick up of car in Coyhaique: 85 USD per pick up. In case of pick up at Apt Balmaceda rate is: USD 200
- Hertz categories: J (Nissan Terrano -diesel- 4x2) / G (Nissan X Trail 4x4 or similar)
- A 4x4 or 4x2 vehicle strongly suggested for this itinerary. 
- Important! Gasoline supply Carretera Austral & Ruta 40
Over the last couple of months there have been some problems with petrol supply in the south of Argentina. Long distances and with few residents, small-village gas stations were not prepared for the current larger wave of visitors. Therefore, we want to stress our recommendation that passengers travelling the Carretera Austral and the Ruta 40 ALWAYS need to fill up gas, whenever they pass by a gas station. In addition, we advise you to always request an extra petrol can when you travel the austral roads. The extra cans are only available with a Pick Up rental car and are supplied upon availability.