Skip to main content
Aysén & Carretera Austral Tours

Aysén & Carretera Austral Tours

Chile Custom Tours · Tailored experiences

Aysen & Carretera Austral Custom Tours

The Carretera Austral's 1,240 kilometers of river valleys, hanging glaciers, temperate rainforest, and fjords are not logistically simple — the route involves ferry crossings, gravel road segments, remote accommodations with limited availability, and entry points that span two countries. The Marble Caves on General Carrera Lake, Cerro Castillo's jagged ridgeline, the Queulat Hanging Glacier, and the tidewater ice front of San Rafael — each requires a different base, a different timing, and a guide who knows the road conditions between them. For over 15 years, we've designed private, tailor-made Carretera Austral itineraries that resolve all of that complexity in advance, including the Paso Jeinimeni crossing from Los Antiguos in Argentina into Chile Chico for travelers arriving from El Calafate or Bariloche along the Argentine side of the Andes.

The Carretera Austral connects naturally into broader private Patagonia itineraries — most travelers incorporate it as the northern or central section of a longer circuit that also includes Bariloche, El Calafate, or Torres del Paine, using the cross-border entry points to avoid backtracking through Santiago or Buenos Aires.

Southwind Experience

Talk with a local travel specialist

Plan your perfect Argentina & Chile adventure with personalized guidance

(+54)-9-2966539220

or fill out our quick form below

Why Southwind Experience?

For nearly two decades, Patagonia has been our home. We orchestrate 100% customizable itineraries across Argentina & Chile utilizing deep local expertise to unlock privileged access and deliver flawless, stress-free travel.

Based In Patagonia

Local knowledge

Fully Customizable

On-the-ground support 24/7

TripAdvisor
Google

Average rating

4.9 ★

WeTravel

Creating The Perfect Journey, Just for You

01

Tell Us About your Ideal Trip

Connect with a local specialist. Outline your ideal pacing

02

Bespoke Crafting

We build your route from scratch. Private transit included

03

Fine-Tuning

Together we refine every detail. Tailored to your rhythm

04

Flawless Execution

On the ground support 24/7. You travel stress-free

Curated Journeys

Explore our exclusive collection of signature itineraries below to inspire your custom journey

Explore Chile Custom Tours by Travel Style

Explore our tailored travel styles below to start crafting your story. Whether you seek active exploration or absolute relaxation, we design every journey from scratch.

Travel Style

Hiking Tours in Patagonia

Private Trekking Designed for Your Pace

Unlike international agencies, Southwind Experience is based directly in Patagonia. We live here, we know the trails, and we manage your journey on the ground. When you book your private, custom trek with us, you get absolute peace of mind and genuine insider knowledge:

  • Real On-The-Ground Support: Enjoy 24/7 assistance from our team of local experts based in El Calafate—meaning zero time-zone delays if your plans change.

    .

  • 100% Private Transfers & Guides: Hike iconic routes like Torres del Paine and Fitz Roy at your own pace, completely avoiding the rigid schedules of big tour groups.

    .

  • Seamless Border Logistics: We perfectly coordinate your Argentina & Chile multi-country itinerary, taking the stress out of mountain border crossings and regional flights.

    .

  • Comfortable Boutique Hotels: We handpick authentic lodges, mountain inns, and cozy accommodations that reflect the true spirit of Patagonia while ensuring your comfort.

Your tailor-made vacation await. From the granite peaks of Torres del Paine to the valleys surrounding El Chaltén, we design a multi-day itinerary personalized to your fitness level. You focus on the trails; our team ensures a smooth, well-organized experience.

Related Trips
Travel Style

Argentina & Chile Luxury Tours

An Exceptional Journey, Tailored in Every Detail

As an Argentina-based agency with destination experts across the region, we orchestrate high-end, custom itineraries across Argentina and Chile with unmatched precision. We seamlessly connect the granite peaks of Torres del Paine with the breathtaking Iguazú Falls, crafting each journey with hand-selected hotels, dedicated private guides, and flawless cross-border logistics—ensuring every detail reflects genuine quality, and personal comfort.

  • Fully Customizable Itinerary: Every hotel, guide, and excursion is selected specifically for you, built around your interests rather than a fixed package.

    .

  • 100% Private Transfers & Guides: Dedicated vehicles and expert guides accompany you exclusively, so every day moves at your own pace.

    .

  • Precision Cross-Border Planning: Every flight and border crossing between Argentina and Chile is arranged in advance, so a multi-country journey unfolds without friction or delay.

Your tailor-made journey awaits. From boutique lodges overlooking the iguazu Falls to refined stays in Torres del Paine we design a multi-day itinerary where every detail is considered and nothing is staged. You focus on the experience; our team ensures a smooth, well-organized journey.

Related Trips
Travel Style

Argentina & Chile Honeymoon Tours

A Private Romantic Honeymoon, Just for the Two of You

Two countries, endless landscapes, and flexible itinerary to follow but your own. As a local agency based in Argentina, at Southwind Experience we design curated private honeymoon journeys across Argentina and Chile around those pillars: privacy, pace, and a route shaped entirely by the two of you.

  • Fully Customizable Itinerary: We blend adventure, wine, and scenic landscapes in whatever balance suits you—an active honeymoon, a relaxed one, or something in between.

    .

  • Nothing Left to Worry About: Flights, transfers, and border crossings between Argentina and Chile are arranged before you arrive, so the only decision left is where to watch the sunset.

    .

  • Intimate Boutique Stays: We handpick secluded lodges and romantic accommodations with character, chosen for privacy and atmosphere rather than scale.

Your tailor-made honeymoon awaits. From candlelit dinners overlooking the Perito Moreno Glacier to quiet mornings in the Chilean fjords, we design a journey built entirely around your story as a couple. You focus on each other; our team ensures a smooth, well-organized experience.

Related Trips
Travel Style

Argentina & Patagonia Wildlife Tours

Private Wildlife Tours Set to Nature's Own Pace

We are a local agency. Southwind Experience operates from Patagonia itself. Our expert wildlife guides track seasonal migrations and breeding patterns, intimately knowing the behavior of local fauna like Souther Right Whales and penguins in Peninsula Valdes, Pumas in Torres del Paine, Humpback Whales in Punta Arenas, and more. Book your private, custom wildlife tour with us and gain real insider access along with total peace of mind and genuine knowledge:

  • 100% Private Guides & Vehicles: Wait as long as it takes for the perfect sighting, enjoying a private experience where you set the pace in perfect harmony with the local wildlife.

    .

  • Effortless Cross-Border Travel: We perfectly coordinate your Argentina & Chile wildlife circuit. Regional flights and remote border crossings are arranged well in advance, so a narrow window to see whales or penguins never comes down to logistics.

    .

  • Comfortable Boutique Lodges: We handpick remote estancias and nature lodges positioned close to the wildlife, balancing comfort with genuine access to the wild.

Your tailor-made wildlife encounter awaits. We design a multi-day itinerary built around the animals you most want to see. You focus on watching; our team ensures a smooth, well-organized experience created to connect you with Argentina´s & Chile´s rawest wildlife in its purest form.

Related Trips
Travel Style

Patagonian & Cape Horn Cruises

Navigate legendary channels through a flawless, tailor-made journey

Imagine navigating narrow icy channels flanked by towering glaciers calving into blue waters, landing on the legendary windswept shores of Cape Horn, and tracing the historic waterways of the Strait of Magellan cruise maps.

At Southwind Experience, we are a trusted local agency based directly on the ground. We don't just book cabins; we integrate legendary Patagonia expedition cruises into seamless, fully customized overland journeys across Argentina and Chile.

Flawless Land-to-Sea Integration:

  • Chilean Fjords Small Ship Cruise Experts: We provide unbiased, independent guidance to secure the exact vessel, route, and cabin style—whether integrating Australis cruise Patagonia routes or legendary Skorpios cruise routes.

    .

  • Tailored Pre & Post-Cruise Extensions: Don’t just take the voyage. We build custom land extensions synchronized perfectly around your sailing dates, from hiking in El Chaltén to private glacier tours in El Calafate.

    .

  • Seamless Remote Port Logistics: Coordinating flights, private airport pickups, and pre-cruise boutique hotels in remote hubs like Ushuaia or Punta Arenas can be stressful. We handle the entire puzzle.

    .

  • 24/7 On-The-Ground Peace of Mind: Navigate the edge of the world with total confidence. Our local office monitors your ground transfers and flight connections live, in your exact time zone.

Your custom cruise experience awaits. From the wild sea channels to the majestic glaciers of the mainland, we design an essential multi-country route tailored to your pace. You focus on the expedition; our on-the-ground team ensures a flawless experience.

Related Trips
Travel Style

Antarctica Cruises

Journey to the White Continent, backed by our local team

Imagine navigating pristine icy bays by Zodiac, walking alongside massive penguin colonies, and experiencing the thrill of a polar plunge beneath towering icebergs calving into the silent waters of the White Continent.

At Southwind Experience, we are a local agency based in Patagonia, directly at the gateways to the frozen south. We don’t just book cabins; we engineer comprehensive overland extensions, secure placements on the finest Antarctica expedition ships, and handle the complex logistics to guarantee absolute peace of mind.

The Local Advantage for Your Polar Expedition:

  • Fly-Cruise or Classic Sailings: Whether your dream includes crossing the Drake Passage by sea on an all-inclusive Antarctica cruise or opting for a time-saving Antarctica fly and cruise route, we find the perfect vessel for your style.

    .

  • Extended Wildlife Journeys: Go beyond the peninsula. We specialize in booking remote, deeply immersive South Georgia and Falklands cruise itineraries for unmatched photography and wildlife encounters.

    .

  • Seamless Gateway Logistics: We flawlessly synchronize your regional flights, mandatory pre-cruise hotel nights, and private transfers for an Antarctica cruise from Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.

    .

  • 24/7 On-Site Contingency Management: Polar travel depends entirely on changing weather. With our local office operating live in Patagonia, you enjoy real-time support to adapt to any flight or schedule disruptions instantly.

Your private Antarctica expedition awaits. From the frozen wilderness of the peninsula to the dramatic mountain peaks of your gateway route, we design an multi-destination itinerary tailored to your pace. You focus on the discovery; our on-the-ground team ensures a flawless experience.

Related Trips
Travel Style

Argentina & Chile Classic Tours

A Private Journey, Designed Around You

Southwind Experience is a local agency, and our reach extends across Argentina´s and Chile's most iconic regions. Our expert guides have intimate knowledge of the region's landmarks: tango houses in Buenos Aires' San Telmo, vineyards in Mendoza's Uco Valley, the salt flats of the Atacama Desert, the ice walls of Perito Moreno , the granite spires in Torres del Paine, and the trail to Laguna de los Tres beneath Mount Fitz Roy. Book your private, custom journey with us and gain real insider access, along with total peace of mind:

  • Fully Customizable Itinerary: We design your route, pace, and accommodations around your travel style and interests, delivering a seamless, highly tailored experience where every single transition is curated exclusively for you.

    .

  • 100% Private Transfers & Guides: Visit the region's iconic glaciers, lakes, and lookout points on your own schedule, without coordinating around a group of strangers.

    .

  • A Route That Simply Flows: Regional flights and mountain border crossings are planned in advance, so your journey between Argentina and Chile unfolds with total ease and absolute peace of mind.

Your tailor-made Argentina & Chile journey awaits. From the lush jungles of Iguazu Waterfalls to scenic navigations through the Chilean fjords, we design a multi-day itinerary built entirely around your pace and interests. You focus on the views; our team ensures a smooth, well-organized experience.

Related Trips
Travel Style

Patagonia Classic Tours

Explore the icons of Patagonia at your own pace, backed by our local team.

Discover the true essence of Patagonia at your own pace, leaving every detail of the journey in expert hands. We design high-end, fully private itineraries across Argentina and Chile, elevating your travel experience through flawless binational logistics handled entirely behind the scenes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the landscape with absolute peace of mind:

  • Fully Customizable from Scratch: We design every single journey completely from the ground up, seamlessly pairing your personal rhythm with according to your budget.

    .

  • 100% Private Transfers & Guides: Enjoy absolute freedom away from the crowds with dedicated premium vehicles and expert local guides assigned exclusively to your party.

    .

  • Seamless Border Logistics: Travel effortlessly between the icons of Argentina and Chile while we coordinate the complex international customs and crossings behind the scenes.

Your private Patagonia highlights itinerary awaits. From the Perito Moreno Glacier to the towers of Torres del Paine, we design an essential multi-country route tailored to your pace. You focus on the landmarks; our on-the-ground team ensures a flawless experience.

Related Trips

Let's plan your adventure!

Customize your adventure!

Share your trip plans, and we'll tailor it to your needs and budget. Our local experts are ready to craft the perfect journey for you.

Contact Us
Trusted Agency
Local Experts
5-Star Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

A private Carretera Austral itinerary covering the route's highlights — the Marble Caves, Queulat National Park, Cerro Castillo, and the Baker River valley — typically runs 7 to 10 days. Traveling the full route from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins requires 12 to 14 days and involves ferry crossings that add both time and scenery. Most travelers incorporate a selected section into a broader private Patagonia circuit rather than driving the entire route end to end.

Yes — the Paso Jeinimeni border crossing connects Los Antiguos in Argentine Patagonia with Chile Chico on the Chilean shore of General Carrera Lake, one of the most scenic entry points on the entire route. Travelers coming from El Calafate or Bariloche can transition into the Carretera Austral without flying to Santiago or Puerto Montt, building a continuous private cross-border Patagonia itinerary that flows north to south or the reverse. We coordinate the border logistics and ground transport on both sides as part of a single managed route.

The central section — roughly between Coyhaique and Cochrane — concentrates the route's most diverse highlights: the Marble Caves on General Carrera Lake accessed by private boat from Puerto Río Tranquilo, the Cerro Castillo trekking circuit, the confluence of the Baker and Nef rivers, and Caleta Tortel's wooden boardwalk village. For travelers with 7 to 10 days, this section delivers more variety per day than either the northern or southern extremes of the route.

The Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol) are a series of caverns sculpted by wave action into the marble shoreline of General Carrera Lake — one of the most visually striking geological formations in Patagonia. They are only accessible by boat from Puerto Río Tranquilo, and the best light for photography is in the morning when the turquoise lake water reflects inside the caves. A private Marble Caves boat tour allows you to control timing and duration rather than following a shared departure schedule.

Accommodation along the Carretera Austral ranges from intimate boutique lodges and eco-camps in Coyhaique and the Baker River valley to smaller guesthouses and rustic estancias in more remote sections. Availability is limited across the entire route, especially during November through February, and must be booked months in advance for a coherent multi-day itinerary. We handle the full accommodation sequence as part of the route design rather than leaving individual bookings to the traveler.

Yes — combining Bariloche and the Carretera Austral is one of the most natural private circuits in northern Patagonia, entering Chile via the lake crossing from Bariloche to Puerto Montt and then driving south along the route, or reversing the direction from Chile Chico back into Argentina via Paso Jeinimeni. The full loop typically runs 12 to 16 days and is one of the most logistically complex itineraries in the region — which is precisely why managing it through a single cross-border operator makes the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful one.

Yes — Aysén and the Carretera Austral are among the most sought-after private fly fishing destinations in Patagonia, with the Baker, Palena, Futaleufú, and Cochrane rivers offering world-class brown and rainbow trout in largely uncrowded conditions. A private fly fishing itinerary on the Carretera Austral combines river access with remote lodge accommodation, typically timed for the southern hemisphere summer season (November through April) when river conditions and fish activity peak.

November through March is the primary season for private Carretera Austral itineraries — roads are accessible, ferries run on regular schedules, and most lodges and remote camps are open. October and April offer shoulder season advantages: fewer visitors, autumn color in the lenga forests during April, and lower accommodation pressure. The route is generally not recommended for multi-day private travel between May and September, when many properties close and road conditions become unpredictable on gravel sections.

Argentina & Chile Logistic, Mastered On-The-Ground Experts

Skip the complex planning. Experience Argentina & Chile seamlessly.

Let our local team design a 100% private itinerary with boutique stays, dedicated guides, and door-to-door comfort, tailored exactly to your pace.

✦ Seamless Border Crossings
✦ Handpicked Boutique Lodges
✦ 100% Private Vehicles
Plan Your Trip

Tailor-made • No planning stress • 24/7 Support

Aysen & Carretera Austral Highlights

The Carretera Austral connects twelve genuinely distinct stops over 1,200 km — the highlights below define a private Aysén Carretera Austral tour.

  • Chiloé Island — UNESCO-listed wooden churches blending Indigenous and European design, palafito stilt houses, and island mythology. A private Chiloé Island UNESCO churches tour is the natural entry point for travelers arriving via Puerto Montt.

  • Carretera Austral — Route 7's 1,200 km run through glaciers, rivers, fjords, and forest. A private Carretera Austral road trip with a dedicated driver covers the gravel sections without the logistics falling to the traveler.

  • Pumalín National Park — Temperate rainforest, volcanoes, and waterfalls across one of the largest private rewilding projects in the world, founded by Douglas Tompkins. A private Pumalín National Park tour covers the Sendero Cascadas and the Chaitén volcano viewpoint.

  • Queulat National Park — Dense evergreen forest and the Ventisquero Colgante Hanging Glacier, suspended between cliff faces. The Queulat Hanging Glacier private hike is a 3 km round trip accessible to most fitness levels.

  • Puyuhuapi — A fjordside village with natural hot springs, serving as the gateway to Queulat. A relaxed overnight stop between the park's main excursions.

  • Cerro Castillo National Park — A jagged massif with turquoise lagoons and trekking trails comparable in difficulty and reward to Torres del Paine, with a fraction of the visitors. Private Cerro Castillo trekking covers the main trail to Laguna Cerro Castillo (12 km, 1,000m).

  • Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol) — Mineral cave formations on General Carrera Lake, best seen by boat or kayak in morning light. A Marble Caves private kayak tour times the visit around the lake's calmest hours.

  • Puerto Río Tranquilo — The small hub town providing access to the Marble Caves and the San Rafael Glacier navigation departure point.

  • General Carrera Lake — Chile's largest lake, shared with Argentina, with a distinctive turquoise-to-deep-blue color gradient across its surface.

  • San Rafael Lagoon & Glacier — A full-day navigation through floating icebergs to a tidewater glacier face. A San Rafael Glacier private navigation is accessible only from the Carretera Austral route — no road reaches it directly.

  • Baker River — Chile's largest river by volume, with turquoise rapids suited to rafting, kayaking, and fly fishing. Baker River private rafting trips operate from Cochrane.

  • Caleta Tortel — A car-free village built entirely on cypress boardwalks over a fjord inlet — one of the most architecturally distinctive settlements in Chilean Patagonia.

Category: Chile Custom Tours
Region:

Chile

What our travelers say

S

Simon Phillips

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Southwind from the planning stages to delivery of the trip in Patagonia were faultless and I really love the little reminders sent for each separate stage and really appreciated the added bits around passport checking and border crossing paperwork. The whole team was super friendly, and for our trip with Fernando he was great company and knew where to stop for refreshments and a view! We would strongly recommend southwind, they go the extra mile on service and have a permanent smile. Thank you guys you were faultless.

S

Sameer Phanse

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had a great experience with Southwind. They organized a tour for us to visit Monte Leon from El Calafate. Fernando & Laura organized the logistics and were very helpful. Martin accompanied us on the tour and doubled up as driver and tour guide, which was beyond our expectations. We saw a lot of wildlife en route, as well as in the park with Martin’s help. I highly recommend Southwind for your Patagonia experience.

F

Franco Peverelli

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The agency proved to be extremely professional. During the long transfer, in an impeccably clean and perfectly maintained vehicle, Mr. Fernando was very attentive to ensure that everything went smoothly. I highly recommend this agency for organizing your trips to South America. Only 5 stars because I can't give more!

J

Joanna Green

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Maria and her team looked after us so well. I would recommend them in a flash. It was 20 years since I had been to El Calafate so I didn't know what to expect. It had changed so much! Maria was helpful, honest, well priced and a pleasure to work with. You could not ask for more. We had the best time thanks to Maria and her organisation. Fernando was our driver to a tour and a delight. Punctual, knowledgeable and all round wonderful. Gracias!!

R

Rosa Puech

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A fabulous company to travel with: the sequencing of the trip, the guides proposed, the suggestions for the area. We highly recommend this travel agency for Patagonia. Fernando is top+top.

M

Martin Bride

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★

Gerardo drove us on a bespoke 8- day trip from Salta up into the wilderness where the 🦩 come to get pink. We had a great time in this spectacular region.

E

Esteban Riminucci

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Exelente asesoramiento de Maria Laura , muy buen servicio y cordialidad de los coordinadores , muy recomendables !!

P

Paulo Fanti

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Muy buena la atención tanto por WhatsApp como en las excursiones. Puntuales en las búsquedas en el hotel... De las excursiones que llevo hechas (todas excelentes) la atención, la coordinación y el conocimiento de los guías es muy bueno. Un excelente servicio, lo recomiendo!

A

Ana Zugarramurdi

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Amazing company and experience. We did the Todo Glaciares boat tour in the Premium Lounge and it was beyond expectations! Great staff, great cruise and food! Highly recommended!

Google

Average rating

4.9 ★

Best Destinations to Combine With Aysén & Carretera Austral

The historic lake crossing through Puerto Montt connects Aysén to Argentina's Lake District without returning to Buenos Aires — ferries, short overland transfers, and mountain passes over two days. The Aysén Bariloche lake crossing connection is the most scenic land border transition in the Southwind catalog, linking the northern Carretera Austral to Bariloche's forested Andean lakes.

A domestic flight from Balmaceda to Punta Arenas connects Aysén directly to Torres del Paine — granite towers and open steppe as the southern counterpoint to the Carretera's fjords and glaciers. The Aysén Torres del Paine flight extension forms the backbone of our Complete Chilean Patagonia itinerary, covering the country's full Patagonian range without backtracking.

The Carretera Austral connects to Argentine Patagonia via the Paso Jeinimeni / Chile Chico crossing near General Carrera Lake, continuing east to Los Antiguos and on to El Calafate. The Aysén El Calafate route suits travelers with 15+ days who want to combine the Carretera's remote fjords with the Perito Moreno Glacier and Fitz Roy trails.

Beyond Torres del Paine, Punta Arenas connects Aysén to the Strait of Magellan — Antarctica departures, Patagonian fjord cruises, and the Francisco Coloane Marine Park humpback whale navigation. The Aysén Punta Arenas connection works as the final leg of an extended Chilean Patagonia circuit running the full length of the country's south.

Other Destinations

Argentina Custom Tours

Argentina Custom Tours

Chile Custom Tours

Chile Custom Tours

Patagonia Custom Tours

Patagonia Custom Tours

Antarctica Cruises

Antarctica Cruises

Inspire Your Travels

Let yourself be inspired for our travel blog, and start planning the adventures that will soon become unforgettable memories.

What Is the Carretera Austral and Why Does It Take More Than a Week?
Jul 22, 2026

What Is the Carretera Austral and Why Does It Take More Than a Week?

By Southwind Experience — Local Travel Specialists based in El Calafate, PatagoniaThe Carretera Austral is a 1,240-kilom...

Read More
Where to See Penguins in Argentina and Chile
Apr 27, 2026

Where to See Penguins in Argentina and Chile

Explore Patagonia’s best penguin colonies, from Punta Tombo to Tierra del Fuego. Discover where to see penguins in Argen...

Read More
What to do in Chile? Nature, Culture & Adventure
Apr 03, 2026

What to do in Chile? Nature, Culture & Adventure

Chile is a land of contrasts, stretching from the driest desert on Earth to the icy wilderness of Patagonia. This divers...

Read More
Read More on the Travel Guide

Discover Your Next Adventure!

Ready to Start Planning Your Trip?

Tell us about your dream journey and our local travel specialists will craft a tailor-made itinerary just for you. No commitment, no fees — just expert advice.

Contact Us WhatsApp

Let’s Design Your Journey

No planning fees. No commitment.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.