Full Carretera Austral

Our journey begins at Balmaceda Airport, where your dedicated private driver and guide await. Bypass the complexities of navigating Patagonia’s wilderness alone as you travel north through the Cerro Castillo National Park. Admire the sharp spires of Cerro Castillo peak (2,675 m) from the comfort of your private vehicle.

In the afternoon, skip the logistics stress at Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez, your team handles all ferry scheduling as you embark across the turquoise waters of General Carrera Lake. Arrive seamlessly in Chile Chico to check into your Patagonian lodge.

Depart Chile Chico along the dramatic southern shore of General Carrera Lake. Your driver expertly navigates the Paso de las Llaves, a narrow, rewarding cliffside route that offers sweeping views of the Northern Ice Field and Mount San Valentín, the highest peak in Patagonia. Conclude your day in Puerto Bertrand, a peaceful riverside sanctuary designed for quiet relaxation.

Journey further south with a strategically timed stop at the confluence of the Baker and Neff Rivers, witnessing the powerful clash of turquoise and milky-glacial currents. Continue into one of South America's most isolated coastal outposts. Caleta Tortel was completely disconnected from the world until 2004; today, it remains entirely car-free. Built over the Pacific fjords, this village features an intricate network of stilted cypress-wood walkways. Your private guide will lead you through this labyrinth of native timber, offering deep local insights into how communities thrive in this wild geography, far removed from mass tourism.

Enjoy a morning tailored entirely to your pace. Afterward, board a private vessel arranged exclusively for Southwind guests to navigate the lower Baker River. Your destination is the enigmatic Isla de los Muertos (Island of the Dead), an untouched historical reserve shrouded in early Patagonian legends. This excursion blends raw scenery with elite historical access, allowing you to explore the island's solemn history in absolute silence, away from standard tour groups.

Head north along a highly scenic, unpaved section of Route 7. Your guide will take you off the beaten path into the Los Ñadis sector to unlock a piece of local history: a remote wooden chapel built by Father Antonio Ronchi, the missionary who brought connectivity to these isolated valleys. Continue your private transfer to Puerto Guadal on the shores of General Carrera Lake, South America’s second-largest lake, where your premium lodge offers panoramic lake views.

Trade the road for a private boat charter on General Carrera Lake. Avoid the crowded public excursions as your captain navigates directly into the heart of the Marble Caves. Over centuries, glacial waters have sculpted these limestone cliffs into mesmerizing turquoise caverns, tunnels, and monolithic columns. Enjoy unhurried photo opportunities and exclusive access before returning to the shore to settle into Puerto Río Tranquilo for a relaxing evening.

Your private expedition continues north through shifting microclimates, dense temperate rainforests, and expansive valleys. Cross historic hanging bridges over the fast-flowing Palena and Rosselot rivers, stopping only at curated viewpoints selected by your guide for optimal lighting and wildlife spotting. By late afternoon, arrive in Coyhaique, the regional capital, offering sophisticated local dining and premium boutique comfort.

Experience one of the crown jewels of the Carretera Austral: Queulat National Park. Walk along curated trails to witness the spectacular Hanging Glacier, an ancient ice tongue cascading over sheer rock walls into a green rainforest lagoon. Afterward, your driver traces the Puyuhuapi Fjord, where the Pacific Ocean cuts deep into the Andes, passing through a historic German settlement before arriving at your peaceful retreat in La Junta.

Journey into the rugged northern sectors of Route 7. Your private vehicle crosses the structural marvels of the Rosselot and Palena bridges, heading toward the emerald-green waters of Lake Yelcho. Framed by snow-capped peaks and pristine rainforest, this area is a haven for visual storytelling. End the day in Futaleufú, a world-class alpine valley renowned for its dramatic landscapes and pristine waters.

Dedicate your morning to an optional, world-class adrenaline experience: a privately guided rafting descent through the famous "Bridge to Bridge" section of the Futaleufú River. Navigating legendary Class III to IV+ rapids like Magic Carpet and Mundaca, you will be backed by elite safety kayakers and premium gear. If you prefer a slower pace, your guide will arrange a private interpretive hike through the valley's hidden trails.

Enter Pumalín National Park, a massive nature sanctuary spanning nearly 300,000 hectares of protected biodiversity. Your guide will lead you through protected trails to stand before ancient Alerce (Larch) trees, some over 3,600 years old, making them the second-oldest tree species on earth. Conclude the day's drive in Chaitén, a coastal town dramatically framed by volcanic peaks.

Step aboard a ferry crossing the Gulf of Ancud toward the mystical Chiloé Archipelago. This marine safari offers frequent sightings of native dolphins, sea lions, and pelagic birds against a backdrop of Andean fjords. Disembark on Chiloé, a cultural realm distinct from mainland Patagonia, famous for its rich maritime traditions and stilted architecture (palafitos).

Delve deep into Chiloé National Park and the exclusive trails of Tepehueico Park. This private eco-system offers a rare opportunity to spot the elusive Pudú, the world’s smallest deer, alongside endemic birdlife. Your day includes curated access to the island's famous wooden churches, designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, showcasing a unique architectural fusion of indigenous knowledge and European Jesuit design.

Discover Chiloé’s living heritage through its traditional fishing villages and artisan markets. Avoid tourist traps as your local guide introduces you to authentic stilted villages and maritime traditions that have survived for centuries. Enjoy a private culinary experience featuring regional flavors before crossing the Chacao Channel via a seamless private transfer to Puerto Montt.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. Your private driver will coordinate your transfer to Puerto Montt Airport, aligned perfectly with your onward flight schedule. If time permits, enjoy a brief, guided stroll through the seaside Angelmó market for high-end local crafts. Board your flight home with your logistical details flawlessly executed from start to finish.