A Drive Through Northern Patagonia on Chile's Carretera Austral Highway

If you are driving through the Northern Patagonia region of Chile, chances are you will ride along part of the Carretera Austral. This highway runs for 745 miles through some of Chile's most remote areas. The Carretera Austral was built in order to connect many of the small fishing towns in Patagonia. Without this major roadway, these tiny villages would only be approachable from the water. Be sure you are visiting Chile at the right time of year because the Carretera Austral can be closed because of snow or other bad weather conditions.

Chile's Carretera Austral highway: History and location

Construction of the Carretera Austral began in 1976 and is still ongoing today. Not all of the long road is paved, but it is still the best way to drive around Northern Patagonia in Chile. The terrain of Northern Patagonia is quite beautiful and very challenging to drive through. The entire area is a rainforest covered in lush green during the spring and summer months. You will find plenty of waterfalls, lakes, mountains and rivers throughout the drive on the Carretera Austral. The small fishing villages that are connected by the Carretera Austral provide a unique charm to the area.

Chile's Carretera Austral highway: Recreational activities along the way

There are several tourist attractions along the Chilean Carretera Austral highway. Of course, fishing is a primary activity in the Northern Patagonia region. The area's economy is driven by the numerous fishing villages found along the Carretera Austral. Tourists can also enjoy Northern Patagonia's bounty by embarking on their own fly fishing adventures in the area. The road itself can be a source of outdoor recreation, making an excellent biking trail during the temperate summer months. If you drive a bit away from the Carretera Austral, you will find the Futaleufu River, where you can enjoy some of the best whitewater rafting and kayaking in the world.

Chile's Carretera Austral highway: Fishing villages

As you drive across the Carretera Austral, stop into one of the quaint fishing villages along the way. Chaiten is located at the beginning of the Carretera Austral and is considered the best starting point for a hike in Parque Pumalin. The town of Puyuhapi is known for its luxury hot springs resort and World War II era aluminum houses. As you pass through the mountain ranges and head into the farmland along the Carretera Austral, you will come upon Coyhaique. Coyhaique is Northern Patagonia's largest city and has several tourist services, such as hotels and fine dining.