The Carretera Austral is Chile’s legendary southern highway, stretching over 770 miles through Patagonia’s rugged wilderness. Started under Pinochet’s government, beginning in the 1970s and taking 30 years to complete, it is one of the most remote and adventurous roads in the world. Before its construction, much of this region was accessible only by boat or overland journeys on foot or horse.
Our journey covered 1,800 miles from Puerto Montt to Cochrane and back, often at the speed of 15-35 mph, with side trips to Futaleufú and Puerto Raúl Marín Balmaceda. The landscapes changed constantly—snow-capped peaks, deep fjords, turquoise rivers, lush rainforests, and wind-swept steppes. The road was a mix of paved sections and rough gravel (mostly gravel) which Pete navigated masterfully, even after heavy rains hid the potholes.
We passed through small, welcoming towns like Chaitén, Puyuhuapi, Coyhaique, and Puerto Rio Tranquilo, each with its own character—whether shaped by volcanic eruptions, German settlers, or a frontier spirit. Side trips to Futaleufú, known for its rafting, and the hidden coastal village of Puerto Raúl Marín Balmaceda added to our adventure.
We felt lucky to experience the isolation, untamed beauty, and a true off-the-grid experience. It is described as “one of the most epic road trips on the planet—a trip to the edge of the world, where nature still rules.”
Pete & Lori's Retirement adventures 