There are more than 1.200 kilometers of a spectacular route along the Southern Highway (Carretera Austral), linking Puerto Montt, in the Lake District, with Villa O'Higgins, in the Aysén Region.
This southern route is an interesting way to discover and enjoy the Chilean Patagonia, which has a great diversity of landscapes, from almost virgin islands to glaciers and fjords.
A tour along the Southern Highway allows not only to appreciate the stunning nature, but also to practice adventure sports, such as rafting and trekking.
When is the best time to travel the Southern Highway?
For a trip to the Southern Highway it is necessary to consider the weather conditions. During autumn and spring, the average temperatures are above 12ºC. Thus, it is possible to say that the season from November to April is the ideal one due to the pleasant weather.
The day is longer, as sunlight is more extensive at this time of year. But it's important to remember that travelling further south of the "Carretera Austral" means colder weather and more frequent rainfall.
Which places on the Southern Highway in Chile are not to be missed?
The Southern Highway in Chile is an ideal trip to get in touch with nature. It is a route that crosses forests, lagoons, rivers and national parks, home to endangered endemic fauna.
This trip to the Southern Highway invites you to visit places that are truly unmissable, such as:
Puerto Montt: is the first point of a unique adventure. It is the largest city in the region with an important harbour, parks and fantastic views of the bay. This is where Route 7, the Southern Highway, begins.
- Hornopiren: The journey along the Southern Highway continues to Hornopiren, known for its hot springs.
- Chaitén: Following the Southern Highway you will find this town, where you can appreciate the volcanoes Chaitén and Corcovado.
- Coyhaique: an area with untouched nature, green forests and amazing hills for hiking and climbing.
- Patagonia National Park: approximately 300 kms south of Coyhaique is located this park which was declared a national park in 2018. It allows the survival of the characteristic species of the Patagonian fauna.
- Cochrane: Following the Southern Highway you will reach this place, a classic postcard of this trip. Here you will find the Esmeralda Lagoon, the Patagonia National Park and the Calluqueo Glacier.
- Villa O’Higgins: end of the journey along the Southern Highway and gateway to the glaciers of the Southern Ice Field.
How to travel along the Southern Highway?
As one of the most beautiful scenic routes in the world, travelling along the Southern Highway will give you the possibility to enjoy a beautiful journey from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins.
The Southern Highway is divided into 3 sections:
The first one goes from Puerto Montt to La Junta. This route passes through the southern area of the Lake District, the Pumalín Park and Chaitén.
The second one runs from La Junta to Coyhaique. This sector makes it possible to admire the Queulat National Park and the towns of Puerto Cisnes and Puyuhuapi.
The third of this fantastic journey along the Southern Highway starts in Coyhaique, ending in Villa O`Higgins. This is the time to enjoy the Cerro Castillo National Reserve, the Marble Chapels and the Northern and Southern Ice Fields.
