8 Day - Untouched Nature (Austral Road- Northern Route)

Today you will board the ferry towards Leptepu, with amazing views of the Andean Mountain Range and the Patagonian Fjords. Once in Leptepu, you will drive 10 kilometres to board the last ferry that will take you to the Caleta Gonzalo, where you will spend the evening. 

Today, we recommend a visit to the Pumalin Douglas Tompkins National Park. Extending from the heart of the Andes to the fjords of the Pacific coast, this is a protected area for the pristine Valdivian forest. The park offers spectacular woodland trails to enjoy this majestic landscape. Take a picnic with you for the journey! You will be able to see the Cascada, Tronador Lagoon, Michimahuida Volcano, Alerces, Chaitén Volcano and El Amarillo Snowdrift trails. In addition, there is a restaurant, cabins and camping.

Today, head South across The national park, with stops at Negro and Blanco lakes. A few kilometres before you reach Chaitén, visit The Santa Bárbara Beach, where you can see the dolphins playing around the bay.  The day ends in the town of Futaleufú. A few blocks from the main square, the waterfront reaches up to the Laguna Espejo. Climbing up La Bandera hill will offer you the best views in the area. This town has decent facilities also and the surrounding natural sites are definitely worth a visit, including the Espolón and Lonconao lakes. The Futaleufú River is perfect for rafting and kayaking, with its perfect rapids for adventure activities. Lake Espolón is about 6 km from Futaleufú.  This large lake covers has beaches, accommodation, fishing tours, boat rides and excursions around its coastline such as hiking and horse riding. It can also be crossed by ferry to continue into the El Espolón Valley. 10 km south of Futaleufú is in the Las Escalas sector of the Futaleufú National Reserve, which has spectacular viewpoints and hiking trails.  

Today after breakfast, drive south towards Puyuhuapi passing by Chaitén. On the way, you can visit Lake Rosselot, a National Reserve of evergreen forests of native tree species.  Wildlife species include the red fox, coypu, pudu and some birds such as the Andean condor and the eagle.

Today, drive towards Coyhaique, in a southerly direction. En route, we recommend a visit to the Queulat National Park to marvel at its stunning glaciers and rivers and the main attraction here, The Ventisquero Colgante or “Hanging Glacier”. It was discovered in 1875 when it travelled over a 100 metres from the seashore; it is now found 7,8 kilometres from the ocean! The Risopatrón Lake, Témpanos Lagoon, Queulat Sound, Salto Padre García and Salto Condor, are just some of the impressive sites in the park. Hiking along the trails, you can see Puerto Cisnes, located on the bay of the Puyuhuapi Channel. This picturesque fishing village is postcard-perfect and worth a stop-off. Then continue south until you arrive at Puerto Chacabuco, where you will spend the evening.

Today is a free day to visit The San Rafael Glacier or visit the National parks in the area. 

At the end of the day continue south until you arrive at Coyhaique passing through the Simpson River National Reserve. 

Free morning to visit the town of Coyhaique, surrounded by stunning mountains and snow peaks. Walking a few blocks, down Simpson Street, you can visit the “Piedra del Indio.” a rock formation resembling the figure of an ancient, Indigenous person. The best place to observe it is from the bridge, crossing the river. You can also head to the craft fair, where local artisans sell their handicrafts made from wool, leather, ceramics, stone and wood. 

Then, continue towards Balmaceda Airport, south of Coyhaique to drop-off your car and to take your onward flight to your next exciting destination!