ROUTE 7 CARRETERA AUSTRAL

We meet at El Tepual Airport and transfer to Puerto Varas — a charming lakeside town framed by the Osorno Volcano. In the evening we gather for a welcome dinner. We talk about the road ahead, the terrain, the ferries, the weather — and slowly shift from everyday life into expedition mode.

The first real riding day — and Patagonia opens immediately. We ride around Lake Llanquihue, with wide open views of Osorno Volcano and green pastures stretching to the horizon.
By afternoon, we reach the northern gateway of Route 7. A ferry takes us across fjords toward Hornopirén — mountains rising straight from the water. Tonight the expedition truly begins.

A day of water, forest, and deep green silence.
A long ferry ride through fjords brings us to Caleta Gonzalo — one of the most beautiful landings on the Carretera Austral. We stretch our legs on a short walk through Pumalín National Park, surrounded by ancient forests and volcanic landscapes. Back on the bikes, Route 7 unfolds with hanging glaciers, waterfalls, and untouched coastline. We ride to the quiet village of Puyuhuapi.

The road hugs fjords and rivers before reaching Queulat National Park. Here, we stop to admire the famous Hanging Glacier — suspended between sky and rock.
The climb over Queulat Pass brings changing weather, shifting light, and dramatic views. By evening, we arrive in Coyhaique — the lively heart of the Aysén region, where civilization briefly returns.

Patagonia shows its wild character. Wide valleys, grazing guanacos, and the sharp silhouette of Cerro Castillo dominate the landscape. We descend the legendary Cuesta del Diablo — a thrilling stretch that rewards focus and calm riding. By late afternoon, turquoise waters of General Carrera Lake appear -  we reach Puerto Río Tranquilo.

We ride deep into the Exploradores Valley — gravel roads, rivers, glaciers, and almost no signs of civilization. The feeling is powerful: remote, raw, and humbling.
A boat excursion takes us to the San Rafael Glacier and the Northern Patagonian Icefield. Ice cracks, floats, and drifts in front of us — a moment of stillness you don’t forget.

In the morning, we explore the Marble Caves by boat — smooth white rock shaped by water over thousands of years. It’s quiet, surreal, almost meditative.
In the afternoon, we ride south along General Carrera Lake, passing Puerto Bertrand and open valleys until we reach Cochrane, surrounded by rivers and mountains.

This is one of the most iconic days of the expedition: rivers, forests, remote tracks, and the sense of going beyond the familiar. A ferry crossing connects us to the final stretch toward Villa O’Higgins.
We continue to Bahía Bahamondes — the southern terminus of Route 7. In the evening, we celebrate with a traditional Patagonian lamb asado (famous local BBQ). 

We ride north again, but everything feels different now. The road reveals new details: viewpoints, colors, moments you missed on the way down.
A visit to Patagonia National Park highlights conservation and the fragile beauty of this region. We end the day on the shores of General Carrera Lake, watching the sunset from Puerto Guadal.

We ride the scenic and demanding Las Llaves Pass toward Chile Chico, enjoying one last challenge of gravel and curves. A ferry across the lake brings us back toward Coyhaique, with Cerro Castillo watching over the road. In the evening we gather for a farewell dinner — tired and deeply satisfied.

The journey ends — the experience stays. After breakfast transfer to the airport.