Bikepacking Route CarretERA aUSTRAL patagonia Chile 1,247 km
- Buzzalong Sherry
- Apr 28
- 2 min read
Imagine riding to the end of the world. A place so remote that building a road here once
seemed impossible. This is what drew me to the Carretera Austral, a 1,247 km route
leading deep into the heart of Chilean Patagonia. The road is 60% paved and 40%
unpaved, making it the perfect adventure on a gravel bike. It threads through dense
rainforest, past endless fjords, beneath towering glaciers, and across open steppe. A place
of truly untouched nature, where every kilometer on the bike feels like entering a new
world. It’s no wonder the Carretera Austral is considered one of the best cycling routes inthe world.
Route Stats and Recommended Itinerary
Total distance: 1,247 kilometers
Paved vs Gravel 60 percent paved, 40 percent gravel
Suggested duration min. 14 days
Typical daily distance 80–100 kilometers
Our itinerary:
Day 1 Puerto Montt to Caleta Gonzalo – ferries, Pumalín National Park, part of the Ruta de los Parques
Day 2 Caleta Gonzalo to Chaitén – forests, fjords
Day 3 Chaitén to La Junta – mix of gravel and pavement
3Day 4 La Junta to Coyhaique – approaching the divide
Day 5 Coyhaique to Cerro Castillo – alpine scenery, fin de pavimento
Day 6 Cerro Castillo to Cochrane – long gravel stretches
Day 7 Cochrane to Puerto Yungay – prepare for final ferry
Day 8 Puerto Yungay to Villa O’Higgins – final fjords, wilderness
The Gear
Gravel Bike:
Components SRAM Force 1 XPLR 1x13, 40T front, 10-46 rear
Wheels Rose G30 aluminium, 27mm inner width
Tyres Schwalbe G-One Overlander, 50mm
Chainguide Wolf Tooth LoneWolf
Lighting SON hub dynamo, Supernova lights, handlebar USB-C output
Bikepacking Bags
Tailfin Speedpack seatpack, Rose frame and top tube bags, Tailfin bar bag
Camping & Essentials: Big Agnes tent, sleeping mat and bag, Garmin solar computer, powerbank
Clothing: Rapha and Rose bib shorts, jerseys, Albion rain jacket and pants, Merino socks, Downjacket
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