La Carretera Austral atraviesa la Patagonia chilena a lo largo de más de 1.240 km, conectando Puerto Montt al norte con Villa O’Higgins al sur. Más que una simple carretera, conecta pueblos aislados y atraviesa un mosaico de ecosistemas, que van desde fiordos hasta bosques primarios e imponentes glaciares. Su construcción duró más de 20 años en condiciones extremas:vientos violentos, lluvias torrenciales y terrenos casi infranqueables. Hoy en día, más del 70 % del trazado sigue sin asfaltar, conservando su carácter auténtico y aventurero.La Ruta 7 es la única conexión terrestre para miles de habitantes y un motor de turismo en una de las regiones más preservadas del planeta. Su historia combina desafíos técnicos, cuestiones geopolíticas y pasión por la exploración: cada kilómetro fue trazado a través de una naturaleza a menudo hostil, dejando un legado incomparable para los visitantes y las comunidades locales.

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1/ Cochamó

Cochamó is a hidden gem in Chile’s Los Lagos region, renowned for its dramatic granite cliffs, turquoise rivers, and ancient forests. For travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty, it offers experiences that are both breathtaking and unique. To get to Cochamó Valley, you’ll have to take Road 225 and V69. Note that it’s also possible to bypass Cochamó itself by taking a boat from Caleta Arenas to Caleta Puelche.

Cochamó Valley, often called the jewel of the region, the Cochamó Valley is famous for its striking landscapes: towering granite walls, crystal-clear rivers, and lush forests that seem untouched by time. The valley is only accessible by foot or horseback from the village, usually a 4–6 hour hike.

Piedra de Cochamó is a massive, iconic rock near the village that offers panoramic views over the valley and surrounding mountains, a perfect spot for photography and nature lovers.

Cochamó River and its crystal-clear waters are ideal for relaxing, swimming, or simply enjoying the scenic surroundings. La Junta, is one of the most famous areas in the valley.

La Junta features open meadows flanked by towering granite walls. It is the starting point for many hiking trails. Nearby is the Puelo Valley, home to the Puelo River, a natural border between Chile and Argentina, celebrated for its pristine waters and stunning landscapes. La Junta itself is a tranquil village at the confluence of rivers and lakes, perfect for sport fishing and agro-tourism, offering outdoor activities year-round.

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2/ Pumalin

Pumalín National Park, located in Chilean Patagonia, is an outstanding example of nature conservation. It covers thousands of hectares of ancient temperate forests, crystal-clear rivers, and majestic mountains, offering visitors a wild and preserved setting for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. The immediate surroundings of the park, accessible within a few kilometers from the main entrances, also provide spectacular landscapes and outdoor activities.

Sendero Pampa to Pumalín: This gentle trail is ideal for visitors of all levels. It winds through dense old-growth forests, moss-covered trees, and alongside clear streams. Along the way, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and rivers. It’s perfect for a half-day walk or as an introduction to the park’s natural beauty.

Sendero Alerce: This trail is one of the park’s highlights, leading hikers through ancient forests dominated by alerce trees, some of which are over 1,500 years old. The trail offers a peaceful walk along rivers and streams, with lush vegetation and abundant birdlife. It’s suitable for moderate-level hikers and is an excellent way to experience the park’s unique temperate rainforest up close.

Chaitén: The small town of Chaitén, located near the northern entrance of Pumalín, serves as the main gateway to the park. Though partially destroyed by volcanic activity in 2008, it has been rebuilt and offers basic amenities for visitors, including accommodations, supplies, and local guides.

Laguna Tronador: A stunning glacial lake located within or near the park, surrounded by towering mountains and dense forest. The calm turquoise waters make it perfect for picnicking, photography, and short hikes along its edges. The area is also a good spot for birdwatching and simply enjoying the peaceful Patagonian landscape.

Cascada Escondida: Known as the “Hidden Waterfall,” this cascade is tucked away in a quiet section of the park. Accessible via a short hike, it offers a serene setting with crystal-clear waters plunging into natural pools. It’s a perfect spot for a refreshing stop, photography, or simply relaxing in the forested surroundings.

Río Blanco and Río Yelcho: These rivers, located near or within the park boundaries, are famous for fly fishing, especially for trout. Their pristine waters, surrounded by native forests, make them both a recreational hotspot and a serene place to connect with nature. Small trails along the rivers offer peaceful walks and occasional swimming spots

The park also provides excellent opportunities for kayaking, especially along the nearby coastal fjords around Chaitén, where paddlers can explore calm bays rich in wildlife. Flyfishing is another popular activity around Pumalín, with rivers like Río Blanco and Río Yelcho offering pristine waters inhabited by brown and rainbow trout. Wildlife lovers can enjoy birdwatching and animal observation throughout the park, spotting species such as hummingbirds, woodpeckers, foxes, and even pudú deer.

From riverside spots and eco-friendly campgrounds to scenic lodges with panoramic views, the valley offers a variety of options for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers looking to immerse themselves in Patagonia’s stunning landscapes. Here are some of the best places to camp and enjoy the natural beauty of Cochamó.

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3/ Futaleufu

Futaleufú, located in northern Patagonia, Chile, is a must-visit destination for adventure travelers. Renowned for its world-class whitewater rafting on the vibrant turquoise Futaleufú River, the area also offers excellent opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and flyfishing. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and pristine rivers, Futaleufú provides breathtaking landscapes for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The town itself is small but welcoming, with cozy lodges, hostels, and camping options, making it an ideal base to explore one of Patagonia’s most stunning and remote regions.

The Futaleufú River is the centerpiece of the region, renowned for its intense whitewater rapids and striking turquoise color. Adventurers from around the world come here for rafting and kayaking, while the riverbanks offer scenic spots for picnics, photography, or simply enjoying the dramatic landscape.

Lago Espolón is a peaceful lake near the town, ideal for kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing by the water. Surrounded by forested hills, it provides a quiet contrast to the action-packed river and is perfect for families or those seeking a calm moment in nature.

Piedra del Águila is a striking rock formation that rises above the Futaleufú Valley. Accessible via a short walk, it provides panoramic views of the river, forests, and distant mountains, making it a favorite spot for hikers and photographers alike.

The hiking trails in the surrounding mountains offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Futaleufú Valley and the snow-capped peaks beyond. Trails vary from easy walks through lush forest to more challenging climbs for experienced hikers, making the area accessible to all levels.

Finally, the town of Futaleufú itself is a charming base for exploring the region. Its colorful streets, local cafés, and artisan shops give a taste of Patagonian culture, while riverside viewpoints and small parks offer places to relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

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4 / Puyuhuapi and Queulat

Puyuhuapi and Queulat are two must-see spots in northern Chilean Patagonia. The small village of Puyuhuapi sits quietly on a fjord, surrounded by forest, rivers, and hot springs. It’s a great base for van travelers, whether you want to fish, kayak, or simply relax in the natural thermal baths, and the village itself has a few charming artisan shops and cozy cafés. Just a short drive away, Queulat National Park offers lush rainforests, waterfalls, and the spectacular hanging glacier, Ventisquero Colgante. There are easy trails for hiking and plenty of quiet rivers and lakes where you can park your van and enjoy the beauty of Patagonia up close.

Puyuhuapi Fjord is the main attraction of the area, but there are several trails nearby for those who want to explore on foot. The Sendero Costero runs along the fjord’s edge, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains. It’s an easy hike, perfect for spotting birds and local wildlife, and ideal for van travelers looking for a short, scenic walk.

The Puyuhuapi Hot Springs are accessible via a short forest trail from the village. The path winds through temperate rainforest with towering coigües and arrayanes, leading to natural thermal pools surrounded by lush greenery, a perfect spot to relax after a day of adventure.

Ventisquero Colgante in Queulat National Park features the Sendero Ventisquero Colgante, a 1.5 km round-trip trail that gently ascends through the rainforest, leading to breathtaking views of the hanging glacier and cascading waterfalls. The trail is accessible to most visitors, with wooden bridges and viewpoints along the way.

For more adventurous hikers, the Sendero Laguna Esmeralda leads to a small highaltitude lagoon surrounded by waterfalls and rocky cliffs, offering incredible photo opportunities and chances to observe wildlife.

Near Puyuhuapi and Queulat, you can take a guided hike to the Ventisquero Colgante glacier via a forest trail that leads to viewpoints over the ice and the waterfall below. There is also a short path to Laguna Témpanos, a glacial lagoon that in summer allows small boat tours. In addition, you can paddle in kayaks from Puyuhuapi to explore nearby fjords and get a different angle on the glacier.

The Puyuhuapi Hot Springs, managed by the Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa, are located just outside the village along the fjord and feature outdoor thermal pools with temperatures up to about 44 °C. These pools are accessible and are a relaxing stop after a day of trekking or kayaking.

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5/ Coyhaique

Cerro Castillo National Park is one of the main highlights, about 90 km north of Coyhaique. The park is famous for its jagged peaks, glacial lakes, and waterfalls. The Cerro Castillo Trail is the most popular multi-day trek, leading hikers through alpine meadows, past turquoise lagoons, and along the base of the iconic mountain. For shorter options, the Laguna Cerro Castillo Trail offers a rewarding day hike with panoramic views of the valley and surrounding peaks. Wildlife spotting is common along these trails, including condors, foxes, and occasionally guanacos.

Río Simpson National Reserve, closer to Coyhaique, features temperate forests, rivers, and well-marked paths. The Sendero Alto Río Simpson trail follows the river through dense forest, perfect for a half-day hike or a fly-fishing stop. This region is ideal for those traveling by van or camper, as there are multiple roadsides stops and small campgrounds near rivers or forest clearings, making it easy to combine outdoor activities with overnight stays surrounded by nature.

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