Start in Puerto Varas and the northern Carretera Austral unfolds as a series of roads, fjords and vehicle ferries. Fly to Balmaceda and you can spend your first days around Cerro Castillo and Lake General Carrera instead. If the Marble Caves are the main reason for your trip, the second option can save you from repeating several ferry legs on a short holiday.
From Puerto Varas to Chaitén and Queulat
Allow time to collect the camper and learn how the equipment works. Puerto Montt airport and a Puerto Varas depot are separate places. Ask where you will meet the owner and whether a transfer is included. From Puerto Montt, follow Route 7 to Caleta La Arena, take the ferry to Caleta Puelche and continue by road to Hornopirén.
The next crossing has two sailing legs. Drive aboard at Hornopirén for Leptepu, follow the short connecting road to Fiordo Largo, then board again for Caleta Gonzalo. From there, drive south towards Chaitén. To extend the route, continue to Puyuhuapi and the Queulat area. Keep a flexible day for a walk or a delayed sailing, and check trail openings before making the hanging glacier the focus of a stop.
Three vehicle ferries that shape the trip
- Caleta La Arena to Caleta Puelche. Transportes del Estuario lists this as a pay-on-arrival service with no advance reservation. Allow for a queue if you have a later connection. Check the operator’s timetable in each direction.
- Hornopirén to Caleta Gonzalo. Select your direction, date and vehicle class. Ask the rental company for the camper’s overall length, including any rear carrier or protruding fittings. Check the required arrival time and keep an offline copy of your ticket. See Somarco’s guide to the two-part crossing.
- Chile Chico to Puerto Ibáñez. This ferry on Lake General Carrera can complete an Aysén loop. Confirm vehicle space for your intended date before relying on it to make a return flight. See the Naviera Austral lake service.
From Balmaceda to Lake General Carrera
Arrange the handover in Balmaceda or Coyhaique in advance, including the meeting point and any delivery charge. Head for Villa Cerro Castillo, where you can stop for a walk or enjoy the peaks from the valley. Continue to Puerto Río Tranquilo on Lake General Carrera. If you want to visit the Marble Caves by boat, leave another opening in your route in case conditions on the lake interrupt excursions.
From Puerto Río Tranquilo, head towards Puerto Guadal and follow the southern shore to Chile Chico. For the return towards Balmaceda, check the ferry to Puerto Ibáñez first. If the sailing does not fit, leave time to retrace your route by road. Turning around earlier may buy you a whole afternoon by the lake. The wooden walkways at Caleta Tortel lie farther south and work better as an extension with extra days.
Choose the return as carefully as the pickup
Ask for a round-trip quote and a second quote ending in another town. Compare included mileage, delivery and return fees with the time each route gives you. A mapping app may suggest going via Argentina to continue south. Check the border permit and insurance requirements for your rental camper even if you plan to return it in Chile.
For a northern start, see a Puerto Varas pickup camper or browse the Chile camper rental selection. Still deciding between this route and Torres del Paine? Our Chile trip planner by length of stay compares the different starting points.