Driving back to Puerto Varas along the northern Carretera Austral can add CLP 96,260 in return ferry fares alone for two adults. Leaving the camper in Coyhaique saves those crossings, but changes the drop-off fee and the flight home. Here is how the two routes compare, using public prices checked on 5 November 2026. The ferry calculation assumes both operators accept your vehicle in their standard car or pickup category.
Start with the rental quote for your dates
The Toyota Hilux Yoho pickup camper in Puerto Varas is listed from €135 per day, with a €521 option to return it in Coyhaique. For 15 days, the hire would come to €2,025 if your quote confirms that daily rate. At the displayed drop-off fee, those two items would total €2,546 before running costs or other charges. Both figures belong to this listing. Use the rate for your actual dates and hire length when you compare quotes.
Ask for the same model, dates and named drivers on both quotes. Check the total distance included, the charge for excess kilometres, which insurance and extras are included, and the excess you would pay for a covered claim. Keep the security deposit in a separate line in your budget. It affects the funds you need at pickup, and only an amount retained after return counts towards your final spend.
The two ferry tickets on the northern Carretera Austral
If you drive to Chaitén via Hornopirén, there are two separate tickets to budget for. At La Arena–Puelche, Transportes del Estuario’s fare list gives CLP 11,510 for a car or pickup, with passengers travelling free. From Hornopirén to Caleta Gonzalo, the subsidised sailing’s non-resident fare is CLP 72,650 for a car or pickup including the driver, plus CLP 12,100 for the second adult. This ticket covers both boat legs, with a short drive between them.
For two adults, that makes CLP 11,510 + 72,650 + 12,100 = 96,260 one way, or CLP 192,520 if you return the same way at the same fares. Before booking, send the operators the vehicle’s overall length, camper configuration and whether it has twin rear wheels. A vehicle charged by the metre or a commercial sailing can cost a different amount. The Carretera Austral route and ferry guide shows where each crossing fits into the drive.
What to allow for campsites and fuel
At Pumalín, the national park’s camping information lists CLP 6,000 per person per night. Two adults spending two nights at an open site on that tariff would pay CLP 24,000. Check that the site admits overnight vehicles and is open in your month of travel. Farther south, Camping Pehoé at Torres del Paine lists an individual rate of CLP 24,000 per person per night. Ask which rate applies to your party and camper. Allow separately for park entry when planning your Torres del Paine itinerary.
To estimate fuel, multiply your route distance in kilometres by the loaded camper’s expected consumption in litres per 100 km, then divide by 100. Multiply those litres by the local pump price for the correct fuel. Look up the towns where you expect to refuel on Bencina en Línea through Chile’s National Energy Commission. Add groceries, excursions you actually intend to book and a spare overnight stop if your plans depend on a sailing.
A 15-day comparison for two adults
Start both trips with pickup in Puerto Varas after a flight to Puerto Montt. Spend two nights in Pumalín and drive down to Coyhaique. Return via the same fjords and the return-trip ferries plus those two nights come to CLP 216,520. Leave the camper in Coyhaique and the ferries plus the same two nights come to CLP 120,260. Add the hire, fuel, all remaining nights, food and airport transfers to each total.
To decide whether the Yoho’s displayed €521 drop-off fee works for you, weigh it against the return ferries, fuel and the value of the days you save. Compare a flight from Balmaceda plus the transfer from Coyhaique with flying out of Puerto Montt. Convert both scenarios to one currency using the same exchange rate. If you keep the camper for 15 days either way, the time saved is time to explore. A shorter rental saves hire costs only if the revised quote is lower.
Get a price for your route
Send your dates, party size, two possible return towns and the roads you want to drive. If the route crosses into Argentina, ask for the vehicle permit and insurance costs for that crossing. Our guides to crossing the border in a rental camper and driving conditions in Chilean Patagonia will help you specify the route. If Torres del Paine is the main reason for the trip, price a loop starting and ending in Punta Arenas as well. You can request a quote from the Chile camper rental listings.
Cover photograph taken at Caleta Gonzalo by Manxuc, Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
