Through rainforests and coastal regions, across rivers and around lakes, through rock and along fjords and beaches, the 20-year construction of the Carretera Austral reached completion in 1996. Beginning in Puerto Montt, capital of Los Lagos Region, the Carretera Austral winds its way southward 1100 km to Caleta Tortel, providing (partially paved) access to previously unreachable areas. Visiting this region is like a journey back in time, with horses and oxcarts still the common means of transportation. If you’re looking for adventure or relaxation far away from the usual tourist sites, you’ll find it in the pristine wilderness of the Carretera Austral.
