Seat-in-bus-tour “Northern Carretera Austral”

Day 1 (Tuesday): Balmaceda – Coyhaique
Reception at Balmaceda airport, located 55 km south of the regional capital of Coyhaique and transfer to Coyhaique. Reception at the hotel, then on to Bonanza, located 8 km from the city. After a BBQ and rest, you will do horse riding for about 2 ½ hours, covering native forests, streams, trails and beautiful views of the valley of Coyhaique. Transfer and accommodation in Coyhaique.

Day 2 (Wednesday): Puyuhuapi and La Junta
The journey begins after breakfast, around 9:00 am, heading north to La Junta along the Carretera Austral (266 km). During the tour, you will enjoy beautiful scenery of mountains and rivers, such as Portezuelo Queulat, Valle Cisne River and numerous waterfalls, including “the Condor.” Lunch en route.
After a few photo stops, the journey continues north, bordering the Puyuhuapi Fjord to reach the town of the same name, a historically significant point of German colonization in the Aysén Patagonia. After another 44 km, we will reach the town and have dinner in La Junta. Accommodation in La Junta.

Day 3 (Thursday): Rio Palena and El Sauce-Hot Springs
After breakfast you will do a rafting adventure on the Rosselot River after a short safety briefing and instruction. After descending approximately 1 km along the Rosselot River, you will see the confluence of the Palena River, one of the three most important tributaries of the Aysén region. Among the beautiful natural scenery and the varied fauna of Patagonia, you will be accompanied by countless species of birds and their song for the duration of the journey (16 km). After descending the river for about 2 ½ hours, you will reach the beach destination, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you to the El Sauce Hot Springs. At the springs, you will receive a box lunch to enjoy later. Have a dip in the thermal pools and take advantage of the great therapeutic benefits of the 100% natural waters, in addition to relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surrounding landscape. Later, return by vehicle to the starting town of La Junta. Accommodation in La Junta.

Day 4 (Friday): Queulat National Park
Today after breakfast, you will go south along the Carretera Austral until reaching Puyuhuapi (44 km, approx. 1 hour), before going to Queulat National Park. There, you may enjoy the splendour of the hanging Queulat Glacier and trails through the woods of the National Park. Lunch in the Park. After this visit, the tour continues south on the Carretera Austral to reach the regional capital of Coyhaique (222 km, approx. 4 hours). Accommodation in Coyhaique.

Day 5 (Saturday): Coyhaique
Free morning – we suggest touring the city centre after breakfast. Founded in 1929, Coyhaique is the capital of the unexplored and remote Aysén Patagonia, which is located in a beautiful valley of rolling hills between the Simpson and Coyhaique rivers and Divisadero hill to the south. The Pioneer Square has an unusually pentagonal structure, where you can see the Monument to the Shepherd and a craft fair, located off the main square. Later, transfer to Balmaceda airport.

• Shared transfers
• Overnight with breakfast in double room
• Two dinners in La Junta included
• Three box lunches and one barbecue included
• Mentioned excursions including entrance fees
• Rafting excursion including gear with an expert guide and first aid gear
• English speaking guide for groups from 5 travellers on. 2-4 travellers: bilingual driver (Spanish/English)

Please bring all-weather gear (parka with hood, windbreaker, hat), sturdy hiking boots, sunglasses, sunscreen

October to March