Aysén · Chile
Carretera Austral
7Villa Cerro Castillo to Puerto Río Tranquilo
The crown-jewel segment of Chile’s epic Carretera Austral: 121 km of raw Patagonian wilderness from the basalt towers of Cerro Castillo to the marble caves of Lago General Carrera.
Departing Villa Cerro Castillo beneath the park’s rock spires, Ruta 7 drops into the Río Ibáñez valley and crosses into remote Patagonia. It threads through Valle Murta and hugs the shore of Lago General Carrera, the second-largest lake in South America, before arriving at Puerto Río Tranquilo and its Marble Caves. Largely gravel with punishing corrugation; high clearance recommended.
Scenery
Where it runs
Navigate to the start: Apple Maps · Google Maps
Character
Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%211 – 621 mHazards
- unpaved gravel sections (ripio)
- corrugated surface
- high winds
- river fords after heavy rain
- loose rocks
Sources: Road geometry © OpenStreetMap contributors
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Carretera Austral.