This 7 day self drive itinerary leads through some of the most stunningly beautiful regions of southern Chile. Starting from Balmaceda you will visit Queulat National Park, Fjord Queulat and Futaleufú - a scenery of glaciers, fjords and native forests.

Day 1: Balmaceda Airport - Coyhaique (56 km / 34 mi)

Pick up your car at the office in Balmaceda airport. The dry Pampa will gradually give way to the green forests of the Carretera Austral as you approach Coyhaique, capital of the XI Region. Overnight in Coyhaique.

Day 2: Coyhaique - Queulat National Park (approx. 220 km / 140 mi)

From Coyhaique, you will drive north through virgin forests, valleys, and pastures. At the end of your journey you will descend through the Queulat Range from where you will have fantastic views of the pristine forest: the Hanging Glacier, huge waterfalls and old Coigue trees will complete the scenery. Overnight close to Queulat National Park. (B)

Day 3: Queulat National Park

Today you will be able to explore Queulat National Park. A trail will lead you to the huge Hanging Glacier. If you prefer, you can take optional excursions with a guide. Fishing, wildlife observation or a visit to one of the natural hot springs will be some of the alternative activities. Overnight close to the Queulat National Park. (B)

Day 4: Fjord Queulat - Futaleufú (223 km / 139 mi)

Continue your journey north on the Carretera Austral, where you can explore the upper part of Queulat National Park. Here the forest will seem impenetrable. At Villa Santa Lucía you will turn east towards the Argentinean border. During the drive up into the Andes, you will pass the emerald glacial Lago Yelcho. The road will wind its way up and follow the Futaleufú River, well known as Chile's best river for whitewater rafting. Overnight in Futaleufú. (B)

Day 5: Futaleufú

The village of Futaleufú is famous as a starting point for kayak or rafting excursions on the river. For the less adventurous there is enough to see and do as well. Horseback riding and hiking tours offer great alternatives to explore this beautiful region. Overnight in Futaleufú. (B)

Day 6: Futaleufú - El Pangue (170 km/106 mi)

Today you will descend from the Andes toward Coyhaique. Stop in El Pangue to visit a different section of the Queulat National Park and Lake Risopatrón. From El Pangue several paths lead through untouched native forests. Overnight in El Pangue. (B)

Day 7: El Pangue - Balmaceda (225 km / 140 mi)

After breakfast head back to the airport of Balmaceda to drop off your rental car.(B)

Please note that all our itineraries can be customized and modified to suit your wishes.

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.

Hotels used with OPTION 1)

Hosteria Coyhaique*** Hostería Coyhaique, located in a beautiful park near Coyhaique, has 40 rooms (2 suites) decorated in classic style, equipped with telephone, TV, safe deposit box, central heating. All rooms offer a fabulous view, whether of the park or the mountains. General facilities include 2 restaurants for 210 guests serving international cuisine, cozy bar, 3 meeting rooms for up to 200 people, outdoor swimming-pool, games room, room service, laundry service

Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa is situated on a tranquil sea inlet of the Ventisquero Sound on the protected shore of Dorita Bay, accessible only by sea. Puyuhuapi Lodge was constructed almost three decades ago by local craftsmen using wood from the surrounding forests. From October 2007 it will feature 1 suite Capitanía, 29 superior rooms and 6 standard rooms, all of them with a warm, familiar decor and a spectacular view over the bay. General facilities include: central heating, a bar, a restaurant, telephones plus a thalassotherapy centre offering thermal pools, pampering massages and seaweed treatments. Activities offered by the hotel are fly-fishing, mountain biking, sea kayaking, day trips on the catamaran Patagonia Express to the spectacular San Rafael Glacier and the lagoon and trekking trips during which its guests can explore the fjords, the rainforest and the surrounding Queulat National Park. See also Puyuhuapi's programs: Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa program details

Hosteria El Barranco Constructed from native woods of the region hotel El Barranco has a rustic mountain style. The hotel overlooks the Espolón River and native forests. It has 10 double rooms (queen beds) with central heating, private bathroom and telephone. One of the rooms has facilities for disabled guests. Bilingual reception, parking, living room, lockers, restaurant, bar, laundry, tour, recreational area, swimming pool, fax and other services are available.

Cabañas El Pangue Cabañas El Pangue are located on the northern bank of the Lake Risopatrón 18 km / 11 mi north of Puyuhuapi. The hotel offers all amenities of a modern hotel. The cabins are comfortable and homely with capacities for 2 to 7 people. The complex can accommodate 55 people in total. All the cabins are fully equipped and have heating, en suite bathroom with a tub and hot water, intercom, telephone, furniture out of native woods, and some include covered parking.

Hotels with OPTION 2)

Hotel Belisario Jara*** Hotel Belisario Jara has a style that combines flagstone, native woods, cozy nooks and local crafts. It is situated in the center of Coyhaique, near the main square. The hotel features 2 single bedrooms, 4 double bedrooms, a 2-bedroom apartment, and also the option of an independent, six-bed apartment with living room, dining room and kitchen. Guests have full access to the building's foyer / living room, a dining room, a snack bar, and a living / dining room on the third floor.

Hotel Espacio y Tiempo A small and comfortable mountain style hotel at the heart of the Carretera Austral. The Hotel features 9 spacious rustic yet comfortable rooms with central heating and private bathrooms, telephone in each room, internet access, laudry service, as well as a restaurant, 2 lounges with open fireplace and a bar. Various outdoor activities can be arranged at the hotel.

Hosteria El Barranco Constructed from native woods of the region hotel El Barranco has a rustic mountain style. The hotel overlooks the Espolón River and native forests. It has 10 double rooms (queen beds) with central heating, private bathroom and telephone. One of the rooms has facilities for disabled guests. Bilingual reception, parking, living room, lockers, restaurant, bar, laundry, tour, recreational area, swimming pool, fax and other services are available.

Cabañas El Pangue Cabañas El Pangue are located on the northern bank of the Lake Risopatrón 18 km / 11 mi north of Puyuhuapi. The hotel offers all amenities of a modern hotel. The cabins are comfortable and homely with capacities for 2 to 7 people. The complex can accommodate 55 people in total. All the cabins are fully equipped and have heating, en suite bathroom with a tub and hot water, intercom, telephone, furniture out of native woods, and some include covered parking.