Top 6 Observations on Cycling the Carretera Austral

Bike TouringBike TravelBikepackingCyclingCarretera Austral

May 20

After more than a month of traveling by bicycle on the Carretera Austral, we had finally reached its northern end. We can now say from experience that it is one of the most popular long-distance cycling routes in the world for a reason: it delivers 745 miles (1,200 km) of remote and stunningly beautiful Patagonian landscapes. Along the way we passed fjords, glaciers, pristine lakes, dripping rainforests, and soaring mountains. The small, friendly, sometimes-quirky communities along the way offered comfort between stretches of rough gravel roads and hilly terrain.

Like most cyclists, we had lots of questions before beginning our ride of the Carretera Austral. So now that we’ve finished, we can offer a few reflections on the adventure. Here are our Top 6 observations:

1. The scenery is breathtaking. The region’s combination of turquoise-blue lakes and rivers, lush forests, glacier-topped mountains, and remote, pastoral valleys earns the Carretera Austral a top spot among the world’s most scenic bicycle tours.

2. It is very wet. The Andes trap moisture coming off the Pacific, creating true temperate rainforest. Cyclists should be prepared for lots of cold wet weather and damp camps.

3. The region is very sparsely populated. With the exception of Coyhaique and Cochrane, all of the towns along the route had fewer than 2,000 residents - and many had fewer than 500. Services tended to be small-scale, and stores had limited inventory. It’s best to have bikes in good repair, be well equipped, and flexible with food choices.

4. There are many private campgrounds, which can be much appreciated on rainy days (common rooms provide weather protection) or in areas where wild camps are challenging (national parks, steep terrain or dense forests). However, they tend to be on working farms. Expect plenty of night sounds from the resident animals, and an early wake-up call from the ever present roosters.

5. The warm weather season is relatively short, and there are very few other roads in Southern Chile. Throw in the Carretera Austral’s popularity, and you have the ingredients for a pretty busy road - including a steady stream of cyclists and overlanders. Given the number of travelers, help is never far away if you run into trouble, and camaraderie can be found for people traveling solo. But that also means lots of dust from vehicles throwing up dirt (when it’s not raining).

6. There are still significant long sections of road that are on rough dirt. Wider bicycle tires are appreciated by many.

Ultimately, cycling the Carretera Austral is an unforgettable experience that richly rewards those who embrace its challenges. Its wild landscapes, remote communities, and vibrant cycling culture come together to create a unique adventure filled with both solitude and connection. For travelers willing to stay flexible and open, this route offers a truly special, world-class adventure.