Van itinerary on the Carretera Austral: feasibility and ferry reservations?

Hey everyone! I’m planning a van trip along the Carretera Austral from February 9th to March 1st, 2025. My main questions are about timing and the must-see spots. Here’s what I’m thinking, but I’m not sure if it’s realistic (ferries, road conditions, weather, etc.). I’d love all your tips and suggestions! 🙂

Sun 2/9: Pick up van in Puerto Montt, explore the area, hot springs (which ones?) 2/10: Drive to Chaitén (too short?) – road + 7-hour ferry according to maps 2/11: Drive from Chaitén to Queulat – 200 km, 3 hours (still according to maps) 2/12: Queulat + hike to see the hanging glacier, then drive to Coyhaique – 3 hours, 200 km 2/13: Coyhaique to Cerro Castillo Park – 100 km, how long is the drive on this stretch? 2/14: Drive to Puerto Río Tranquilo – how long is the drive? 2/15: Exploradores Valley + is a day hike doable? 2/16: San Rafael Lagoon 2/17: Mármol Chapels 2/18: Drive to Puerto Yungay to catch the ferry to Puerto Natales around 7–8 PM with the van.

For the short ferry crossings, how far in advance should I book?

All your advice is welcome! Thanks so much!!

Hi Regine,

For short ferry crossings, how far in advance should you book?

Between Caleta La Arena and Caleta Puelche, about forty kilometers south of Puerto Montt, boarding used to be first-come, first-served until recently. I don’t think that’s changed.

For the ferry between Hornopirén and Chaitén, which is split into two sections, during peak season in February, I’d book several days ahead.

Good luck.

Hi there,

We traveled part of this route round-trip about ten years ago, between Coyhaique and Tortel. So I’ll only answer about that section of the itinerary.

13/02: Coyhaique to Cerro Castillo Park – 100 km, how long does this stretch take?

Less than two hours to Villa Cerro Castillo, since this section is paved.

14/02: route to Puerto Río Tranquilo – how long does it take?

We took about four hours, including lots of photo stops.

Exploradores Valley + day trip possible?

Yes. In this valley, I’d strongly advise against spending the night at Hostal Campo Alacaluf.

17/02: Capillas de Mármol

This site doesn’t need a full day—two hours max.

18/02: route to Puerto Yungay to catch the ferry to Puerto Natales

The road from Puerto Río Tranquilo (where the Capillas de Mármol are) is long—very long—and you might miss some of the most beautiful spots in the area, like Valle Cachabuco and especially the surreal end-of-the-world feel of Caleta Tortel, which is worth staying in.

For more details, check out our travel journal HERE

Thanks so much Thierry for this valuable info!

A huge thanks for the info and lots of fun exploring your blog—it’s a goldmine! 😊