The Carretera Austral, also known as the Most Scenic Highway in the World, is a 1,247-kilometer highway in southern Chile that passes through tremendous forests and natural areas untouched by humans. It runs from Puerto Montt in the Los Lagos region to the remote town of Villa O'Higgins in the Aysén region. The highway is mostly dirt roads, attracting followers of ecotourism, and is often traveled by 4x4 vehicles or mountain bikes. The Carretera Austral is divided into two parts, North and South, and passes through lush green forests, Andean Patagonia forests, steppes, and swamps, as well as pristine rivers, turquoise lakes, and enormous millennial glaciers. Families can enjoy various activities such as rafting, kayaking, and sport fishing, and visit national parks like Queulat, Futaleufú, and Cerro Castillo. The highway also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Hanging Snowdrift, the Enchanted Forest, and the Marble Chapels
Plan your family visit to the Carretera Austral with these blog insights 👇
Activities: We drove on the Carretera Austral, a road built by Pinochet to connect the remote Chilean Patagonia. We took our time, because it's a treat for the eyes: glaciers hanging from the summits, deep fjords with calm waters, crystal clear rivers, magnificent lakes, and waterfalls. We enjoyed the dense, almost tropical vegetation
Highlights: It was a feast for the eyes: glaciers, fjords, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. We took our time and enjoyed the scenery, and so did the children ✨