The international media outlet BBC has highlighted Chile’s Carretera Austral as one of the six most extraordinary roads in the world. The recognition is based on the breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and unique history of this remarkable route.
Among the other routes listed are Tongtian (China), the Atlantic Road (Norway), Guoliang (China), the Magic Roundabout (England), and National Route 237 (Argentina).
A Road Built Through History
According to the report, the Carretera Austral was primarily constructed by Chilean military personnel between 1976 and 2000. The BBC describes the spectacular scenery along the way: “Condors soar over mountain peaks, the rhythmic tapping of woodpeckers echoes through towering trees, and hummingbirds flit among fuchsias and the massive nalca leaves, which can grow up to two meters tall.”
As the highway extends southward, the landscape transitions into the Patagonian tundra, with vast grassy valleys, shrubby plateaus, wetlands, and pristine lakes.
A Journey Through National Parks
The Carretera Austral and its branches pass through two magnificent national parks:
- Hornopirén National Park: Dominated by volcanoes, this park offers breathtaking natural beauty.
- Queulat National Park: Famous for its stunning hanging glacier, where chunks of ice regularly fall into a bright blue lake below.
Over 1,000 Kilometers of Natural Wonders
Stretching over 1,000 kilometers, the Carretera Austral is lined with awe-inspiring landscapes. In 2019, the Chilean tourism platform Chile es Tuyo highlighted five must-visit towns along the route:
- Puerto Aysén
- Puyuhuapi
- Puerto Ibáñez
- Cochrane
- Villa O’Higgins
Each of these towns provides a range of services for travelers, making them ideal stops on this incredible journey.
The Southern Patagonian Ice Field
One of the major highlights of the route is the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the fourth-largest ice mass on the planet. Despite its remote location in Aysén Patagonia, this region offers various tourist activities, including boat excursions, sport fishing, horseback riding, and trekking to explore its natural wonders.
Whether you seek adventure, stunning landscapes, or a glimpse into Chilean history, the Carretera Austral is a road trip unlike any other.
