Southern / Austral Patagonia
Carretera Austral & Aysén (Chile) with crossing to El Chaltén
Carretera Austral — Aysén (Chile), El Chaltén, Santa Cruz, Argentina · combined with Chile
A 12-day, 11-night program exploring Chilean Patagonia's Aysén region — with stops at Capillas de Mármol, Caleta Tortel, and Villa O'Higgins — then crossing the border on foot and by boat across Lago del Desierto to El Chaltén, and closing with Glaciar Perito Moreno in El Calafate. It combines guided trekking, lake navigation, and a binational border crossing of outstanding scenic intensity. Operated by Walk Patagonia S.R.L. during spring, summer, and autumn.
About the experience
Twelve days along the Carretera Austral: Capillas de Mármol, Caleta Tortel, Villa O'Higgins, and the legendary border crossing on foot and by boat across Lago del Desierto to El Chaltén, closing with Glaciar Perito Moreno.
A 12-day, 11-night program through Chilean Patagonia's Aysén region and its connection to El Chaltén and El Calafate.
- Days 1–4: arrival via Balmaceda or Los Antiguos to Puerto Tranquilo, Capillas de Mármol by boat or kayak, guided trekking in Valle Exploradores, and a visit to Caleta Tortel and Isla de los Muertos.
- Days 5–6: Villa O'Higgins, the southern end of the Carretera Austral, and guided trekking in the area (Cerro Submarino, Río Mosco refuge, or Glaciar Tigre viewpoint).
- Days 7–8: lake crossing to Candelario Mansilla and an approximately 24 km hike to the Argentine border post at Lago del Desierto, with a boat crossing and transfer to El Chaltén.
- Days 9–10: free trekking in El Chaltén (Laguna de los Tres or Laguna Torre) and bus to El Calafate.
- Day 11: Glaciar Perito Moreno, with options including boat tour, walkways, or crampons trekking.
- Day 12: transfer to El Calafate airport.
Optional add-ons: guided trekking in Los Glaciares, a guide for days 7 and 8, and horses to carry luggage on the crossing. The program can also be done by rental car or in reverse order.
What's included and what's not
Includes
- 11 nights in hostels and guesthouses (1 night at the Candelario Mansilla farm, basic facilities)
- Breakfasts from day 2 to day 12, box lunches on days 3, 6, 7 and 8, and dinner on day 7
- Lake crossings and transfers as per the program
- Excursions: Capillas de Mármol, Valle Exploradores, Isla de los Muertos, and trekking in Villa O'Higgins
- Mountain guide on days 2, 3, 4 and 6
- Permanent assistance throughout the tour
Not included
- Internal transfers
- Meals not mentioned
- Personal gear
- Travel insurance
- Services not specified in the program
Frequently asked questions
Where does Carretera Austral & Aysén (Chile) with crossing to El Chaltén take place?
It takes place in Carretera Austral — Aysén (Chile), El Chaltén, Santa Cruz, Argentina (Southern / Austral Patagonia region).
What activities does the experience include?
The activities are: hiking and trekking and boating.
In which season is it available?
It is available in spring, summer and autumn.
What is included?
Included: 11 nights in hostels and guesthouses (1 night at the Candelario Mansilla farm, basic facilities); Breakfasts from day 2 to day 12, box lunches on days 3, 6, 7 and 8, and dinner on day 7; Lake crossings and transfers as per the program; Excursions: Capillas de Mármol, Valle Exploradores, Isla de los Muertos, and trekking in Villa O'Higgins; Mountain guide on days 2, 3, 4 and 6; Permanent assistance throughout the tour.
What is not included?
Not included: Internal transfers; Meals not mentioned; Personal gear; Travel insurance; Services not specified in the program.
How can I check availability and rates?
Rates and availability are checked directly with Walk Patagonia S.R.L., an AAETAV member, via WhatsApp using the "More information" button.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
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