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South America

Carretera Austral & Route 40 – Balmaceda to Punta Arenas – Self-drive

12 Days, Departs October to April. From AUD $4,582pp.
Self-Drive Journeys
No obligation enquiry
Details

Overview

Embark on the ultimate 12-day self-drive adventure through Patagonia, journeying from Balmaceda to Punta Arenas. Travel along the iconic Carretera Austral and Route 40, uncovering the region’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Explore the turquoise waters and Marble Caves of General Carrera Lake, traverse the rugged Patagonian steppe, and marvel at the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier. No journey through Patagonia is complete without a visit to Torres del Paine National Park, where dramatic peaks, shimmering lakes, and abundant wildlife await.

With pre-arranged accommodations and a carefully crafted itinerary, enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace. From snow-capped mountains to remote villages, this unforgettable adventure offers the perfect balance of discovery, natural beauty, and excitement!

Carretera Austral & Route 40 - Balmaceda to Punta Arenas - Self-drive
Carretera Austral & Route 40 - Balmaceda to Punta Arenas - Self-drive
Carretera Austral & Route 40 - Balmaceda to Punta Arenas - Self-drive
Carretera Austral & Route 40 - Balmaceda to Punta Arenas - Self-drive
Carretera Austral & Route 40 - Balmaceda to Punta Arenas - Self-drive
Carretera Austral & Route 40 - Balmaceda to Punta Arenas - Self-drive
Carretera Austral & Route 40 - Balmaceda to Punta Arenas - Self-drive
Carretera Austral & Route 40 - Balmaceda to Punta Arenas - Self-drive
Carretera Austral & Route 40 - Balmaceda to Punta Arenas - Self-drive
Carretera Austral & Route 40 - Balmaceda to Punta Arenas - Self-drive
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Itinerary Highlights

  • Carretera Austral & Route 40: Drive along two of South America's most iconic routes, showcasing Patagonia's stunning and diverse landscapes.
  • Marble Caves of General Carrera Lake: Marvel at the vibrant turquoise waters and intricate rock formations of these natural wonders.
  • Perito Moreno Glacier: Witness one of the world's most breathtaking glaciers, renowned for its towering ice walls and active calving.
  • Torres del Paine National Park: Explore this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to dramatic peaks, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife.
  • Self-Drive Freedom: Enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace with a carefully planned itinerary and pre-arranged accommodations.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Balmaceda Airport Car Hire Pick Up & Balmaceda - Coyhaique
  • Day 2: Coyhaique - General Carrera Lake
  • Day 3: General Carrera Lake Day at Leisure
  • Day 4: General Carrera Lake - Lago Posadas
  • Day 5: Lago Posadas - El Chalten
  • Day 6: El Chalten - Viedma Glacier
  • Day 7: El Chalten - El Calafate
  • Day 8: El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier
  • Day 9: El Calafate - Torres Del Paine National Park
  • Day 10: Torres Del Paine National Park Day at Leisure
  • Day 11: Torres Del Paine - Punta Arenas
  • Day 12: Punta Arenas - Airport & Car Hire Drop Off

Tailor-made suggestions

  • Consider adding 2 extra days in both Torres del Paine and El Chalten to explore these beautiful and vast areas.
  • Add in a stopover in Santiago with our Santiago Essentials
  • Experience the wonders of Chile’s north with a visit to the spectacular Atacama desert.
  • Include this itinerary into our Best of South America.

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
View package map

Day 1 - Balmaceda: Airport Car Hire Pick Up & Balmaceda - Coyhaique

Airport Car Hire Pick Up & Balmaceda - Coyhaique
(56 Km/ 35 Mi)
Pick up your car at Balmaceda Airport and start your self-drive adventure through the Patagonia. Your destination for the day will be Coyhaique the capital of the Aysén Region and home to nearby rivers and green landscapes. Overnight in Coyhaique.


Day 2 - Coyhaique: Coyhaique - General Carrera Lake

Coyhaique - General Carrera Lake
(258 Km / 160 Mi)
This morning, you will need to depart early and follow the road leading you to the General Carrera Lake. Along the way make sure to make stops at the different lookout points with beautiful views. Continue your journey along the lengthy and uninhabited stretch of the Carretera Austral. Don’t miss a visit to the Marble Caves close to Puerto Tranquilo. Overnight at the shores of the General Carrera Lake.


Breakfast included.

Day 3 - General Carrera Lake: General Carrera Lake Day at Leisure

General Carrera Lake Day at Leisure
You will have the entire day to enjoy and discover your surroundings. Lake General Carrera is the biggest lake in Chile and home to several outdoor activities including; hiking, horseback riding, fishing and boat ride excursions. Overnight at the shores of the General Carrera Lake.


Breakfast included.

Day 4 - General Carrera Lake: General Carrera Lake - Lago Posadas

General Carrera Lake - Lago Posadas
(202 Km/ 126 Mi)
After breakfast start your drive south following Route 7. Today’s journey will take you near the Cochrane National Reserve and through the Chacabuco Valley, both known for their incredible views. Once having reached the border crossing of Paso Roballos you will be met with by the famous pampas of Argentina. Here you will need to present a Salvoconducto to the migration office, please ask us for more details. A little further along the drive you will reach the city of Bajo Caracoles and then your stunning destination Lago Posadas. Overnight in Lago Posadas.


Breakfast included.

Day 5 - Posadas: Lago Posadas - El Chalten

Lago Posadas - El Chalten
(535 Km / 333 Mi)
For the majority of the day you will follow the famous “Patagonian Highway” (Route 40) to El Chaltén, situated at the foot of the Fitz Roy Mountain Range. Overnight in El Chaltén.


Breakfast included.

Day 6 - El Chalten: El Chalten - Viedma Glacier

El Chalten - Viedma Glacier
Today take advantage of your location and visit the Viedma Glacier that is part of the huge Southern Patagonian Ice Field. It is located on the western end of Lake Viedma in the undefined part of the limit between Chile and Argentina


Breakfast included.

Day 7 - El Chalten: El Chalten - El Calafate

El Chalten - El Calafate
Your drive today will take you past breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty including lakes and vast expanses. Your destination is El Calafate known as a quaint town filled of local charm. Overnight in El Calafate.


Breakfast included.

Day 8 - El Calafate: El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier

El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier
(48 Km / 30 Mi)
After breakfast take a trip to the Los Glaciares National Park to visit the magnificent Perito Moreno glacier. This is a true spectacle of nature and a must see. In addition to enjoying the various walkways of the park for up-close views of the glaciers, a trek or boat ride can also be organized. Overnight in El Calafate.


Breakfast included.

Day 9 - El Calafate: El Calafate - Torres Del Paine National Park

El Calafate - Torres Del Paine National Park
(253 Km / 157 Mi)
You will drive into Chile via Cerro Castillo through the vast steppe or Pampa and arrive in one of the most beautiful national parks of the American continent; Torres del Paine. Enjoy the view of the Torres on your way to your accommodation.


Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 10 - Torres Del Paine: Torres Del Paine National Park Day at Leisure

Torres Del Paine National Park Day at Leisure
You will start early to make the most of this day. Visit some of the various sites within the park, navigate to the Grey Glacier in a boat or trek on one of the shorter trails to experience this magnificent landscape close-up.


Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 11 - Torres Del Paine: Torres Del Paine - Punta Arenas

Torres Del Paine - Punta Arenas
(347 Km / 216 Mi)
Today you will start to get back into civilization by driving to Punta Arenas: the southernmost port city in the world. It is located by the Brunswick Peninsula and the Magellan Strait. Overnight in Punta Arenas.


Breakfast included.

Day 12 - Punta Arenas: Punta Arenas - Airport & Car Hire Drop Off

Punta Arenas - Airport & Car Hire Drop Off
Your adventure through Patagonia has come to an end. After dropping your car off you can catch your connecting flight.


Breakfast included.

Departs October to April

SeasonTypeFromAdditional
01 Oct 2025 - 30 Apr 2026 AUD$4582ppExpand to view prices
12 Day Carretera Austral & Route 40 - Balmaceda to Punta Arenas - Self-driveAUD$4582ppContact us
  • Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
  • Single supplements apply.
  • Hotel rates are based on double / twin share lead in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available.
  • Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events. 
12 Day Carretera Austral & Route 40 - Balmaceda to Punta Arenas - Self-drive

Coyhaique, Chile - Hotel Belisario Jara

General Carrera Lake, Chile - El Mirador de Guadal

Posadas, Argentina - Hosteria La Posada Del Posadas

El Chalten, Argentina - Hotel Lunajuim

El Calafate, Argentina - Hosteria Sierra Nevada

Torres Del Paine, Chile - Hotel del Paine

Punta Arenas, Chile - Hotel Cabo de Hornos

What's included?

  • 9 nights including breakfast
  • 2 nights including half board (Hotel del Paine)
  • 12 days car rental (Europcar category I3) including unlimited free mileage. Other car categories available for a supplement. Ask us.
  • Local tax
  • Full CDW coverage with deductible (for details see rental contract)
  • Drop off Coyhaique- Punta Arenas
  • International permission to cross into Argentina with vehicle
  • Roadmap and descriptions

What's not?

  • Chile car rental companies charge an additional airport service fee when vehicle will be picked up from airport. This service charge is not included in the published rates. This extra fee has to be paid upon returning the car.
  • Airfares
  • Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Any items not mentioned as included

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

No obligation enquiry

Destination: South America

The vivid sights and sounds of South America offer something for everyone. Stretching from the Caribbean to Patagonia, the variety of cultures, climates and landscapes has to be experienced firsthand to be believed. The memories you take home will leave you wanting more – we’re sure you’ll want to return again and again, just like us!
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Carretera Austral & Route 40 – Balmaceda to Punta Arenas – Self-drive

12 Days, Departs October to April. From AUD $4,582pp.
No obligation enquiry