World-class scenery paired with world-class terrible roads—this is the Southern Highway of Chile, also known as Carretera Austral, or Route 7. This rugged road serves as a lifeline, connecting the remote villages of Patagonia on the Chilean side. Along its winding path, you’ll encounter breathtaking landscapes: snow-capped mountains, lush grasslands, turquoise lakes, verdant pastures, dense forests, meandering rivers, and even deserts.
The area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for camping, mountaineering, and even driving into Argentina. Despite its name, which translates to “highway” in Spanish, this “highway” is almost entirely unpaved, featuring gravel, loess, washboard, potholed, muddy, and construction roads.
Sometimes, there’s no road at all. One of my favorite signs is “inicio pavimento,” which means “paved road starts here.”
This time, I embarked on a 1650km journey over four days, starting from Balmaceda Airport. This post will serve as a guide for car rental and the adventure (February 2025).
– There are five car rental companies at Balmaceda Airport: Europcar, RECASUR, MITTA, SalfaRent, and Varona. For this example, we’ll use Europcar.
– When picking up your car, inspect it meticulously. Check if the front windshield has any cracks from flying stones. Examine the tire tread and pressure; blowouts are common on this road.
If you notice any issues, report them immediately.
– The rental company is generally lenient about scratches but very particular about the condition of the tires, front windshield, and fuel level. Make sure to document any existing scratches when you pick up the car.
– Opt for a higher vehicle and don’t skimp on insurance.
You can purchase it on-site, with options ranging from 5000 to 6000 CLP per day.
– Use 93 octane gasoline, which costs between 1390-1490 CLP per liter, making it quite expensive. Refuel whenever you see a gas station. Bring plenty of snacks and water, as supplies are scarce along the way.
– To break the monotony, pick up hitchhikers on the roadside.
Most are international backpackers, and you’ll hear fascinating stories about the love-hate relationship between Chile and Argentina, as well as many tales of Patagonia.
– Despite the rough conditions, traffic order is excellent. Slower vehicles yield, and everyone stops at “PARE” (stop) signs. There won’t be slow-moving vehicles blocking the way.
– Avoid stopping randomly in the middle of the road; the speed can be quite high.
– On gravel roads, maintain a safe distance from the car in front to avoid being hit by flying stones.
– Be cautious on gravel bends, as they can be slippery!
– Slow down when passing cyclists, as the dust kicked up by your car can be blinding.
– Keep your headlights on at all times; it’s the law.
– Wear sunglasses! The glare can be intense.
– Download Google offline maps, as there is virtually no signal along the way.
The rest is about being bold and careful, and enjoying the stunning scenery! The next post will cover the detailed itinerary.
