CARRETERA AUSTRAL • OCT 10–27, 2026
Carretera Austral Full Tour 2026
The legendary Chilean road in 18 days.
8,283 km across Brazil, Argentina, and Chile — fjords, glaciers, and remote villages.
The Carretera Austral is the legendary motorcycling road of South America. Twelve hundred kilometers of Chilean asphalt and gravel cut through the wildest part of Patagonia — fjords, glaciers, ancient forests, turquoise glacial rivers, twenty-house villages at the edge of the map. This is the complete version: 18 days crossing Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, with the entire Carretera and everything that comes before and after.
You leave from Urubici, ride across the Argentinian pampas and Patagonia, enter Chile at Hornopirén, and continue down the Carretera ferry by ferry — from the fjords of Chaitén to the snow-capped peaks above Coyhaique, from Lago General Carrera with its famous Marble Caves to the deep south at Villa O’Higgins. You return to Argentina via Paso Roballos, ride through Bariloche and Neuquén, and finish at Paso de los Libres. Four border crossings, three countries, three distinct ecosystems.
Advanced level — the only Advanced-level tour in our 2026 calendar. Includes gravel sections between Villa O’Higgins and Cochrane, ferry crossings, long riding days (up to 948 km on the final stage), and the unpredictable Patagonian spring weather that can deliver everything in a single day. Not a first international ride — this is for riders who already have heavy-bike touring experience and want to complete the definitive Chilean Patagonia route. Full UpSerra logistics: hotels, support vehicle, tour leader, and professional photo coverage.
IN MOTION
The Carretera Austral on screen
Video from the previous edition. The landscapes, the gravel, the ferries, the rhythm of the tour.
Ride Chile’s legendary Carretera Austral with UpSerra. 18 days, 8,283 km across Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. BMW R1300GS included. Limited spots.More videos on @upserra YouTube channel →
THE ROUTE
Urubici → Patagonia → Carretera Austral → Bariloche → Brazil
Day-by-day itinerary
DAY 01 · SAT OCT 10 · URUBICI
Reception in Urubici
Welcome at Pousada das Flores UpSerra, technical briefing, equipment check, welcome dinner. Last night in Brazil.
DAY 02 · SUN OCT 11 · 786 KM
Urubici → Santo Tomé
Adventure begins. We cross southern Brazil to the Uruguaiana border and enter Argentina. Overnight in Santo Tomé.
DAY 03 · MON OCT 12 · 772 KM
Santo Tomé → Campana/Zárate
Long ride across the pampas plains to the metropolitan region of Buenos Aires. Overnight in Campana or Zárate, on the banks of the Paraná River.
DAY 04 · TUE OCT 13 · 597 KM
Campana → Santa Rosa
Transition into the heart of Argentina, with arid landscapes and endless straight roads. Santa Rosa is the capital of La Pampa province.
DAY 05 · WED OCT 14 · 536 KM · GATEWAY TO PATAGONIA
Santa Rosa → Neuquén
Arrival in Neuquén, the gateway to Argentinian Patagonia. The landscape begins to open.
DAY 06 · THU OCT 15 · 530 KM · FIRST ANDES CROSSING
Neuquén → Villa La Angostura
First Andes crossing and arrival at the charming Villa La Angostura, on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, surrounded by ancient Araucaria forests.
DAY 07 · FRI OCT 16 · FREE DAY
Villa La Angostura — free day
A day to explore the village. Suggestions: Bosque de Arrayanes, Cerro Bayo, Nahuel Huapi viewpoints. Recharge before entering the Carretera.
DAY 08 · SAT OCT 17 · 444 KM · ENTRY INTO CHILE
Villa La Angostura → Hornopirén
Entry into Chile and start of the legendary Carretera Austral. Ferry crossings and first Chilean coastal landscapes. Overnight in Hornopirén.
DAY 09 · SUN OCT 18 · 322 KM · FJORDS
Hornopirén → Chaitén
Navigation through fjords, narrow roads, and dense vegetation. Chaitén is a village facing the Pacific, with an active volcano of the same name.
Villa La Angostura — free day
A day to explore the village. Suggestions: Bosque de Arrayanes, Cerro Bayo, Nahuel Huapi viewpoints. Recharge before entering the Carretera.
DAY 08 · SAT OCT 17 · 444 KM · ENTRY INTO CHILE
Villa La Angostura → Hornopirén
Entry into Chile and start of the legendary Carretera Austral. Ferry crossings and first Chilean coastal landscapes. Overnight in Hornopirén.
DAY 09 · SUN OCT 18 · 322 KM · FJORDS
Hornopirén → Chaitén
Navigation through fjords, narrow roads, and dense vegetation. Chaitén is a village facing the Pacific, with an active volcano of the same name.
DAY 10 · MON OCT 19 · 233 KM · MOST SCENIC STAGE
Chaitén → Coyhaique
One of the most scenic stages, crossing forests and glacial rivers. Coyhaique is the regional capital of Aysén — the last large town before the deep south.
DAY 11 · TUE OCT 20 · 215 KM · MARBLE CAVES
Coyhaique → Puerto Río Tranquilo
Views of Lago General Carrera (the second largest lake in South America, with turquoise-blue water). Optional boat trip to the Marble Caves — rock formations sculpted by water. A must-see.
DAY 12 · WED OCT 21 · 344 KM · DEEP SOUTH
Puerto Río Tranquilo → Villa O’Higgins
The most remote region of the Carretera Austral, with raw, untouched nature. Villa O’Higgins is the end of the road — beyond it, only the wildest Patagonia. Reaching here is the high point of the tour.
DAY 13 · THU OCT 22 · 231 KM · GRAVEL
Villa O’Higgins → Cochrane
Gravel road through snow-capped peaks, glacial rivers, and isolated landscapes. The most technical stage of the tour. Cochrane is a border village to recover the rhythm.
DAY 14 · FRI OCT 23 · 250 KM · RETURN TO ARGENTINA
Cochrane → Perito Moreno
Return to Argentina via the stunning Paso Roballos — a remote border crossing with breathtaking landscapes. Perito Moreno (the town, not the glacier) is the base to continue north.
DAY 15 · SAT OCT 24 · 799 KM
Perito Moreno → Bariloche
Long ride across the Patagonian steppes and return to Andean scenery. Arrival at San Carlos de Bariloche, the tourism capital of Argentinian Patagonia.
>DAY 16 · SUN OCT 25 · 439 KM
Bariloche → Neuquén
Winding, well-paved roads along rivers and valleys. Back to Neuquén to prepare the return.
DAY 17 · MON OCT 26 · 837 KM
Neuquén → Viejo Molino
Return stage crossing central Argentina. Overnight in Viejo Molino (Córdoba), preparing for the final day.
DAY 18 · TUE OCT 27 · 948 KM · FINISH
Viejo Molino → Paso de los Libres
End of the journey. Crossing to the border at Paso de los Libres. Farewell dinner and full-tour celebration.
EXPEDITION MEMORIES
The Carretera Austral in pictures
Photos from previous editions — Chilean fjords, Marble Caves, Villa O’Higgins, Bariloche.
More on Instagram @upserra_ →
THE LEGENDARY ROAD
The Carretera Austral, complete
Chile’s Ruta 7 — better known as the Carretera Austral — is one of the most legendary motorcycling roads in the world. Built in 1976 to connect Chilean Patagonia to the rest of the country, it stretches 1,240 km between Puerto Montt and Villa O’Higgins, cutting through a region where geography made everything difficult: mountains, fjords, vast lakes, glacial rivers, wind, rain. This tour rides the Carretera complete — from Hornopirén to Villa O’Higgins, with no shortcuts.
Not a first international ride. There are gravel sections (Villa O’Higgins ↔ Cochrane), vehicle ferries across fjords, long days in the saddle (up to 948 km on the closing leg), and Patagonian spring weather that can deliver sun, rain, wind, and even snow in the same day. Advanced level — for riders with serious heavy-bike touring experience who want to ride Chilean Patagonia in one go.
Full UpSerra logistics: hand-picked hotels at every stop (in some villages, the only good option), a support vehicle ready for gravel, bilingual tour leaders who know every ferry and every gas station, professional photography and video. You can bring your own bike or rent a UpSerra-prepared BMW R1300GS.
THE PACKAGE
What’s included
INCLUDED
- BMW R1300GS rental for 18 days (always included)
- UpSerra bilingual tour leader throughout the entire trip
- Mechanical support vehicle (gravel-ready, parts & support)
- 17 nights accommodation (Pousada UpSerra Urubici + selected hotels)
- Technical briefing in Urubici + motorcycle handover
- Professional photography and video coverage
- Complete route planning, ferries & refueling stops
- Pre-trip support (documentation, equipment, gravel preparation)
NOT INCLUDED
- International airfare
- Motorcycle fuel during the tour
- Meals (breakfast only at Pousada UpSerra)
- Chilean ferry fares (~USD 30–50 each)
- Marble Caves boat trip, Lago General Carrera (~USD 60)
- International travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses
Chilean ferries to cross the fjords are essential — without them, the Carretera doesn’t work. UpSerra books all of them in advance. Each ferry costs USD 30–50 and is paid on the spot. The Marble Caves boat trip on Lago General Carrera is optional but absolutely recommended.
Requirements
Documentation (international riders)
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond return date
- Visa requirements: US/Canadian/UK/AU/NZ citizens enter Brazil, Argentina, and Chile visa-free for tourism (up to 90 days)
- Motorcycle license (Class A or equivalent) — valid in country of issue
- International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended (issued in your country before departure — AAA in the US, AA in UK)
- Mandatory international travel insurance (medical evacuation strongly recommended for Patagonia)
- If bringing your own motorcycle: registration, ownership documents, and Carta Verde insurance for cross-border travel
Other requirements
- Heavy-bike experience (700cc+) with confidence on gravel — the Carretera has ~80 km of gravel between Villa O’Higgins and Cochrane
- Gravel-ready gear: high-cut riding boots, knee armor, jacket with full protection, rain shell (Patagonia rains a lot), reinforced gloves
- Cold weather gear: insulated jacket, balaclava (Patagonian spring: 0–15°C / 32–59°F with wind)
- Vaccinations: none mandatory for entry to AR/CL — keep routine vaccinations up to date
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Reserve your spot — Carretera Austral October 2026
Leave your details and our team will reach out on WhatsApp to handle payment and send the documentation. Reply within 24 hours.
Prefer to talk first? Message us on WhatsApp →
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this tour Advanced level?
Combination of factors: gravel sections between Villa O’Higgins and Cochrane, long days (up to 948 km on D18), ferry coordination, unpredictable Patagonian weather, and the remoteness of the region. Not recommended as a first international motorcycle trip.
How do the Chilean ferries work?
The Carretera has 2–3 mandatory ferry crossings to traverse fjords. UpSerra books everything in advance. Each ferry costs USD 30–50, paid on the spot. Crossing time ranges from 30 minutes to 5 hours. The longest is Hornopirén → Caleta Gonzalo (~5h, spectacular fjords).
How much gravel is in the tour?
About 80–100 km of gravel (ripio) between Villa O’Higgins and Cochrane (D13). The rest of the Carretera is paved. Gravel is compacted dirt and stone — requires comfort with traction changes and proper gear. If you’ve ridden mountain back-roads on a heavy bike, you’ll handle it.
What’s the weather like in October?
Early Patagonian spring. Temperatures: 0–15°C (32–59°F). Strong Patagonian wind. Snow possible at high passes. Rain and overcast days are expected — Southern Patagonia is like this. Layered gear and a rain shell are mandatory.
Do I need a visa for Brazil, Argentina, and Chile?
Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand currently enter all three countries visa-free for tourism (up to 90 days). Always check the latest entry requirements before departure — UpSerra confirms with you ahead of time.
Is my motorcycle license valid?
Yes — your home country motorcycle license (Class A or equivalent) is accepted. We strongly recommend getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) before traveling — issued by AAA in the US, AA in the UK, and equivalent automobile clubs elsewhere. Border officers occasionally ask for it.
How does jet lag affect Day 1?
The trip starts in Urubici, Brazil. From the US East Coast, time difference is 1–2 hours; from West Coast or Europe, 3–6 hours. We recommend arriving 1 day early to recover. Day 1 is dedicated to briefing and rest in Urubici — no riding yet.
How much does fuel and food cost?
Fuel: ~USD 900–1,200 across 8,283 km. Meals: USD 25–50/day. Ferries (3 crossings): USD 90–150 total. Marble Caves boat trip: USD 60. Budget USD 1,400–1,800 to cover everything comfortably. Gas stations get rare between Villa O’Higgins and Cochrane — UpSerra plans refueling.
I don’t have my own motorcycle — can I rent one?
Yes. UpSerra operates its own fleet of BMW R1300GS prepared for gravel. Rental price is included in the “with motorcycle” tier — see pricing below. Includes a fully serviced bike, mechanical support from the support vehicle, and the bike waiting for you in Urubici on Day 1.
How do I pay? What’s the deposit?
10% deposit at booking confirms your spot. Balance is paid via international wire transfer in USD or credit card. Once you submit the booking form, our team contacts you on WhatsApp within 24 hours to handle the details. Cancellation terms are shared at booking.
Can I do only the Carretera, without the rest?
Not in this format — this is the full tour starting from Urubici. For Carretera-only, fly to Bariloche and contact UpSerra to arrange a custom shorter tour. Message us on WhatsApp to discuss.
Pricing
Per person, in USD. BMW R1300GS rental and full UpSerra logistics always included.
| Package | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rider — Twin Room (BMW R1300GS included) | USD 8,500 |
| Rider — Single Room (BMW R1300GS included) | USD 9,500 |
Payment terms: 10% deposit at booking confirms your spot. Balance via international wire transfer (USD) or credit card. Talk to the UpSerra team on WhatsApp to discuss the best package and any available adjustments. Cancellation terms shared at booking.
Limited spots.
Small group to preserve pace and full attention from the team.
Reserve your spot directly with us.
“More than roads, we live experiences. More than destinations, we build friendships.”
@UPSERRA_ · OFFICIAL BMW MOTORRAD PARTNER