CARRETERA AUSTRAL · OCTOBER 3–20, 2027
Carretera Austral Complete 2027
The mythical Chilean road in 18 days.
8,283 km across Brazil, Argentina and Chile through fjords, glaciers and remote villages.
The Carretera Austral isn’t a road — it’s a frontier. 1,240 km cut into Chilean Patagonia connecting fjords, glaciers and villages that for decades existed only on maps. To ride it complete is to cross the boundary between a regular adventure and an expedition. UpSerra does it the only way it should be done: by motorcycle, with full support, and connecting it overland from Brazil — because the journey there and back is part of the route.
Eighteen days. 8,283 km. Three countries — Brazil, Argentina, Chile. Four ferry crossings through Chilean fjords. The most cinematic stretch on the planet between Chaitén and Coihaique. Lago General Carrera and the Marble Caves. Villa O’Higgins, the end of the road. And the return loop through Argentine Patagonia along Bariloche and the steppes. It’s the most complete Patagonia tour you can do on a motorcycle — and the longest in the UpSerra calendar.
Adventure level. Long days (some over 800 km), gravel stretches, ferries, and Patagonian weather that delivers sun, rain, wind and cold in the same day. This tour isn’t for a first international trip — it’s for those who already have miles on a big bike and want to close Chilean Patagonia in one shot.
IN MOTION
UpSerra Mototurismo in motion
THE ROUTE
Urubici → Argentina → Carretera Austral → Argentina → Urubici
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
18 days across Patagonia
Reception at Pousada das Flores UpSerra, technical briefing, gear inspection, welcome dinner. Last night in Brazil.
The adventure begins. Crossing southern Brazil to the Uruguaiana border, entering Argentina. Overnight in Santo Tomé.
Long stretch across the pampas to the Buenos Aires metropolitan region. Overnight in Campana or Zárate on the Paraná River.
Transition into the heart of Argentina, with arid landscapes and infinite straight roads. Santa Rosa is the capital of La Pampa.
Arrival in Neuquén, the gateway to Argentine Patagonia. The landscape begins to open up.
First Andes crossing and arrival at charming Villa La Angostura on the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi, surrounded by araucaria forests.
Day to explore the village. Suggestions: Bosque de Arrayanes, Cerro Bayo, Nahuel Huapi viewpoints. Recharge before entering the Carretera.
Crossing into Chile and the start of the legendary Carretera Austral. Ferry transfers and first Chilean coastal landscapes. Overnight in Hornopirén.
Navigation through fjords, narrow road and dense vegetation. Chaitén is a Pacific-facing village with its namesake active volcano.
One of the most scenic stretches of the trip, crossing forests and turquoise glacier rivers. Coihaique is the regional capital of Aysén — the last big city before the far south.
Views of Lake General Carrera — the second-largest lake in South America, turquoise-blue water. Optional boat trip to the Marble Caves: rock formations sculpted by glacial water. Unmissable.
The most remote region of the Carretera Austral, raw and 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.
Gravel road between snowy peaks, snowmelt rivers and isolated landscapes. Most technical stretch of the tour. Cochrane is a border town to recompose the rhythm.
Back into Argentina via the stunning Paso Roballos — a remote border with breathtaking scenery. Perito Moreno (the town, not the glacier) is the base to continue through northern Argentina.
Long stretch across the Patagonian steppes and return to Andean scenery. Arrival in San Carlos de Bariloche, the tourist capital of Argentine Patagonia.
Sinuous, well-paved roads alongside Andean rivers and valleys. Back to Neuquén to prepare the final return leg.
Return stage crossing central Argentina. Overnight in Viejo Molino (Córdoba), preparing the last day.
End of the journey. Crossing to the Paso de los Libres border. Farewell dinner celebrating 18 days and 8,283 km of complete expedition.
THE PACKAGE
What’s included
✓ INCLUDED
- UpSerra guiding throughout the tour
- Ripio-ready mechanical support vehicle (parts + assistance)
- 17 nights accommodation (UpSerra Pousada + hand-picked hotels)
- Complete initial briefing in Urubici
- Professional photo and video coverage
- Complete route, ferry and fuel planning
- Pre-trip assistance (documentation, equipment, gravel)
✗ NOT INCLUDED
- BMW R1300GS rental (optional — see Pricing)
- Fuel during the tour
- Meals
- Chilean ferries
- Marble Caves boat trip
- International travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses
PRE-REQUISITES
Who can join
- Valid passport in good condition
- Valid motorcycle license (Category A)
- Bike registration document (if own motorcycle)
- Notarized authorization (if third-party motorcycle)
- Carta Verde insurance (Argentina/Chile)
- SOAPEX/SOAP insurance for Chile (mandatory)
- International health insurance (recommended)
- Experience on a 700cc+ motorcycle with comfort on gravel
- Gravel-ready gear (high boots, protections)
- Mandatory rain cover (Patagonia rains heavily)
- Thermal gear: liner, balaclava (0–15°C / 32–59°F)
- Vaccinations: none required for AR/CL
RESERVATION
Reserve your seat — Carretera Austral 2027 · Oct 3–20, 2027
Leave your details and our team will reach out on WhatsApp to arrange payment and send documentation. Reply within 24 hours.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions
Why is this tour Adventure level?
Because of the combination of factors: gravel stretches (Villa O’Higgins ↔ Cochrane, ~80 km of gravel), 4 ferry crossings through Chilean fjords, long stages (up to 948 km on the closing day) and unpredictable Patagonian weather — sun, rain, wind and cold in the same day. It’s not a first international tour. It’s for those who already have miles on a big motorcycle and want to close Chilean Patagonia in one shot.
How do the Chilean ferries work?
The ferries are essential boats to cross the fjords of the Carretera Austral — without them, the road doesn’t exist. There are 4 crossings total, from 30 minutes to 4 hours each. UpSerra books all of them in advance and advises on timing. The cost of each ferry is paid directly at boarding and is not included in the package.
How much gravel is on the tour?
The main gravel stretch is between Villa O’Higgins and Cochrane — approximately 80 km. The rest of the Carretera is paved. The gravel requires adequate tires (dual-purpose or adventure), moderate speed and constant attention, but it’s manageable on a properly equipped BMW R1300GS. UpSerra provides a specific gravel-riding briefing before the section.
What’s the weather like in October in Patagonia?
October is the beginning of Patagonian spring: it can bring sun, rain, wind and snow in the same day. Temperatures between 5°C and 18°C / 41–64°F, with gusts up to 80 km/h in the far south. Rain cover, balaclava and thermal liner are essential. UpSerra provides full equipment guidance for local conditions before the tour.
I don’t have a suitable motorcycle — can I rent one?
Yes. UpSerra provides a tour-prepped BMW R1300GS (gravel-ready, rear rack, GPS). Rental has an additional cost of approximately US$ 1,540 — including mechanical preparation, insurance and contingency management. Bike-included spots are limited. Let us know at booking.
Can I do just the Carretera, without the outbound/return legs?
No. The tour starts and ends in Urubici — the outbound and return through Argentina is an integral part of the expedition, with high-value landscapes and stops. We don’t offer cutting the route. If you want to do the Carretera via flight, that’s a different tour (ask about Fly&Ride Carretera).
PRICING
Investment — Carretera Austral Complete
Two modalities — bring your own bike or rent the UpSerra-prepped BMW R1300GS. Reference values in USD.
| Modality | Own bike | With BMW R1300GS UpSerra |
|---|---|---|
| Solo rider — shared room | US$ 4,400 per person | US$ 5,950 per person |
| Solo rider — single room | US$ 5,400 per person | US$ 6,900 per person |
USD reference values, final amount confirmed at sign-up. Payment options: international wire, credit card or installments — check options with our team on WhatsApp. Limited seats to keep the rhythm and full attention of the UpSerra team.
Limited seats.
Reserve your seat on Carretera Austral 2027. Oct 3–20.
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