Carretera Austral self drive vacation, Patagonia

Planet

CARBON REDUCCION
This itinerary is a great way to explore a vast area of Patagonia while keeping carbon emissions to a minimum. It requires only two direct flights to cover the long distance between Santiago (Chile’s capital) and the Aysén region. The journey can also be extended overland to include even more of Patagonia’s iconic landscapes, such as Argentina’s glacier regions (El Calafate and El Chaltén), continuing south to Torres del Paine National Park and Tierra del Fuego, a total of over 2,000 km without the need for additional internal flights. With more time available, this itinerary can also be completed using public transport, including regional buses and ferries.
We are especially committed to working with hosts who share our dedication to reducing environmental impact. For example, Mallín Colorado Ecolodge is actively reforesting native woodland around the property, and, like all the accommodation chosen for this trip, they compost, recycle, and prioritise produce grown in local gardens.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
Visiting this remote region can have a genuinely positive impact when done thoughtfully. Slowing down, engaging with local people, and traveling with care help preserve the landscapes and cultural identity.
This journey also offers opportunities to meet the individuals and organisations working to protect the region’s future. Among them is Rewilding Chile, an NGO based in Parque Patagonia, dedicated to restoring ecosystems and safeguarding native wildlife.

You’ll spend much of your time in pristine areas such as Cerro Castillo, Lago Jeinimeni, General Carrera, and Parque Patagonia, where entry fees support ongoing conservation efforts. Local guides will brief you on how to reduce your environmental impact, from staying on marked trails and avoiding waste, to using refillable water bottles. You’ll also receive a road book with practical travel tips and information on the region’s biodiversity.
To further support low-impact travel, we’ve prepared a short set of trekking guidelines, along with a brief introduction to local endemic species, designed to inspire curiosity and encourage travelers to protect this unique environment.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
When approached with intention, tourism can be a powerful tool for strengthening local economies and protecting cultural heritage, and this journey reflects that belief. As a local operator based in the region, we prioritise locally owned accommodation, transport, and services, ensuring that the financial benefits of tourism remain within the communities we visit.
We work exclusively with local guides and drivers, many of whom are long-term collaborators and respected members of their communities.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
Most, if not all, of the people involved in operating this trip, including guides, hosts, and drivers, are from Chile, and many come from the very communities visited during the journey. We also collaborate closely with artisans, food producers, and local entrepreneurs, fostering economic links across the region. One example is Huerto Abuela Safira, an agroecological garden based in Puerto Guadal, whose produce is used by many of our hosts when preparing meals.
In addition, for each of our trips, we donate a portion of the cost to support our partner NGO, which since 2011 has delivered educational projects focused on cultural heritage, diversity, and environmental awareness in schools across the region.