A road trip through Chile is a fascinating adventure, spanning from sultry deserts in the north to frigid glaciers in the south. Thanks to the country's unique narrow shape, you'll always be within walking distance of both the mesmerizing shores of the Pacific Ocean and the imposing peaks of the Andes. Below you'll find a guide to the most exciting driving routes in Chile:
Route: Calama - San Pedro de Atacama - Salar de Atacama (Ruta 23)
Set off from Calama on a journey to the driest desert in the world on Route 23. Make your way to the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, where the landscapes of the Moon Valley and the mesmerizing horizons of the Salar de Atacama await you. This road, as if leading to the stars, immerses you in the silence and majesty of the desert.
Route: Calama - San Pedro de Atacama - Salar de Atacama (Ruta 23)
Set off from Calama on a journey to the driest desert in the world on Route 23. Make your way to the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, where the landscapes of the Moon Valley and the mesmerizing horizons of the Salar de Atacama await you. This road, as if leading to the stars, immerses you in the silence and majesty of the desert.
Route: Temuco - Pucon - Puerto Vara (Ruta 5)
Explore Route 5 south to the Lake District, where magnificent bodies of water and volcanoes are juxtaposed with cozy villages. Starting point in Temuco, from where you'll move on to scenic Pucon, with the majestic Villarrica volcano as a backdrop. Puerto Varas will delight you with magnificent views of lakes and volcanoes, reminding you of the power and beauty of nature.
Route: Puerto Montt - Carretera Austral - Villa O'Higgins (Ruta 7)
Make your way along the Carretera Austral (Route 7), penetrating the heart of wild Patagonia. From remote rainforests to ice caves, every kilometer of this road is steeped in adventure and discovery.
Explore Route 5 south to the Lake District, where magnificent bodies of water and volcanoes are juxtaposed with cozy villages. Starting point in Temuco, from where you'll move on to scenic Pucon, with the majestic Villarrica volcano as a backdrop. Puerto Varas will delight you with magnificent views of lakes and volcanoes, reminding you of the power and beauty of nature.
Route: Puerto Montt - Carretera Austral - Villa O'Higgins (Ruta 7)
Make your way along the Carretera Austral (Route 7), penetrating the heart of wild Patagonia. From remote rainforests to ice caves, every kilometer of this road is steeped in adventure and discovery.
Route: Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine (Ruta 9)
Route 9 takes you through the Patagonian steppes, from the port city of Punta Arenas to the amazing Puerto Natales, and on to the splendor of Torres del Paine National Park, one of Chile's natural wonders.
These routes reveal all of Chile's diversity. As you drive through each of them, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and cultural richness of the country. It is important to take your time, stop to be inspired by the beauty around you, and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of each place.
Route 9 takes you through the Patagonian steppes, from the port city of Punta Arenas to the amazing Puerto Natales, and on to the splendor of Torres del Paine National Park, one of Chile's natural wonders.
These routes reveal all of Chile's diversity. As you drive through each of them, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and cultural richness of the country. It is important to take your time, stop to be inspired by the beauty around you, and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of each place.