Carretera Austral: Kilometer Zero in Puerto Montt

The starting point

Where Route 7
begins

The Carretera Austral, officially Route 7, begins in Puerto Montt and runs 1,240 kilometers south to Villa O'Higgins. The marker for kilometer zero stands on the Puerto Montt waterfront, a short walk from Apart Hotel Colón.

It is not a continuous road. The route mixes paved sections, gravel sections and three mandatory ferry crossings in its northern half. That is why the first day of the trip is planned around ferry timetables rather than distance.

Puerto Montt concentrates everything that becomes scarce further south: fuel stations, spare parts, supermarkets, ATMs and car rental. Leaving here with a full tank and a checked vehicle is basic logistics, not a brochure tip.

First stages

The first
300 kilometers

Puerto Montt → Caleta La Arena

Paved section along the Reloncaví Sound. It is the first stretch of Route 7 and ends at the ferry ramp.

Caleta La Arena → Caleta Puelche

Ferry crossing over the Reloncaví estuary. Year-round service; in high season arrive early, since boarding is first come, first served.

Caleta Puelche → Hornopirén

Route 7 continues to Hornopirén, gateway to Hornopirén National Park and the last town with full services before the long crossing.

Hornopirén → Caleta Gonzalo

A multi-hour ferry that runs only in the summer season and requires advance booking. This is the bottleneck of the trip: without that slot you cannot continue south on Route 7.

Caleta Gonzalo → Chaitén

Already inside Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, with its alerce forests and the Chaitén volcano. From here the road continues to Futaleufú, Puyuhuapi and Coyhaique.

Preparation

Before you
set off

Fuel

Fill up in Puerto Montt. Stations further south are scarce and keep limited hours.

Ferries

Check timetables and book with the operator before leaving. Vehicle slots in season sell out weeks ahead.

Cash

Many rural services do not take cards and mobile data is intermittent.

Spares

A sound spare wheel and a jack. Gravel is the most common cause of trouble.

Season

December to March is when services are open and ferry frequency is highest. Outside those months several sections reduce operation.

Paperwork

If the vehicle is rented and you plan to cross into Argentina, request the notarised exit authorisation from the rental company in advance.

Before the road

What to see without
leaving base

Many travellers spend a full day preparing the vehicle and confirming ferry slots. These destinations are less than two hours from Puerto Montt and make good use of that wait:

Alerce Andino National Park → Cochamó → Lake Chapo → Angelmó Market →

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where is kilometer zero of the Carretera Austral?

The kilometer zero marker of Route 7 stands on the Puerto Montt waterfront, along the shore of the Reloncaví Sound, a short walk from the city centre.

How long is the Carretera Austral?

Route 7 runs approximately 1,240 kilometers between Puerto Montt and Villa O'Higgins.

Can the Carretera Austral be driven without ferries?

Not in its northern half. The section between Puerto Montt and Chaitén requires the Caleta La Arena - Caleta Puelche crossing and the Hornopirén - Caleta Gonzalo ferry, which runs only in summer. The alternatives are entering the Carretera Austral through Argentina or sailing to Chaitén from Puerto Montt.

When is the best time to drive the Carretera Austral?

Between December and March. In those months every ferry operates, tourist services are open and daylight hours are longest.

Where should I stay the night before setting off?

In downtown Puerto Montt, close to the kilometer zero marker and to services. Apart Hotel Colón is at Pedro Montt 65, with free private parking and an equipped kitchen in every room, useful for preparing supplies before the road.

Carretera Australkilometer zero

Where Route 7begins

The first300 kilometers

Before youset off

What to see withoutleaving base