60-Day Itinerary from Santiago to Ushuaia

Day 1-3: Santiago, Chile to Pucon (790 km, 9-10 hours total)

Distance: 790 km (9-10 hours of driving over 3 days)

Highlights:

Depart Santiago and drive directly to Pucon, with overnight stops in Curico and Los Angeles along the way (as described earlier).

In Pucon, explore Lake Villarica and Villarrica Volcano, enjoy hot springs, and take hikes or try other adventure activities such as kayaking or rafting.

Day 4-6: Pucon to Puerto Varas (290 km, 4-5 hours)

Highlights:

Drive from Pucon to Puerto Varas, a charming lakeside town with views of the Osorno Volcano.

Explore Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, visit Lake Todos los Santos, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or boat trips.

Take in the German influence of the area by visiting local towns like Frutillar for a cultural experience and good food.

Day 7-9: Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt (20 km, 30 minutes)

Highlights:

Puerto Montt is just a short drive from Puerto Varas, so you’ll have time to explore this important port city.

Visit the Angelmo Market for seafood and local crafts, and enjoy views of the Reloncaví Estuary.

Consider a day trip to nearby Chiloé Island to explore its unique culture, traditional wooden churches (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and its beautiful coastline.

Day 10-12: Puerto Montt to Caleta La Arena (Ferry) and Carretera Austral (40 km, 1 hour)

Distance: ~ 40 km from Puerto Montt to Caleta La Arena (Ferry)

Highlights:

Ferry to the Carretera Austral: From Puerto Montt, take the ferry across the Reloncaví Estuary to Caleta La Arena. The ferry ride is a scenic and relaxing way to begin your journey along the famed Carretera Austral.

Once on the mainland, drive to Puelche and begin exploring the southern highway. Enjoy the stunning scenery as you pass through dense forests and along rivers.

Day 13-15: Caleta La Arena to Chaitén (210 km, 4 hours)

Highlights:

Continue along the Carretera Austral, a picturesque route with stunning views of the Andes, lakes, and fjords.

Arrive in Chaitén, a small town that was largely destroyed by volcanic eruption in 2008 but has since been rebuilt.

Explore the Pumalín Park, a private nature reserve with beautiful hiking trails and dramatic landscapes.

Day 16-18: Chaitén to Futaleufú (130 km, 3 hours)

Highlights:

Drive along the Carretera Austral, enjoying the lush forests and spectacular mountain landscapes.

Arrive in Futaleufú, famous for its white-water rafting and outdoor adventure activities.

Enjoy kayaking, hiking, or simply relaxing by the Futaleufú River.

Day 19-22: Futaleufú to Coyhaique (300 km, 6 hours)

Highlights:

Continue south on the Carretera Austral, heading toward Coyhaique.

Coyhaique is surrounded by breathtaking mountains, rivers, and forests, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring nearby Queulat National Park.

Visit the Cerro Castillo National Reserve for amazing views and hiking opportunities.

Day 23-26: Coyhaique to Puerto Río Tranquilo (220 km, 5-6 hours)

Highlights:

Drive south to Puerto Río Tranquilo and explore Lake General Carrera.

Visit the famous Marble Caves, a stunning natural formation on the lake that can be explored by boat.

Relax by the lake and enjoy the remote beauty of the area.

Day 27-30: Puerto Río Tranquilo to El Chaltén, Argentina (220 km, 5-6 hours)

Highlights:

Cross into Argentina and head to El Chaltén, the trekking capital of Argentina.

Hike the trails to Laguna de los Tres for stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy.

Take time to explore other nearby trails or simply enjoy the village and its outdoor atmosphere.

Day 31-34: El Chaltén to El Calafate (220 km, 3 hours)

Highlights:

Drive to El Calafate and visit the Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive and active glacier.

Take a boat tour to get up close to the glacier, or enjoy walking along the viewing platforms with spectacular views.

Explore Los Glaciares National Park for more hiking and exploration of glaciers.

Day 35-37: El Calafate to Rio Gallegos (230 km, 3 hours)

Highlights:

Visit the port city of Rio Gallegos in Argentina.

Take a short detour to Cabo Vírgenes to see the Magellanic penguin colony.

Explore the surrounding landscapes and enjoy the rugged Patagonian steppe.

Day 38-41: Rio Gallegos to Ushuaia (350 km, 6 hours)

Highlights:

Continue on to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.

Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park and visit Martial Glacier for hiking and stunning views of the surrounding areas.

Take a boat trip on the Beagle Channel and enjoy the breathtaking scenery and wildlife.

Day 42-44: Ushuaia to Rio Grande (200 km, 3-4 hours)

Highlights:

Drive back to Rio Grande, a town known for its fishing culture.

Explore the local wildlife and enjoy the rugged beauty of the Tierra del Fuego region.

Consider visiting the End of the World Railway for a unique historical experience.

Day 45-48: Rio Grande to Puerto Natales (280 km, 5 hours)

Highlights:

Cross back into Chile and head to Puerto Natales, a base for visiting Torres del Paine National Park.

Spend time in Torres del Paine, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, exploring the park's lakes, glaciers, and hiking trails.

Spend at least two days exploring the park’s highlights, including Grey Glacier, Lago Nordenskjold, and the Torres del Paine towers.

Day 49-52: Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas (250 km, 4 hours)

Highlights:

Explore Punta Arenas, a city rich in maritime history and culture.

Take a boat trip to Magdalena Island to see the Magellanic penguin colony.

Explore the city’s museums, landmarks, and nearby natural attractions.

Day 53-56: Punta Arenas to Coyhaique (600 km, 9-10 hours)

Highlights:

Head north from Punta Arenas back along the Carretera Austral to Coyhaique.

This is a longer drive, but you'll pass through some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes of southern Chile, including dense forests, fjords, and mountains.

Break up the drive with a stop in Puerto Río Tranquilo for a night and explore the region further.

Enjoy the beauty of Queulat National Park and Cerro Castillo before continuing on.

Day 57-59: Coyhaique to Puerto Montt (460 km, 7-8 hours)

Highlights:

Continue your journey northward toward Puerto Montt, passing through Puerto Varas once more.

Explore the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, or simply enjoy the peaceful lakeside scenery.

Take a break and relax, perhaps revisiting Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt.

Day 60: Puerto Montt to Santiago (1,000 km, 12-14 hours)

Distance: ~1,000 km

Highlights:

On the final day of your road trip, drive back to Santiago. You can take a long drive in one go, or break it up by staying overnight in Osorno or Temuco.

Arrive back in Santiago, reflect on your unforgettable journey, and explore any remaining sights or neighborhoods before wrapping up your road trip.