The Carretera Austral runs for more than 1,200 kilometers through Aysén — one of the least populated corners of Patagonia. There are no big resorts here, and that is exactly the point. The places worth staying are private: a house on a glacial lake, a lodge beneath granite towers, a historic estancia on a spring creek — and for a few nights, the whole place is yours.
These are the seven private houses and lodges we work with along the route, listed north to south, the way you meet them on the road from Balmaceda Airport.
The Seven Stays at a Glance
- Between Forest & Lakes — a lakefront home in old-growth forest, an hour from Coyhaique
- Parque Cascadas — two riverside houses in a 300-hectare private park on the Río Simpson
- Estancia Ñirehuao — a historic estancia on Patagonia's celebrated spring creeks
- Casa Cerro Castillo Retreat — a modern retreat at the edge of Cerro Castillo National Park
- Beyond the Castillo — a private house facing the whole Cerro Castillo massif
- Bahia Murta House — an architect-designed home on Lago General Carrera
- The Bertrand Stay — a lakeside home on Lago Bertrand, reached only by boat
1. Between Forest & Lakes, near Coyhaique
A contemporary Patagonian home between ancient native forest and a quiet lake — the water right in front of the house. Large windows frame coigüe, arrayán and lenga trees, and private trails start at the door. It is about two hours from Balmaceda Airport and an hour from Coyhaique, yet it feels a world away.
Days here are for fishing wild trout, walking under centuries-old trees and evenings by the fire pit, with no one else in sight.
Discover Between Forest & Lakes →
2. Parque Cascadas, between Coyhaique and Puerto Aysén
A family-owned park of 300 hectares on the banks of the Río Simpson, open to only a few guests at a time. Choose the Lodge — about 200 m² for up to 8 guests, with two king suites with jacuzzi bathrooms, a central fireplace and a private sauna — or the quieter Cottage by the river, for up to 7. Larger groups can book both.
There are 700 meters of private riverfront, a riverside hot tub facing the Queque Inglés and a private trail to the natural pools of Cascada La Virgen. It sits directly on the Carretera Austral, 40 minutes from Coyhaique — a natural base for Laguna San Rafael and the Ventisquero Colgante.
3. Estancia Ñirehuao
A historic estancia surrounded by rock formations, canyons and open valleys — and by spring creeks famous among fly fishers for their brown trout. Days follow the rhythm of ranch life: horseback rides across empty valleys, fire-cooked meals and long evenings with gauchos whose families have lived on this land for generations.
Access to the water is private. You fish alone, with only the wind and the condors for company.
4. Casa Cerro Castillo Retreat
A modern, warm retreat at the edge of Cerro Castillo National Park, with oversized windows facing the jagged granite towers and their glaciers. Trekking routes start right from the property, and a secluded stretch of river is reserved for fly fishing. It is just under two hours from Balmaceda Airport.
Mornings begin with mountain light on the peaks; evenings end beside the fire with local, seasonal cooking.
Discover Casa Cerro Castillo Retreat →
5. Beyond the Castillo
A charming house just outside Cerro Castillo National Park, with front-row views of the entire massif and no neighbors in sight. Panoramic windows turn the mountain into a living painting, private trails lead to hidden viewpoints, and condors, foxes and huemules move through the valley.
Discover Beyond the Castillo →
6. Bahia Murta House, on Lago General Carrera
An architectural refuge on the shores of Lago General Carrera, designed by architect Tomás Villalón in Lenga wood and exposed concrete. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame snow-capped peaks and glacial turquoise water. The house sleeps up to 10 guests across 7 beds and 4 bathrooms, with a wood-burning stove and open-plan living built around the austral light.
It is minutes from Puerto Río Tranquilo and the Catedrales de Mármol — swirling marble formations rising from the lake's electric blue water.
7. The Bertrand Stay, on Lago Bertrand
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A hidden home on the shore of Lago Bertrand, reached only by boat, steps from where its turquoise water meets Lago General Carrera. Native forest all around, and the Baker River — Chile's most voluminous — close by for rafting, fishing and photography.
The only sounds are wind and water. Few travellers make it this far, and that is precisely why it feels so special.
Planning Your Stays Along the Route
Most Carretera Austral journeys begin with a flight from Santiago to Balmaceda, the airport for Coyhaique. From there the route runs south: the forests and rivers around Coyhaique, then the peaks of Cerro Castillo, and finally Lago General Carrera and Lago Bertrand for the marble caves and the Baker River.
Roads here are not always paved, and distances are longer than they look on a map. Private transfers and good timing make all the difference — and that is what we take care of.
Let Us Design Your Carretera Austral Journey
Every stay on this list can be combined into a private, tailor-made journey, with transfers, guides and experiences arranged around you. Tell us how you like to travel, and we will design your Carretera Austral journey — from the first night to the last.
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