Carretera Austral: The Real Patagonia (Beyond Torres del Paine)
When most people hear the word Patagonia, they immediately think of Torres del Paine National Park. Towering granite peaks and iconic hiking trails have become the image most heavily associated with Patagonia worldwide. But the truth is, Torres del Paine is only a small part of what Patagonia truly is.
Patagonia is not a single park or destination. It is an immense territory shared between Chile and Argentina, stretching for more than 1.00.000 Kmts. (yes! over 1 million kilometers! Over 400K sq mi!) across the southernmost landscapes of South America.
Calluqueo Glacier views, Cochrane. Chile
It is a region shaped by glaciers, endless mountain ranges, dense forests, fjords, rivers, steppe, and isolated communities that still live deeply connected to nature.
And if there is one road that captures the wild essence people imagine when they dream of Patagonia, it is Route 7, also known as The Carretera Austral.
What is the Carretera Austral?
The Carretera Austral, officially known as Route 7, is one of the most remote and scenic roads in the world. Running through the heart of Chilean Patagonia, this legendary route crosses untouched landscapes, enormous valleys, hanging glaciers, turquoise rivers, and ancient forests that feel almost frozen in time.
Why Carretera Austral?
Carretera Austral, Route 7
Unlike the more developed tourist destinations of Patagonia, much of the Carretera Austral remains raw and unpaved.
This is the Patagonia travelers imagine before they arrive: rugged, dramatic, isolated, and profoundly beautiful.
Driving through the Carretera Austral means entering a territory where nature still dominates completely. The road passes through countless tiny villages, some with as few as 20 inhabitants, where life moves slowly, and community still matters deeply. These remote settlements are part of what makes Patagonia feel authentic and human.
Calluqueo Glacier, Cochrane
The Carretera Austral can generally be divided into two distinct regions:
Northern Carretera Austral: Chaitén to Coyhaique.
Southern Carretera Austral: Coyhaique to Villa O’Higgins.
The Patagonia We Focus On:
The work of Sandrachile is centered primarily in the southern section of the Carretera Austral. Here is where the landscapes become quieter, wilder, and more intimate, the kind of Patagonia that still feels truly untouched.
But beyond the scenery, one of the most unforgettable aspects of this region is its people. Patagonia is home to some of the kindest, most welcoming communities in Chile, where hospitality remains genuine and deeply rooted in rural culture.
This region is also home to Patagonia National Park, one of the most extraordinary conservation projects in South America and one of the most breathtaking places in all of Chilean Patagonia.
From remote mountain valleys to turquoise glacial rivers, the southern Carretera Austral offers endless opportunities for adventure, exploration, photography, and meaningful connection with nature.
Esmeralda Lake, Cochrane
Patagonia Park at sunset
For travelers searching for the true spirit of Patagonia,
This is where the journey begins.
All pictures in this blog have been taken with my iPhone 14 Pro.
The idea is to showcase landscapes as you would capture them.