Self Drive

Adventure Journeys

Chile Self Drive Adventures

Adventure on your own with our maps and itineraries created just for you! Chile is one of the best countries to explore on a self-drive, with the perfect mixture of good infrastructure, warm people and stunning places and to visit. We’ll create your itinerary according to your interests and off you go!

Chiloé Island Self Drive 

The Emerald Archipelago features over 40 islands and has repeatedly been featured as one of Lonely Planet’s and National Geographic’s most interesting places to visit.  From 16 UNESCO World Heritage Site to penguin colonies, dolphins, coastal hikes, uninhabited beaches and fishing villages,  the island is like a step back in time where Mother Nature is ever present in human endeavors.  

Suggested time: 3-4 nights min

Chiloe sunset on a beach with rocks, reflecting warm hues on the water and sand.
A long-billed shorebird wading in shallow water, possibly searching for food, with green algae and rocks in the foreground.
Looking up at tall trees in a dense rainforest, with sunlight filtering through the leaves.
Group of four young women enjoying a picnic on the rocks near a river and beach, with green hills and cloudy sky in the background.
Three hikers walking along a beach near the ocean with waves and rock formations in the background.
A waterfront scene with boats, a church, and houses. Several boats are docked near the shore, with one under construction or repair in a boatyard. The church is a large wooden building with a tower, located close to the water. Residential houses are scattered around, and the waterbody is calm, with a shoreline creating a colorful and rustic seaside village atmosphere.

Torres del Paine with self-guided itinerary

South America’s most majestic park and one that consistently comes in as the “must visit” place to experience the wonder of Patagonia.  Normally visited on all-inclusive group tours, this self-drive option allows you to have the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own- with an itinerary catered to your interests- from doing some of the iconic hikes, photography options, lookouts and wildlife viewing.  (This option is not only about freedom- but also a more economical way to visit an expensive “out there” place)

Suggested time: 4-6 nights

Mountain peaks with ice and snow above a green lake in a rocky landscape under a blue sky.
A herd of guanacos grazing on a grassy plain with snow-capped mountains in the background.
A scenic landscape of a large lake surrounded by green mountains, with a rainbow in the cloudy sky.
Scenic view of a lake with small houses and trees on a peninsula, snow-capped mountain in the background, and overcast sky.
Tourists on a boat looking at snow-capped mountains and rugged hills in a scenic lake or fjord settings.
Group of hikers walking on a trail through a mountainous landscape with snow-capped peaks in the background.

Lake District -Patagonian Fjords – Chiloé Circuit

Fjords, Islands & Much More

This route offers one-of-a-kind variety through three regions as it starts in Chile’s modern, German settled Lake District and then enters the majestic nature of the Patagonian Fjords (Pumalin National Park) and crosses to the charming beauty of Chiloé Island.   Austral Adventures has explored this area for the past 25 years and we can help you experience its diversity and beauty as well.  

Suggested time: 7-9 nights 

A scenic view of a river flowing through lush green trees with a mountain in the background under a blue sky with clouds.
Cliffside pathway overlooking the ocean with greenery and a clear blue sky.
Interior of a wooden church with a high ceiling, stained glass windows, a crucifix in the center, and religious statues.
A large pile of harvested garlic bulbs stored in a wooden bin inside a barn or storage shed.

Araucania National Parks & Mapuche Culture

This region of majestic glacier topped volcanoes with prehistoric monkey puzzle (Araucaria) trees, hot springs and lakes is home to the ancient world of the Mapuche- the only native group in the world that successfully defended themselves from European conquest for 300 years.   With a local guide you’ll be able to meet and learn from Mapuche familes by visiting their homes and participating in traditional crafts, foods and medicinal gardens.  The stunning beauty of the region also offers hikes in stunning 1000 yr old forests and hot springs galore.

Suggested time: 3-4 nights min

Snow-capped mountain with a volcano erupting, emitting white ash and smoke, with trees in the foreground.
Three people walking through a snow-covered forest with tall trees and green vegetation.
Three women engaging in a craft activity with a wooden weaving loom inside a rustic wooden cabin.
Three smiling people, two men and one woman, standing outdoors in a garden or nature setting with mountains and cloudy sky in the background. They are dressed in jackets suitable for cool weather.
A winter scene of a partially frozen river bordered by trees, some of which have snow and ice on their branches, with a cloudy sky overhead.
Three people hiking on a wooded trail in a foggy forest surrounded by green trees and bushes.

With guide