The pass problem
Carretera Austral can be crossed from Argentina through several passes. We tested four. Cardenal Samoré left us far from the strongest section. Coyhaique Alto was too short, and the first day lost rhythm. Roballos added kilometers without enough landscape. Futaleufú stayed: short, scenic, and directly linked with Puyuhuapi.
The alternatives we tested
We tested closing the trip in Caleta Tortel. A beautiful place, but too far to return to Argentina without flying the bike. We kept it as an optional destination for riders with extra time.
We also tested including the ferry to Chaitén to reduce the amount of gravel. The ferry does not respect the pace of the group and ate a full day. We cut it: if we came for the Austral, we came for the gravel.
Parque Nacional Los Alerces almost stayed out of day one because of the demand. The first time it took twelve hours because we stopped too much. Today the day runs with measured stops and reaches Trevelin in daylight.
What stayed
Seven days, 2321 km, 45% gravel. Bariloche to Trevelin on the first day, with the detour through Cholila and Los Alerces. Crossing into Chile through Futaleufú on day two. Puyuhuapi, Puerto Cisnes, and the heart of Carretera Austral over the next three days. The return through the south and the Patagonian lakes to close.
Three scouting trips. One test season. The route we sell today stood up to deep gravel, long days, and the passes we tested and ruled out.
What stays is what holds the trip together.
