Chile is the world's longest country — 4,300 km from the Atacama Desert in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south — and driving it is one of the world's great geographic adventures. The Carretera Austral alone (1,240 km of partially unpaved road through Chilean Patagonia) is considered one of the world's top ten road trips. Add the otherworldly Atacama, the wine valleys of the Central Valley and the volcanic Lake District, and you have an extraordinary driving destination.
Best airports & pick-up locations
- Santiago (SCL) — wine valleys of Casablanca, Colchagua and Maipo, the Andes ski resorts.
- Calama (CJC) — gateway to the Atacama Desert, San Pedro de Atacama.
- Puerto Montt (PMC) — northern start of the Carretera Austral.
- Punta Arenas (PUQ) — Patagonia base, Torres del Paine access.
Driving in Chile
- Drive on the right. Speed limits: 120 km/h motorways, 100 km/h national roads, 60 km/h urban.
- Carretera Austral is predominantly gravel — a 4WD is essential and insurance must cover gravel roads.
- High-altitude Atacama roads can reach 4,500m — acclimatise before driving and carry water.
- River ferries (transbordadores) cross some sections of the Carretera Austral; book ahead in peak season.
Local tips & best routes
The Carretera Austral from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins passes marble caves, hanging glaciers and unpopulated fjords over 10–14 days. In the north, the Atacama Desert circuit from San Pedro de Atacama visits geysers, salt flats and flamingo lakes in the world's driest landscape. The Central Valley wine route between Santiago and Chillán passes boutique wineries at the foot of the Andes.