Puerto Río Tranquilo to Cochrane

After the delta, upon reuniting with Lago General Carrera there is a short-but-steep climb before the Carretera Austral crosses a magnificent orange suspension bridge. This bridge traverses the confluence of Lago General Carrera and Lago Bertrand and is a popular fly-fishing spot and a great place to wild camp. Seven kilometers after the suspension bridge, you will pass the turnoff for Chile Chico (~115 km east on Ruta 265) which is a popular border crossing for vehicles. There is only one other vehicle border crossing south of Chile Chico: the Paso Roballos crossing, which can be reached from Cochrane via a narrow ripio road. The Villa O'Higgins border crossing is only accessible by foot and bicycle.

Proceeding south through the Ruta 265 junction and begin climbing. Be sure to turn around for a fantastic view of the various colored lakes. Descend to an inlet of Lago Bertrand, a tranquil spot for a break or some lunch.  After a steady climb, there is a fast downhill into the fishing village of Puerto Bertrand, where you can take a dip in the deep blue waters of Lago Bertrand or replenish your pantry bag at one of the village's two small mercados.

From Puerto Bertrand, the Carretera Austral continues south, passing the birthplace of Río Baker at the southern tip of Lago Bertrand (just south of town).  Follow Chile's largest river (by water volume) south for 13 km, to where the river merges with glacially-fed Río Nef at a popular tourist destination known as La Confluencia.  There are great views of the confluence, just a short hike from the road and with no entrance fee. Camping is prohibited in the confluence area, but the area isn't strictly monitored.

Tip: If you're worried about leaving your bicycle at the gate, take your panniers off and lift it over the gate. The path to the confluence is rideable; except for the the last ~100 m.

The final 30 kilometers from La Confluencia to Cochrane contain some tough climbs and steep descents, so check your brakes before continuing.  In places, the route is very narrow. Although vehicle traffic is minimal, there may be trucks coming and going from Cochrane. From the confluence, the route heads east, alongside the supercharged (and now milky-blue) Río Baker. After an extremely steep descent down to Río Chacabuco (a tributary of Río Baker), there is an abrupt steep climb as the route turns south and begins tracing the mountainside. Eventually, the route departs from Río Baker (briefly) and meets up with the much-calmer Río Cochrane (a tranquil river that flows from Lago Cochrane into Río Baker). Finally, at the outskirts of town, there's one last climb, before a short descent into the regional hub of Cochrane.