Experience three big climbs, some nasty headwinds, and a whole lot of sh*% ripio as you pedal alongside Río Ibáñez, underneath the Cordillera Castillo, and into the luscious Valle Murta. From there, follow glacially-fed Río Murta south to one of the crown jewels of Patagonia: Lago General Carrera.
Say goodbye to pavement: for the next ~500 kilometers, the Bicycle Patagonia Tour proceeds entirely on ripio. Road conditions leaving Villa Cerro Castillo are initially paved, then extremely poor. And, yep, there's a climb right away. Be prepared for soft sand, loose rocks and (if it's dry) dust clouds. Sure, a little moisture will keep the dust down; but any significant rainfall will result in the road turning to mud.
Directions
 |
Villa Cerro Castillo |
|
|---|---|---|
| Head south on the Carretera Austral; ripio begins ~14 km from the edge of town | ||
| 1 km | Río Ibañez (no river access) | |
| 1.5 km | Ascent #1 (+200 m / 6 km) | |
| 7 km | Road straightens, descent heading southwest then directly west to Lago Verde (-160 m / 5 km) | |
| 12.5 km | Ascent #2 (+130 m / 4.5 km) — one big switchback | |
| 16.5 km | Mirador Lago Verde, followed by a quick downhill (-160 m / 2.5 km) | |
| 19 km | Río Ibañez; route turns northwest (caution: strong headwind area) | |
| 37 km | Say goodbye to Río Ibañez (route turns southwest and out of the wind) | |
| 38 km | Ascent #3 (+330 m / 21 km); steepest part is at the beginning | |
| 53 km | Old Bridge Wild Camp — great spot to camp, eat lunch or take a break | |
| 57.5 km | Laguna Cofre Mirador | |
| 59 km | Quick descent into Valle Murta (-360 m / 7 km) | |
| 64 km | Mirador of the Valle Río Murta. | |
| 65 km | Rolling hills commence; caution: loose ripio (especially near edge) and boulders embedded in road | |
| 96 km | Bahía Murta (X-731) intersection; keep straight to stay on Carretera Austral (or turn left for Bahía Murta) | |
| 102 km | Lago General Carrera | |
| 113.5 km | Very short-but-steep climb; be prepared to push your steed | |
|
Puerto Río Tranquilo |
Camping Recommendation
Old Bridge in the Woods Wild Camp
Very tranquil spot, decently protected from the wind, with easy river access and a rickety old bridge. Located ~53 km from Villa Cerro Castillo, after Ascent #3 (the last massive climb of the route). Although rickety, the bridge feels sturdy enough for cyclists to cross. Reports indicate that there is a residence beyond the bridge, deep in the woods; however, the owners aren't bothered by campers.
Location |
|---|
| -46.162103, -72.690984 |
Category |
|---|
| Wild |
Cost |
|---|
| Free |
Water Source |
|---|
| Río Cajon |
Highlights |
|---|
| Fire rings Old bridge Quiet |
Tour Total
The above route information is intended to be used as a guide in conjunction with your own due diligence. Although Bicycle Patagonia is a product of extensive research, we make no representations, guarantees nor assurances as to the accuracy of the above information or the associated .gpx and .kml files. Prior to beginning the route, be sure to check local weather forecasts & road conditions. While out riding, respect Patagonia – follow all public and private land use restrictions, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and always #leavenotrace.