Follow Río Mañihuales toward its confluence with Río Simpson before cruising through the luscious Reserva Nacional Valle Simpson. Don't forget to turn around and admire the killer view as you climb out of the valley!
On this route, you can choose between two route options, which reconnect ~8 km north of Coyhaique. The default description below assumes choosing the X-50 and X-240 option (keeping right at the fork). We have also included a description overviewing the Carretera Austral option (keeping left).
After taking a right at the fork onto X-50, proceed with caution: you are likely to experience heavy traffic because the road heads toward Aysén's two most-populous cities: Coyhaique and Puerto Aysén. Although, X-50 and X-240 are paved, there are some patches where the pavement is in poor condition. Additionally, there is often little-to-no shoulder space on both roads (but especially on X-50).
Route Options
From Villa Mañihuales, the route heads southwest along the western frontier of Reserva Nacional Mañihuales. On this stretch of road, prevailing northwesterlies can result in strong crosswinds, especially as you near the X-50 fork. Thirteen kilometers south of Villa Mañihuales, the route reaches this fork, where you have a choice:
| X-50 & 240 | Carretera Austral | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 65 km | 51 km |
| Road Type | Paved (narrow shoulder) | Ripio |
| Climbing | 1,707 m (rolling hills) | 1,047 m (some steep up & downs) |
| Traffic | Moderate - Heavy (with trucks) | Light |
| Along the Way | Road to Puerto Aysén Reserva Nacional Río Simpson |
Villa Ortega |
Bicycle Patagonia Route Choice
Directions
 |
Villa Mañihuales |
|
|---|---|---|
| Head south on the Carretera Austral | ||
| 9 km | Short climb (+70 m / 3 km) | |
| 13 km | X-5 Intersection: take a right onto X-5 (paved) or take the alternate route, staying on the Carretera Austral (ripio) | |
| 23 km | Puente Río Mañihuales | |
| 41 km | X-240 Intersection: stay left (east) toward Coyhaique... going west here for Puerto Aysén (20 km) | |
| 42.5 km | Gradual ascent begins (next 38 km) | |
| 54 km | Cascada la Virgen | |
| 55 km | Reserva Nacional Río Simpson entrance (+ camping) | |
| 73 km | Tough climb begins (+230 m / 5 km) | |
| 74 km | Tunel Cobertizo El Farellon | |
| 78 km | Re-merge with Carretera Austral; continue straight | |
| 78 km | Climb with caution (+40 m / 1.5 km); shoulder is minimal and traffic can be heavy | |
| 79.5 km | Downhill with a view (-215 m / 3.5 km); use caution: descent contains pavement in poor condition | |
| 80 km | Mirador Marchant (overlooking Coyhaique) | |
| 85 km | Keep left at the fork, following signs for Coyhaique, then climb a short hill (+60 m / 1 km) into town | |
| 87 km | As you enter the city from the north, the road evens out; take a left onto Av. Carlos Condell for the main square | |
|
Coyhaique |
Camping Recommendation
Aysén Confluencia Wild Camp
After turning west onto Ruta 240, immediately take a right and turn south onto the ripio road, Camino Turistico (X-542). This road will take you down to the shore of Río Simpson, where you'll find a rocky, pebble beach and plenty of space for tents. The area is a popular fishing spot for locals, who use this area to launch their boats, especially on weekends.
Location |
|---|
| -45.407958, -72.502625 |
Category |
|---|
| Wild |
Cost |
|---|
| Free |
Water Source |
|---|
| Río Simpson |
Highlights |
|---|
| Great views Easy river access |
Alternate Route
Carretera Austral
| Keep left for Carretera Austral; ripio commences | ||
| 14 km | Climb (3km, 100m) | |
| 16 km | Río Malito | |
| 22 km | Gradual climb begins (+340 m / 16 km) | |
| 31 km | Intersection with unnamed road (crosses Río Emperador Guillermo then leads into the mountains) | |
| 38 km | Downhill (-100 m / 2 km) | |
| 40 km | Climb (+ 220 m / 7.5 km) | |
| 41 km | Villa Ortega (small village with basic food supplies) | |
| 52 km | Downhill (-370 m / 12 km) | |
| 64 km | Turn left, to merge with X-240 and stay on the Carretera Austral (pavement resumes) |
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.