Carretera Austral on the way to Futaleufú in Chilean Patagonia

Travel guide · Chilean Patagonia

How to get to Futaleufú

Futaleufú is a unique destination in Chilean Patagonia. Here you will find the main ways to get here from Puerto Montt, Chaitén, Coyhaique and Argentina.

Futaleufú is surrounded by mountains, crystal-clear rivers and native forests. Getting here can be part of the adventure, with different routes depending on where you are coming from and how you choose to travel.

01

How to get to Futaleufú from Puerto Montt

One of the best-known routes from Puerto Montt to Futaleufú follows the Carretera Austral south, combining road and ferry sections until reaching Chaitén.

Carretera Austral during the journey from Puerto Montt to Futaleufú
The Carretera Austral is part of one of the most commonly used routes to reach Futaleufú from the north.
1
Puerto Montt → Caleta La Arena

From Puerto Montt, take Route 7, also known as the Carretera Austral, toward Caleta La Arena.

2
Caleta La Arena → Hornopirén

From Caleta La Arena, continue using the maritime and road connections of the Carretera Austral until you reach Hornopirén.

3
Hornopirén → Chaitén

The next section continues toward Chaitén, an important point for continuing by road to Futaleufú.

4
Chaitén → Futaleufú

From Chaitén, continue south on Route 7 and then take the connecting road toward Futaleufú.

Recommended ferry

Naviera Austral

Maritime connections used on different sections of the Carretera Austral.

Maritime alternative

Somarco

Another option used for maritime connections in the area.

02

How to get to Futaleufú from Chaitén

If you are already in Chaitén, the journey continues by road toward the interior of Palena Province. This is one of the most commonly used routes for travelers arriving from Puerto Montt via the Carretera Austral.

From Chaitén, travel south along Route 7 and then take the connecting road that leads to Futaleufú.

Mountain landscape on the journey from Chaitén to Futaleufú
Patagonian road on the way from Coyhaique to Futaleufú

03

How to get to Futaleufú from Coyhaique

From Coyhaique, travel north along the Carretera Austral, Route 7.

1
Leave Coyhaique on Route 7

The journey begins by following the Carretera Austral north.

2
Reach Villa Santa Lucía

Villa Santa Lucía is an important point for continuing toward Futaleufú.

3
Continue toward Futaleufú

From Villa Santa Lucía, take the connecting road toward Futaleufú.

04

How to get to Futaleufú by plane

Another option is to combine a flight with ground transportation. A common choice is to fly to Puerto Montt and continue the journey to Futaleufú from there.

From Puerto Montt, you can continue by ground transportation, via the Carretera Austral, or use regional air services when available.

Regional aircraft used for connections to Patagonia and Futaleufú

Regional flights

Aerocord

Air operator mentioned in Sierra Huacha's historical travel information.

Regional flights

Pewen Chile

Air travel alternative mentioned for connections from Puerto Montt to Patagonia.

05

How to get to Futaleufú from Argentina

Futaleufú is very close to the Argentine border, making it a practical destination for travelers coming from Esquel or Trevelin.

Border crossing and customs on the route from Argentina to Futaleufú
If you are traveling from Esquel or Trevelin, you will need to cross the border into Chile before continuing to Futaleufú.

From Esquel

From Esquel, take National Route 259 toward Trevelin and then continue toward the border crossing that connects with Futaleufú.

1
Esquel → Trevelin

Travel from Esquel toward Trevelin along Route 259.

2
Trevelin → Futaleufú Border Crossing

From Trevelin, continue toward the border crossing between Argentina and Chile.

3
Border crossing → Futaleufú

After completing border formalities, Futaleufú is only a few kilometers away.

Traveling by bus from Argentina

There are also services connecting Esquel and Trevelin with Futaleufú, although routes, frequencies and operators may vary by season.

06

How to get to Futaleufú by bus

Ground transportation services can bring you closer to Futaleufú from several locations in Chile and Argentina.

Sierra Huacha's historical information included connections from Puerto Montt as well as alternatives from Esquel and Trevelin.

Because schedules can change frequently, confirm current information directly with operators before starting your journey.

Patagonian road used by ground transportation services to Futaleufú

07

Tips before traveling to Futaleufú

  • Check ferry and connection schedules in advance.
  • During high season, book maritime sections ahead of time.
  • Check road conditions before driving on the Carretera Austral.
  • Allow extra travel time for weather, ferry crossings and road conditions.
  • If crossing from Argentina, confirm border crossing hours and requirements.
  • Plan fuel and food stops before long stretches of road.
  • Download maps before your trip in case you travel through areas with limited connectivity.

Keep planning

Plan your stay in Futaleufú

Along with planning your route, discover where to stay and what to do during your visit.

08

Where to stay in Futaleufú?

Once you arrive, Sierra Huacha offers cabins in Futaleufú for travelers looking for peace, nature and a comfortable base for exploring the area.

Sierra Huacha

Cabins in Futaleufú

Family-run accommodation surrounded by nature in Chilean Patagonia.
View cabins