Chile: Carretera Austral - Bradt útikönyv

The book provides visitors to the often-visited Bariloche and Chilean Lake District with a spectacular alternative means to reach the southern extremes of Patagonia.The road passes through world-class national parks. It stretches from the high Andes to the remote Pacific coast, fed by five great rivers, countless fjords and the largest ice fields outside of Antarctica and Greenland. Trekking options abound, including to and from neighbouring Argentina through pristine wilderness. The region is home to a sub-tropical rainforest, secluded villages without vehicles, picturesque lakes, dramatic and often active volcanoes, and sufficient activities to satisfy even the most adventurous visitors. In addition to practical advice, the book explores the mythical history of a region cut-off from the outside world, and the social and economic impact of the relatively recent connectivity to both mainland Chile and Argentina. Travelling in one of the last unknown regions of South America is challenging, and this book facilitates such travel for those wishing to escape the "gringo trail".

Contents

Foreword

Introduction

PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION

Chapter 1 Background Information

Geography, Climate, Natural history and conservation, History of the Carretera Austral – an overview, Government and politics, Economy, People and culture, Language

Chapter 2 Practical Information

When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Tourist information, Red tape, Embassies, Getting there and away, Health, Safety and hassles, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Shopping, Activities along the Carretera Austral, Communications, Cultural etiquette

PART TWO THE NORTHERN CARRETERA AUSTRAL

Chapter 3 Puerto Montt

History, Getting there and around, Tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do

Chapter 4 Puerto Montt to Villa Santa Lucia

Towards Hornopiren, Hornopiren, Parque Nacional Hornopiren, Towards Chaiten, Chaiten, Parque Pumalin, El Amarillo to Villa Santa Lucia

PART THREE THE CLASSIC ROUTE

Chapter 5 Futaleufu to La Junta

Futaleufu, Palena – a detour, Puerto Ramirez, La Junta and around, Raul Marin Balmaceda – a detour, Lago Verde – a detour

Chapter 6 La Junta to Puyuhuapi and Cisnes

Puyuhuapi, Puerto Cisnes – a detour, Villa Amengual and a detour to Paso Rio Frias-Apeleg

Chapter 7 Puerto Aysen and Chacabuco

Manihuales and around, Puerto Aysen/Puerto Chacabuco, Reserva Nacional Rio Simpson

Chapter 8 Coyhaique

History, Getting there, Tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, Sightseeing and excursions

Chapter 9 South of Coyhaique: to Cruce El Maiten via Lago General Carrera

Lakes south of Coyhaique, Balmaceda – exiting the Carretera Austra, Puerto Ibanez – a detour, Cerro Castillo, Bahia Murta and Puerto Sanchez – a detour, Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Cruce El Maiten, Chile Chico – a detour

PART FOUR THE SOUTHERN CARRETERA AUSTRAL

Chapter 10 The Deep South: Cruce El Maiten to Caleta Tortel

Puerto Bertrand, Parque Patagonia, Cochrane, Caleta Tortel – a detour

Chapter 11 Exiting/Entering the Carretera Austral: Villa O’Higgins and beyond

Villa O’Higgins and around, Crossing into Argentina

Appendix 1 Language

Appendix 2 Further Information

Index

Index of advertisers