River Crossings on Carretera Austral and Route 40???
 

I am doing a rough planning of my route through Southern Chile and Argentina. My final destination is TDF. I really want to do the Carretera Austral from Chaiten down to Cochrane, then head East to Route 40. What I need to know is if there are any river crossings on this route. I am riding a V-Strom 650 and must say I am a little skeptical of its capabilities of going though anything more than a small stream. Should I think about ex-naying Carretera Austral and head East to Route 40 further north?

Many thanks in advance for any advice!

Also, what's the gas situation like along the Carretera Austral(from Chaiten to Cochrane) and route 40(from Perito Moreno south)? Will a 300 mile range be ok or should I get a "jerry can"?

Route Planning also.
 

Rinoculips, I am going to follow this thread closely myself. I have requested info on routes thru Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador and received a LOT of great information. I have started looking at the routes in this area also so am very interested. Hope you (we) get tht info.
Rick

When is your trip.
 

Forgot to ask when you are planning on being in that area. I am going to try to make this years New Year's eve party in TDF.
Rick

Nope, but there are a few dodgy bridges. Lots of gravel, wind, more wind, and did I say its windy ?

As Bob says, bridges. There were a lot of very minor ferries, but all bridges now (longer crosings still there!) So long as you fill up when you see petrol you'll be fine. Petrol from Baha Caraholes (sp) to Tres Lago's on Ruta 40 is an issue though! Need maestro card for bottom end - no Visa ATM in cochrane (this year).
If you're not planning going just yet, they say the CA will be all surfaced by 2012 :-0

The Carretera Austral is ok, good bridges. The Ruta 40 I can't say. I bypassed it, riding along the Eastcoast.