Itinerary suggestions\ Caterra Austral Questions
 

I am currently in Calafate and will be heading soon to Torres del Paine for a circuit trek. I am traveling on a Honda nx 400cc Falcon. I would like to go to Ushia if possible and would like to do the Caterra Austral as well. I am a little worried due to the lateness of the season. I should be doine with my Paine circuiut trek around the 3rd of April. I would rather give up on Ushia than give up on the Catarra Austral if need be. Any adivice as to itinerary or route selection would be appreciated.

1. Will it be too cold to head to Ushia at this point (april 3rd)? I am fairly well equipped with a down coat and decent gloves and gortex.

2. How late in the year is it possible to do the Caterra Austral?

7. What can I expect from weather as far as rain\snow\temps in mid April on the Caterra Austral, Ushia?

4. How late in the year can I expect ferry service on the Caterra Austral?

5. How much does the ferry cost with a moto on the Caterra Austral? Where is best to catch it?

6. If the ferry has quit running, can I still exit to Argentina via passes like at Fautalafu in the winter? Do the passes to Argentina close for the winter? Could I end up getting stuck with my moto and no possible exit route?

7. What is the best place to enter from Argentina to the Carterra Austral, Tres Lagos?

8. On the Caterra Australn is it worth going all the way to the South to Villa Higgins?

9. On the Caterra Austral Is it worth going all the way to the North to Calata Gonzolo?

10. If I go to Ushia waht is the best way to cross the strait on Malgenan? How much would it cost?

11. Anyone care to join me?

Thanks for the advice,
Neal

Can't comment on all your questions, and I can't come with you!! But have you considered an alternative route? Ride to Perito Moreno on the Ruta 40 now, cross over into CHile, do the Carretera Austral round the lake from Chile Chico to Cohaique, North to CHaiten (this is definitely worth doing. I expect the rest is worth it too, in the rainforests of Pumalin. Then either cross to CHiloe and then to Puerto montt or through the aminland to Puerto Montt. From there a Ferry back to Puerto Natales then ride to Ushuaia and then Northa again via the quicker, albeit dull and commercial Ruta 3.

For Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales Navimag quote 70000 pesos for a bike and then US$945 off peak but US$1545 from april, so this route would save you US$500.

Just a thought.

If you give up on anything, it should be TdP. Expensive, and IMO inferior to El Chalten where you can see superior scenery free on day treks.

You can do it, but it will be potentially very cold there. It's not really worth visiting (unless you're going to Antarctica) other than for the end of Ruta Tres photo and to say you've been there.

The most southerly moto negotiable pass is Paso Roballos.

Only you can answer this; it's a lot of dirt and gravel down a dead end just to say you've been there.

Punta Arenas to Porvenir, nearly three hours, lots of dolphins, 7,300 Chilean pesos. Primera Angostura (Rio Gallegos side), half an hour, pence.

Regards, Mick

I just made a post here that answers many of your questions about getting to the Careterra Austral.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...060#post180799


My advice is to take the ferry from Puerto Montt to Chaiten. The island of Chiloe was nice scenery but nothing out of the normal for me. The ferry on the island of Chiloe only leaves 2 times a week wednesday and Sunday at 2 p.m. My ferry came 36 hours late of when it was supposed to leave. The locals use the Puerto Montt-Chaiten ferry because it is regular and therfore dependable.

Hi Neal,

It's a great plan to ride the Carratera Austral. Many will argue it's the most beautiful route in South America - it really is special. Much more so than the Ruta 40. I can't answer all your questions. I rode down from Futulafu to Tres Lagos. I never went further south but many do and love it. I suppose it depends how much you like riding on stones and the so-called ripio - I saw an Italian guy get off his bike and kiss the tarmac when he hit the paved section just south of Coyhaique after coming up from El Calafate.

Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego on a good day are very picturesque but perhaps more symbolic for overlanders unless you are going to Antarctica (strongly recommended!). If time is short then you might want to skip TDF.

When are you going? The weather can be quite unpredictable in the far south. Could be a fair amount of snow on the route into Ushuia.

I would like to come with you but I'm a miserable bugger with a job these days.

Matt

My 2 cents.

Carretera Austral south around Lago General/Buenos Aires, then south down ruta 40 from Perito Mereno, the highlight of my trip by far. I think you need to give up on TdF but that is not much more than a photo. Don't forget the wind factor. Also if you will then ride up Ruta 3 that may be much colder than Carretera Austral.

I would cross over to Carreteral Austral at Futuful and forget all about the ferries.

The ride further south to OHiggins is supposed to be fantastic with some unique baboo forests or something. But it is isolated and then you will need to ride back. I would love to see photos of this section if you go, but you may want to move on if it is very cold.