10 THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING ON YOUR TRIP IN CARRETERA AUSTRAL
Take note! There is an important list of things that you cannot stop taking with you, either for comfort or safety. And it is that the Carretera Austral is a world to discover, and where nature and weather conditions are unpredictable. In addition, we already tell you that you will spend long hours on board the vehicle enjoying sublime landscapes. That is why you must travel comfortable and prepared.
So... What to take during your trip to Aysén?
1) Comfortable shoes
It is unavoidable during our trip along the Carretera Austral that we have to walk for long periods of time on stony, humid, or muddy terrain. Either because we have decided to do a 5-hour trekking in the Queulat National Park, or because we got out of the car to enjoy the La Virgen waterfall. Aysén always presents us with different terrains that require a good grip and impermeability in our footwear.
2) Parka and windbreaker
The valleys in the Aysén region, as well as its mountainous area, are usually cold and windy places. A good example of this is when we cross higher areas such as the Queulat slope or the Cerro Castillo national park. We should not trust how unpredictable the weather is in the Carreta Austral, even though the day dawns sunny. It is important to always have at least 3 layers of clothing on hand.
3) Sunglasses
The sun can shine brightly in the region. And it can be very uncomfortable to drive when you have sunlight in front of you, which could be dangerous when facing an oncoming vehicle. Good sunglasses will be very important to be able to drive comfortably.
4) Music for your trip
On Carretera Austral you will spend long hours in the vehicle, so taking your favorite music with you will be of great importance. A good alternative is to connect your cell phone to the car radio via Bluetooth.
5)First aid kit / Medications
Aysén is one of the most remote regions of Chile, so there will be times when you do not have a medical center or pharmacy nearby. That is why it is so important to have a first-aid kit with medicines for headaches, stomach aches, diarrhea, among others. The main medical centers on your trip will always be in Coyhaique, and to a lesser extent in cities like Puerto Aysén and Cochrane. In all the others, you will only find few attention.
6) Trekking poles
You will need them, especially on more demanding hikes such as the Queulat viewpoint, the Cerro Castillo national park or the Exploradores glacier. If you have mobility or health problems, trekking poles are a great ally when walking in Aysén.
7) Light luggage
Can you imagine going up and down steps on the wooden walkways of Caleta Tortel with heavy luggage? Well, it is an exhausting exercise, almost torture. That is why we recommend you travel with small bags and suitcases, like those you would carry in the cabin of an airplane. You will thank it!
8) Snacks for the road
Although en route there are always places to stop for a coffee, buy some cookies or have lunch, we recommend carrying nuts, chocolate, sandwiches and drinks, which can make your trip more enjoyable and give you the energy to drive for long hours.
9) Camera
It does not matter if it is an SLR camera, or the camera of your cell phone. The essential thing is that you can keep track of what will be one of the best trips of your life in a unique and incomparable natural environment. The reality is that on the Carretera Austral, you are going to require a photo for each curve in the road you make.
10) Travel guide / GPS
A good travel guide will always be a great ally when it comes to touring Patagonia. On the road, a GPS such as the one offered by Google Maps or Waze will be important to know which roads to take, and even to determine arrival times and travel times. And paper guides will also help you a lot to plan the route, the destinations, and even inform the service stations or mechanical workshops in case of emergency. A good guide to the destination is offered by TURISMO SOBRE RUEDAS from Enfoque Magazine.
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