Carretera Austral: Patagonia’s Legendary Route | Episode 1

This is the first part of a two‑episode journey along the Carretera Austral, stretching more than 1200 kilometres through the heart of Patagonia. Built to connect isolated communities in southern Chile, the Carretera Austral leads through temperate rainforest, deep fjords, volcanic valleys, bright blue rivers and steep mountain basins. It remains one of the most remarkable routes in South America, shaped by ferry crossings, gravel sections and long stretches of untouched wilderness. Episode 1 follows the northern half of the route, beginning in Puerto Montt and travelling south through the fjords and forests that mark the start of the Carretera Austral. The journey includes the first ferry crossings, the volcanic landscapes around Chaitén, the legendary Futaleufú River, the rainforest trails of Queulat National Park and the ascent to Ventisquero Colgante. It continues through Coyhaique and ends at Cerro Castillo, where the climb to the turquoise lake beneath the mountain towers offers one of the most striking views in Patagonia. These first days set the tone for the road ahead, revealing the quiet crossings, shifting landscapes and growing sense of remoteness that define the Carretera Austral. The second episode continues deeper into Patagonia, where the distances grow longer and the landscapes wilder. It follows the road past bright blue lakes, hidden glaciers, narrow valleys and villages that seem to exist at the very edge of the map. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Into the Fjords of Northern Patagonia 00:17 The Start of the Carretera Austral 00:44 Puerto Montt to Chaitén 00:53 Chaitén and the 2008 Eruption 01:41 Hiking the Chaitén Volcano 02:58 The Futaleufú River 03:30 Puyuhuapi and Queulat National Park 04:01 Ventisquero Colgante 04:37 Thermal Baths by the Fjord 04:59 Coyhaique and the Wider Valleys 05:33 Hitchhiking to Cerro Castillo 06:39 The Summit of Cerro Castillo 07:20 The First Days on the Carretera Austral 07:39 Looking Ahead to Episode 2 Music used in this episode: AlexGrohl – Pop Rock Anno Domini Beats – Better Jeremy Korpas – Twin Engines Patrick Patrikios – Love Aside Patrick Patrikios – One Night Away RKVC – Headphones Josh Woodward – Crazy Glue Purple Planet Music – Rise Above Audioknap – Epic Trailer Demi on the Road is a travel vlog focused on slow, experience‑based journeys and exploring the world at my own pace. I share stories shaped by nature, wildlife, adventure and local culture, from time spent outdoors to meaningful moments in everyday places. Expect authentic travel stories, wildlife encounters and mindful adventures away from the rush.