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How to Get to Chile Chico

Discover how to reach Chile Chico, the 'City of the Sun,' nestled on the shores of Lake General Carrera/Buenos Aires, offering a unique blend of Chilean charm and Patagonian wilderness. This guide covers all transport methods to this remote and stunning destination.

7 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 Season
PatagoniaHub
By PatagoniaHub Travel Team|Verified local expertsLast updated: Apr 29, 2026
Full guide to Chile Chico →

Chile Chico, a hidden gem in the Aysén region of Chilean Patagonia, beckons with its surprisingly mild microclimate, captivating lake views, and proximity to extraordinary natural wonders like the Marble Caves and Jeinimeni National Park. Reaching this secluded paradise requires planning, but the journey itself is an integral part of the adventure. Whether you choose to fly into regional airports, embark on an epic road trip, or navigate the bus routes, this guide will provide all the essential information to help you arrive at this picturesque Patagonian town ready to explore its unique beauty and outdoor opportunities.

Nearest Airports

Balmaceda Airport (Coyhaique)

BBA230 km

The primary airport for the Aysén region, serving Coyhaique. From here, you can rent a car and drive south on Ruta 7, or take a bus connection to Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez for the ferry to Chile Chico.

Perito Moreno Airport

PMQ90 km (to border)

Located in Argentina, this small airport is an option for reaching Chile Chico via Los Antiguos. While closer by direct distance, border crossing procedures and limited flight frequencies might make BBA a more practical choice for most.

Comodoro Rivadavia International Airport

CRD550 km

A major hub in Argentine Patagonia, offering more flight connections. From CRD, you would need to rent a car or take a long-distance bus south along Ruta 3 and then west on Ruta 40 towards Los Antiguos/Chile Chico.

By Flight

Flying to the Aysén region is the quickest way to cover long distances, typically involving a flight to Balmaceda Airport (BBA). From BBA, the journey to Chile Chico continues by road, often combined with a scenic ferry crossing.

Airlines

LATAM AirlinesSky AirlineAerolineas Argentinas (to CRD/PMQ)

Flight Tips

  • Book domestic flights within Chile well in advance, especially during peak season (November to March), as seats are limited and prices can rise.
  • Consider flying into Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD) or Perito Moreno (PMQ) in Argentina if you plan to explore the Argentine side of Patagonia first, then cross the border.
  • Always check baggage allowances for regional flights, as they can be more restrictive than international routes.

By Car

Driving to Chile Chico offers unparalleled flexibility and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning Patagonian landscapes. The routes involve a mix of paved and gravel roads, including segments of the iconic Carretera Austral (Ruta 7) in Chile and Ruta 40 in Argentina.

Main Driving Routes

FromRouteDistanceDurationRoad Condition
Balmaceda Airport (BBA), ChileRuta 7 (Carretera Austral) South to Puerto Río Tranquilo, then Ruta X-723 OR Ruta 7 to Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez for ferryApproximately 230 km (to Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez) + ferry, or 320 km (all-land via X-723)5-7 hours (including ferry wait/crossing) or 6-8 hours (all-land)Ruta 7 is a mix of paved and well-maintained gravel. Ruta X-723 is primarily gravel, requiring careful driving. Ferry crossing is weather-dependent.
Perito Moreno (Town), ArgentinaRuta Nacional 40 South, then Ruta Nacional 43 West to Los Antiguos, cross border to Chile ChicoApproximately 120 km1.5-2 hours (excluding border formalities)Ruta 40 and Ruta 43 are generally well-maintained paved roads. The border crossing road is short and paved.
Coyhaique, ChileRuta 7 (Carretera Austral) South to Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez, take ferry across Lake General Carrera/Buenos Aires to Chile ChicoApproximately 180 km + ferry4-6 hours (including ferry wait and 2.5-hour crossing)Mix of paved and gravel on Ruta 7. Ferry service (Transbordadora Austral Broom) operates daily, but check schedules and book in advance.

Driving Tips

  • Rent a 4x4 vehicle if possible, especially for exploring off the main paved roads or during adverse weather conditions.
  • Carry spare fuel, a spare tire, and basic repair tools, as gas stations and services can be scarce on certain stretches.
  • Inform your rental company if you plan to cross the border into Argentina, as specific permits are required and must be arranged in advance.
  • Check road conditions and ferry schedules/availability before departing, especially outside of peak summer.

By Bus

Bus travel to Chile Chico involves connecting services, primarily from Coyhaique or from Los Antiguos across the Argentine border. It's a more economical option, though less flexible than driving.

Bus Companies

Buses Don CarlosBuses BeckerBuses SurayColectivos (shared taxis) from Los Antiguos

Bus Tips

  • From Coyhaique, buses typically go to Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez, where you must take the ferry to Chile Chico. Ensure your bus schedule aligns with ferry departure times.
  • From Los Antiguos (Argentina), shared taxis (colectivos) or local buses frequently cross the international border to Chile Chico. It's a quick and efficient border crossing.
  • During high season, bus tickets, especially for the ferry connections, should be purchased in advance.
  • Bus journeys can be long; bring snacks, water, and entertainment.

From Major Cities

CityBest MethodTravel TimeCost
Santiago, ChileFlight + Car Rental/Bus & FerryApprox. 10-14 hours (5-hour flight to BBA + 5-7 hours ground/ferry)Varies, typically USD 200-400 for flight, plus car rental/bus fares.
Puerto Montt, ChileFlight + Car Rental/Bus & Ferry (or Navimag Ferry + Car)Approx. 9-12 hours (3-hour flight to BBA + 5-7 hours ground/ferry) or 3-4 days (Navimag ferry to Puerto Chacabuco + car/bus)Flight is cheaper and faster. Navimag ferry is an experience but significantly more expensive and time-consuming.
Bariloche, ArgentinaBus + Border Crossing (or Flight to CRD/PMQ + Bus/Car)Approx. 20-24 hours by bus (via Ruta 40, switching buses in Perito Moreno town/Los Antiguos), or 8-10 hours (flight to CRD/PMQ + car)Bus tickets are around USD 80-150. Flights + car rental can be USD 300-500+.

Local Transport

Once in Chile Chico, the town itself is small enough to explore on foot. For excursions to nearby attractions like the Jeinimeni National Park or the Marble Caves (reached by boat from Puerto Sánchez or Puerto Río Tranquilo), taxis, local tour operators, or your own rental car are the primary options. Public transport within the immediate vicinity of Chile Chico is limited, making a rental car the most convenient way to fully explore the surrounding area.

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