Puerto Río Tranquilo

Until the Carretera Austral’s completion, Puerto Río Tranquilo was a port with a weekly supply boat from Puerto Ibáñez; today it’s a small but steadily growing settlement at Lago General Carrera’s west end, 25 kilometers south of Puerto Murta. At the north end of town, a new road toward Bahía Exploradores, an inlet of the larger Estero Capquelán, has passed the midway point at Lago Bayo; eventually, with a boat connection and an hour’s hike, you’ll reach Laguna San Rafael.

Getting There

In summer, there’s a helpful Oficina de Información Turística directly on the highway, across from the gas station.

Scheduled buses between Coyhaique [1] and Cochrane [2] drop and pick up passengers here. Transporte Bellavista (Los Arrayanes 380, tel. 067/411904) goes to Puerto Guadal [3] and Chile Chico [4] (US$13, 3.5 hours) Wednesday at 6 a.m. Many backpackers try hitching here, which means heavy competition for a handful of rides.