After a few relaxing days in Coyhaique and a needed haircut, next was 450km gravel/dirt on the last parts of the Carretera Austral for now. Target was Puerto Rio Tranquillo and a tour around Lago Buenos Aries entering Argentina again.
The road to Rio Tranquillo was again spectacular – such views of glaciers, mountain lakes in so many shades of blue and the mountain backdrop everywhere. Only the last 125km was dirt and gravel – some very easy to manage and some sections super soft because of recent roadwork. Driving dirt/gravel you need to be a bit more aware of the conditions, so speed is generally much lower enabling safe navigation and possibility to spot the never ending views.
Rio Tranquillo is slightly bigger than Villa Santa Lucia – but not much. A few more hostels and then of course the main attraction the lake and all the boat/kayak tour offices. Fine little B&B just opposite the local fuel station with restaurant and tour guides.
I booked a special 5am kayak tour to catch the light in the marble caves during sunrise – meeting time 4.50 in front of the B&B and then a short drive to the kayak drop-off.
