carretera austral

My introduction to the Carretera Austral had been cold and wet. I had to force myself to be uncomfortable and to push through nonfavorable conditions to continue making progress. Thankfully, the forecast was looking better, and things were about to turn around.

The Carretera Austral, or Southern Highway, is a renowned highway in Chilean Patagonia that was first opened to the public in 1988. As one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects of its time, the road was designed to connect remote southern territories with the rest of Chile. Its construction posed significant challenges, navigating through thick forests, expansive fjords, lakes, rivers, and beneath massive glaciers. However, this difficult terrain contributes to the highway's reputation as one of the most beautiful in the world. Travelers from across the globe come to explore the road by car, motorcycle, bicycle, and even as hitchhikers.…