A journey from Cochrane in Chile to Villa O’Higgins and back

My motorcycle trip this time was from Cochrane, Chile, to Villa O’Higgins.

And back again.

The distance was about 230km one way.

Again, most of the journey was on gravel roads, and I had to take a ferry along the way.

I was worried about the chain and sprocket teeth last time, but so far there seems to be no problem.

So I’m leaving Cochrane.

I thought the road would turn unpaved as soon as I left town, but the road continued paved for a while.

About 14km from Cochrane, after crossing the Sarthe River bridge, we entered an unpaved road.

The dust kicked up by the car makes it hard for me to see ahead.

This makes driving difficult on curves and hills.

The scenery is pretty good, but it pales in comparison to the previous road from Chile Chico to Cochrane.

I simply continue along the path that seems to have been forcibly carved out for me.

Approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes after I left Cochrane, I arrived in Caleta Yungay.

This marks the end of the first half.

Well, the ferry arrived, and I thought I could board, but because the ferry was overloaded, I was transferred to the ferry an hour later.

And then I boarded.

It’s about an hour to the other side.

I don’t have anything to do, so I just wait.

Our ride is free

I arrived in Rio Bravo, so the second half begins.

This part is also unpaved, but there is less sand and gravel compared to the first half, making it a much easier road to drive on.

The scenery in the second half is pretty good too.

I often see people riding bicycles in this area.

Maybe they’re camping along the way?

And now I’ve finally crossed the last bridge.

I’ve been waiting for this moment.

And I arrived at Villa O’Higgins.

I continued on and arrived at Armas Square

Since I’m here, I’ll head to the end of the Carretera Austral (Southern Expressway).

I got there in about 15 minutes.

This is the sign for the start and end of the 1.247km trail from Puerto Montt.

Many people travel south from here by boat to Candelario Mansilla and then trek to El Chalten in Argentina.

It’s a shame that cars and motorcycles can’t be transported.

My trip this time was short, covering the first 120km in 3.5 hours, and the last 100km in 2.5 hours. Despite the short distance, I struggled with the unpaved road.

I’m a little depressed because I have to go back this way.

Here’s a video of my return journey.

Despite rainfall on the first half of the journey, I was able to return more smoothly than on the way there.

By the way, gasoline at COPEC in Cochran was $1.378/L (about USD 1.54) for 95 and $1.410/L (about USD 1.58) for 97.

At Villa O’Higgins, however, only 95 was $1.437/L (about USD 1.61).

Considering that 95 at Cerro Sombrero in Tierra del Fuego was $1.455, this place is a little more reasonable.

Dates: January 7th and 9th, 2026