On Chile's Southern Highway, the Views—and History—Are Cinematic

The Carretera Austral, a highway in Chilean Patagonia, celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, marking half a century since its completion in 1976. This road was constructed to connect remote mountain communities, transforming access to the region's dramatic landscapes. Writer Mark Johanson recently traversed the highway, experiencing its cinematic views and rich history firsthand. The Carretera Austral spans approximately 1,240 kilometers (770 miles), traversing diverse terrains from fjords and glaciers to temperate rainforests and steppe. Its construction was a significant engineering feat, requiring the building of numerous bridges and ferry crossings to navigate the challenging Patagonian geography. The highway's development was initiated under the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, with the primary goal of asserting state presence and facilitating resource exploration in the sparsely populated southern territories. Over the decades, the Carretera Austral has become a significant draw for adventure tourism, attracting hikers, cyclists, and road-trippers eager to explore its remote beauty. Despite its historical significance and scenic appeal, parts of the highway remain unpaved, presenting a rugged experience for travelers. The road continues to be vital for the local communities, providing essential links for transportation and commerce in an otherwise isolated area.