Day 22: Tranquility along the Carretera CH 265

It’s about 75 miles between Puerto Guadal and Chile Chico, but those miles include some of the steep pitches, long climbs, ripio roads, and an occasional dust storm from passing traffic. It is a ride that can easily be completed in three days if you camp, or in two days if you stay at Patagonia Acres Lodge in Mallín Grande and undertake what amounts to a challenging all-day endurance ride the following day.

Today’s 27 miles to the lodge gave us a good taste of what’s to come as we make our way to Chile Chico. Steep climbs, spectacular views, and a true sense of remoteness made for a challenging and captivating ride. When we arrived in Mallín Grande, we stocked up on provisions at the last mini-market before our destination in Chile Chico and then headed to Patagonia Acres Lodge, perched on an awe-inspiring hillside cove above Lago General Carrera.

View from the Patagonian Acres Lodge

Overlooking Patagonian Acres and Lago Carrerera

Our initial plan was to stay one night here, but after experiencing this little slice of paradise, we couldn’t resist and decided to stay an additional day to rest and take in the surreal majesty of this place. The lodge is a family-run business and exudes the beauty of Patagonia. We had the good fortune to speak at length with Justin, who manages the lodge, and to learn more about the leap of faith the family took to build this tranquil gem along the Carretera CH 265.