Day 23: Finding Inner Strength

February 16, 2026. Mallin Grande to Chile Chico. 47 Miles.

Today was our last day of the Carretera Austral Ride. We were both a little sad about it as we usually are when a ride draws to a close. However, we knew the ride today would be one of the most challenging rides of the entire trip. 47 miles on tough ripio, 5,300 feet of climbing, with many hills between 12% and 20% grade.

The website: dangerousroads.org describes it this way: "Ruta CH-265, in Chile's Aysén Region of Patagonia, is a 122 km (75.80 miles) road linking Puerto Guadal to Chile Chico. This predominantly unpaved route is celebrated as one of the world's most scenic drives, offering captivating views of General Carrera Lake, islands, and adjacent forests from its cliffside position. The drive, taking 2.5-3.5 hours non-stop, is challenging due to excessive dirt, stone, sand, steep hills, and dangerous curves. Its remote nature means no stores for 200 kilometers, so travelers must carry ample food. Despite risks from high-speed local drivers, the stunning views and wild beauty make it a highly rewarding experience."

When we said we were going to do this ride, many of the locals, including our host at Patagonia Acres, Justin, were politely dubious that we would make it.

The road hugs the lake along cliffs for a good portion of the ride. It provided some of the most dramatic views, but it also meant we needed to dig in and climb with all our inner strength. It was, without a doubt, one of the toughest rides we have done, but at the same time, most beautiful. I will let the pictures show what I mean below. Needless to say, we did make it to Chile Chico, which sits on the border of Chile and Argentina and concluded our ride. It gave us great satisfaction to send Justin a photo of us in Chile Chico, toasting him with a beer!

Tomorrow, we will ride 9 miles to cross the border to the Argentine town of Los Antiguos where we will catch a bus north to El Bolson, one of our most favorite places in northern Patagonia. From there, we will ride to Bariloche, have our bikes overhauled by a wonderful bicycle mechanic we worked with last year, and then ride the Seven Lakes Road (Carretera de Siete Lagos) to our most favorite town: San Martin de Los Andes for some real rest.