The race begins in the city of Puerto Natales, then heads north and enters the majestic Torres del Paine National Park through Villa Cerro Castillo—considered the eighth wonder of the world. This park stands as a scenic sanctuary in the heart of the southern landscape, offering spectacular views of the Torres del Paine (North, Central, and South), Mount Almirante Nieto (2,440 m.a.s.l.), the Cuernos del Paine, and the imposing Paine Grande, whose glacial plateau and 3,050-meter summit dominate the region.
The route crosses the entire Paine mountain range via gravel roads, offering world-class sightseeing. It then returns to Puerto Natales through the park’s western sector, passing Villa Serrano and skirting the entrance to the Cueva del Milodón, a landmark archaeological site once inhabited by the now-extinct milodon.
From there, the course turns directly south and then east, crossing the vast steppe and pampa landscapes while skimming the international border between Chile and Argentina. In this section, the terrain will test your resolve with crosswinds and endless roads.
You will then enter one of Chile’s most hidden national parks: Pali Aike National Park, home to a collection of craters, volcanoes, and “maars” that were active over 15,000 years ago. Next, you’ll pass through the historic town of San Gregorio, an icon of sheep ranching and a place marked by the legacy of pioneer José Menéndez.
One of the most symbolic moments of the race will be the crossing of the Strait of Magellan at its narrowest point: Punta Delgada. There, you’ll board a ferry that will finally take you to the legendary Tierra del Fuego.
From Porvenir, the route leads toward the Baquedano Range, a little-explored mountain chain rich in gold-mining history that remains active today. During this stage, you will also visit the King Penguin Park, one of the few places in the world where this majestic bird can be found.
Further ahead, you’ll ride alongside Lake Blanco, a sport fishing paradise, and cross the vast Pampa Guanaco, an immense plain that marks the beginning of Tierra del Fuego’s ancient forests. Here, the first signs of the Darwin Range appear—the planet’s least explored mountain chain.
It will be autumn in southern Patagonia, and the red lenga trees will blanket the landscape in fiery hues, offering dreamlike scenery. You’ll be in one of the most coveted yet paradoxically least-traveled regions by tourists.
Before reaching your final destination, you’ll face a demanding series of switchbacks that will leave you breathless—but with a full heart. From there, a long and stunning descent begins—the most beautiful switchback you’ll ever ride—leading down toward the awe-inspiring Lake Fagnano.
With just 25 kilometers remaining, you’ll cross the source of the Azopardo River and head toward the long-awaited and mythical “End of the Road,” in Caleta María, the deepest and most remote point in Chile’s far south.
The glorious finish of Gravel del Fuego.
