Planning a Chile road trip with camping? This 5-day self-drive itinerary takes you through Central and Southern Chile, including national parks, wild camping spots, Salto del Laja waterfall, Laguna del Maule, and ending in Pucón.
Perfect for travelers exploring Chile by car.
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Planning a Chile road trip with camping? This 5-day self-drive itinerary takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Central and Southern Chile — including Parque Nacional Siete Tazas, Laguna del Maule, Cascada Invertida, Salto del Laja, and ending in Pucón.
Designed for travelers exploring Chile by car, this route combines scenic mountain drives, volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, national parks, and remote camping spots. You'll experience high-altitude Andean lakes, native forests, panoramic viewpoints, and one of Chile's most iconic waterfalls — all in a flexible, self-guided adventure.
Whether you're planning a camping road trip in the Maule Region or looking for a scenic drive from Santiago to Pucón, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of nature, freedom, and unforgettable landscapes.
Below is the complete day-by-day guide to this Central to Southern Chile self-drive route.
Start your Chile road trip with a scenic 4.5-hour drive toward the Maule Region.
Before heading into more remote areas, stop in Molina — it's the last major supermarket before entering the national park zone. Stock up on food, water, and fuel. Molina – supermarket
Arrive at your campsite, set up, and enjoy your first night camping in Central Chile.
Drive approximately 1 hour to the national park entrance.
Spend the day hiking, exploring volcanic landscapes, forests, and scenic viewpoints. Return to camp in the evening.
Parque Nacional Siete Tazas is one of the most emblematic natural destinations in the Maule Region and a must-stop on any central Chile road trip. The park is renowned for its dramatic waterfalls, volcanic rock formations, and native forest trails.
Its main attraction, the "Siete Tazas," consists of seven turquoise pools carved over thousands of years by the Claro River. Nearby, the powerful Salto de la Leona waterfall adds to the park's scenic appeal.
The area is ideal for:
Tip: Tickets must be purchased in advance during high season. Buy tickets
Drive 2 hours to visit the famous Inverted Waterfall, a natural phenomenon where strong winds push the water upward. Inverted Waterfall
The Cascada Invertida (Inverted Waterfall) is one of the Maule Region's most unique natural phenomena. Located in the Andes near Laguna del Maule, this waterfall appears to flow upward when strong mountain winds push the water spray back against gravity.
On windy afternoons, the effect becomes especially dramatic, often creating mist and rainbows in the sunlight.
Why visit:
Tip: Weather changes quickly at altitude — bring wind protection even in summer.
From there, continue to Buenas Piedras (White Rocks) — unique rock formations ideal for short walks and photography. Stops are approximately 30–40 minutes apart. White Rocks
Piedras Blancas is a scenic viewpoint in the pre-Andean zone near Vilches Alto. The area is known for its distinctive white rock formations contrasting against native forest and offering panoramic views of Cerro El Peine and surrounding peaks.
It is a popular trekking destination, with routes ranging from moderate to more demanding.
Tip: Trails are part of a fragile mountain ecosystem — follow "leave no trace" principles.
Optional: Drive to the Laguna del Maule viewpoint. If approaching the border zone, you must report exit and return according to local regulations. Laguna del Maule
Laguna del Maule is a high-altitude lake and volcanic complex located over 2,100 meters above sea level near the Pehuenche Pass. Surrounded by lava domes, volcanic ash landscapes, and wide-open Andean views, it offers one of the most dramatic settings in central Chile.
The lake lies within a large volcanic caldera and is accessible via a fully paved mountain route.
Activities include:
Tip: Conditions can be windy and cold year-round. In winter, snow and ice are common and chains may be required.
Remote and scenic. Ideal for travelers looking for off-grid camping in Chile. Two suggested wild camping spots: Spot 1, Spot 2.
Drive toward Talca where you'll find organized campsites with a restaurant and small shop, pool, and horseback riding. You'll return this way the following day. Two campsites with restaurant and shop: Campsite 1, Campsite 2.
Drive south toward Los Ángeles and stop at the iconic Salto del Laja waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in Chile.
Unlike national parks, Salto del Laja is not a protected reserve, so dogs are allowed.
Salto del Laja is one of Chile's most iconic waterfalls and a symbolic gateway to southern Chile. The powerful waters of the Laja River plunge into a deep canyon shaped by centuries of erosion.
Visitors can access the four main waterfalls via established walkways and viewpoints.
Unlike many national parks, this area allows dogs and offers a range of nearby facilities, including camping, cabins, restaurants, and viewing platforms.
Tip: Visit early or late in the day for fewer crowds and better light for photography.
Salto del Laja info and bookings. Salto del Laja (website)
Stay at a nearby campsite (dog-friendly options available) or choose a site with full facilities. Campsite 1 / Campsite 2
Finish your Chile camping road trip with a 4-hour drive to Pucón, known as the adventure capital of Chile.
This route offers a complete Central to Southern Chile self-drive experience.
For the camping routes, a fully equipped 4x4 SUV isn't just convenient — it's built for these conditions. High-altitude mountain roads, strong Andean winds, gravel sections, and remote camping spots require ground clearance, traction, and reliability.
This setup gives you complete independence. With all-terrain tires, reinforced suspension, rooftop tent, and integrated storage, you're ready for both scenic highways and off-grid stops. The quick-deploy tent and awning allow you to camp comfortably wherever the landscape invites you.
No hotel planning. No fixed schedule. Just freedom to explore Chile at your own pace.
