Chile
Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez → Chile Chico
Naviera Austral’s barge La Tehuelche crosses Lago General Carrera, Chile’s largest lake, linking Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez south of Coyhaique with Chile Chico near the Argentine border — a two-hour shortcut instead of the long drive round the lake.
Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez to Chile Chico ferry at a glance
The ferry from Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez to Chile Chico takes About 2h across the Lago General Carrera, operated by Naviera Austral. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: daily crossings in both directions; one or two each way per day in the low season (from 1 May 2026).
Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.
Sources: navieraustral.cl · navieraustral.cl · barcazas.cl · How we verify
Return crossing: Chile Chico to Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez
Naviera Austral also sails Chile Chico to Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez, taking About 2h. Crossings run both ways on the same barge, with the Chile Chico departure usually first in the morning.
Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez to Chile Chico ferry timetable & sailing pattern
The timetable below ended on 30 April 2026; check the official timetable (Naviera Austral) for current times before you travel. The departure times below are Naviera Austral’s high-season itinerary, which ran to 30 April 2026. It publishes a separate low-season itinerary (from 1 May 2026) and the next high-season one on its Lago General Carrera page.
Daily in both directions: in the high season (to 30 April) two crossings each way most days; in the low season (from 1 May 2026) one or two each way per day
Separate high-season (valid until the end of April) and low-season (from 1 May 2026) itineraries are published.
Departure times from the timetable that ended
- High season from Chile Chico: Mon–Fri 08:00, Sat–Sun 09:00; afternoon departures 16:00–17:00 (none Thursday)
- High season from Puerto Ibáñez: 12:00 (not Thursday) and 19:00–20:00 daily
Return: Crossings run both ways on the same barge, with the Chile Chico departure usually first in the morning.
Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.
Official Naviera Austral timetable →Check prices & book on Naviera Austral →Source: Naviera Austral Lago General Carrera page. Verified 2026-09-29.
Maritime Crossing Route Map
Interactive sea passage between Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez and Chile Chico
Ready to cross from Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez to Chile Chico?
Book your crossing with Naviera Austral: live fares, availability and sailing times.
Operators on This Route
| Operator | Crossing Time | Vessels |
|---|---|---|
| Naviera Austral | 2h | La Tehuelche |
Route Features
Vehicles
Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted
Foot Passengers
Walk-on passengers welcome
Pets
No pet facilities
Distance
17 nautical miles
Getting There & Onward Transport
- Boarding in Puerto Ibáñez is at the Embarcadero; in Chile Chico at the Muelle de Chile Chico
- Somarco’s Lago General Carrera contact points list offices in Coyhaique (21 de Mayo 872) and at Chile Chico bus terminal (Bdo. O’Higgins 209)
Tips for the Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez to Chile Chico Crossing
- Naviera Austral asks foot passengers to be at the terminal 1 hour before sailing and vehicles at least 2 hours before.
- Several sailings are state-subsidised, with separate fares for Chilean nationals, foreigners and residents.
- Some Tuesday sailings are reserved for dangerous-goods transport, so check the day’s itinerary before planning a Tuesday crossing.