I am writing this sitting having breakfast (included) in a backpackers in Ancud at the north end of Chiloe occasionally glancing up to see small fishing boats returning to the mulle after a nights work on a flat calm and sunny Pacific. You can´t do that on Rt 40. I´ve just ridden the CA (again) from Cochrane up to Chaiten where, after spending a couple of days watching the local volcano burbling away, I took the weekly ferry (Mon.) to Quellon, the one on Sat. sails to Castro. Volcanic eruptions, boat breakdowns and sea conditions can all affect the timetables but if you want guaranteed departures and arrivals, you should time travel back to Mussolini's pre WW2 Italy. (allegedly) The cost for me and my bike 9 days ago from Chaiten to Quellon was about US$50.00 for a 5 hr very scenic trip and it will cost me about another US$6.00 to get to the mainland from the top of Chiloe. The CA is 90% fantastic although just south of Chaiten there are a few roadworks whereas Rt 40 is a lot less enjoyable unless you are into gravel, ruts, crosswinds and shrapnel storms from passing trucks, buses and rabid 4+4 drivers. Rt40 does give access to many of Argentina´s visual jewels but in my opinion it is a road to brag about rather than to enjoy. When they finally seal all of it, that´s when I´ll travel it willingly. Ride safe.

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Mike
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Mike is riding the twisty road in the sky