Balmaceda is a small Chilean village and the entry point to the northern Patagonia region of southern Chile. Collect your car hire from the Balmaceda Airport and head to the nearby city of Coyhaique before beginning your adventure on the Carretera Austral (Southern Highway).
Spend the day in the city and visit the arts and crafts fair held opposite Plaza de Armas. Find all sorts of traditional handmade products including leather goods, woven wool garments, pottery and more.
Along the Carretera Austral (stretching 1240 kilometres), visitors can explore national parks, snow capped mountains, lakes, glaciers and more.
![Cerro Castillo near Balmaceda]()
Image: Felipe Del Valle
Renting a car from Balmaceda Airport
Complete your Balmaceda rental car reservation quickly and easily with AirportRentals.com. Simply type in your travel details to generate a list of available vehicles at Balmaceda Airport. Find and compare vehicles from international and local hire companies, all on one page. Use the convenient preference filters to select by price, transmission type, vehicle type, and more.
Once you’ve found your ideal rental car, complete your secure booking in just a few clicks. Receive instant confirmation without the worry of hidden fees and charges. You can also enjoy 24/7 access to our helpful customer service team, should you need assistance.
Balmaceda Airport (BBA)
The Balmaceda Airport is a very small regional airport and doesn't offer much in the way of facilities and amenities. There are, however, plans to upgrade the airport, with construction due to commence in 2019. For a bite to eat, there is a small cafeteria offering a selection of hot and cold foods and WiFi access.
The domestic airport has limited flights to and from Santiago, Puerto Montt, and Punta Arenas, offered by LATAM and Sky Airlines.
The car hire companies kiosks are easy to locate in the small terminal. Simply make your way to baggage claim in the arrivals area to pick up your keys.
Driving around Coyhaique
Driving a hired car around Coyhaique offers breathtaking views and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Do note that the road surface is mostly gravel and in poor condition with large potholes. Plan ahead, booking a well-equipped vehicle, and drive with care to ensure a safe journey.
The area is remote and there can be long distances between petrol stations, so fill up when you can and check your tank before leaving on a long journey. Check and make sure your spare tyre is in good condition and you have all the necessary tools in case you need to change it.
Driving to Coyhaique from the Balmaceda Airport
Balmaceda Airport is 56 kilometres southeast of Coyhaique, with a drive time of approximately one hour. Head northeast from the airport and turn left onto Ruta 245. Continue onto Ruta 7 until Los Coigüe, then take a left onto Eusebio Lillo and you will find yourself in Coyhaique.
Driving tips for Chile
● Drive on the right and overtake on the left.
● Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
● Take care on windy mountain roads, which have sharp curves and often no guard rails.
● It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.
Parking at Balmaceda Airport and Coyhaique
A selection of parking is available in the open air car park at Balmaceda Airport, within walking distance to the terminal.
Most hotels in Coyhaique offer free parking facilities to their guests.
