Trip Report
Patagonia
Road trip from the south tip in Chile via Argentina to Puerto Varas. Traveling in a camper van, wild camping in National parks, exploring remote villages and driving on endless dirt roads
+ 12
South AmericaChile, Argentina13 days / March 2022
Highs & Lows
Having a shower with views you never forget
Chile can be expensive for groceries (compared to Argentina)
Q & A
What would you have changed?
We were traveling during the pandemic which meant lots of (expensive) testing (and waiting for results) at borders. You can’t drive from south Chile or Argentine to the north and not pass through an other country.
Anything go wrong during the trip?
At some point the back door of our van couldn’t open anymore, inconvenient since the kitchen is only accessible from the back. We had to drive to one of the bigger villages in order to get the door fixed again, took us a day.
How was the food?
Cook the best dishes yourself! Chile is quite expensive in compare to Argentina, restaurants as well as groceries.
What tips would you give a friend?
Try to relax and enjoy the trip, bring clothes for summer and winter, travel light though… Go of the beaten tracks and explore small (dirt) roads. Visit Cueva de las Manos in Argentina, ancient art in a spectacular gorge.
Packing tips?
Pack for all seasons, hiking gear like water bottles and and daypacks are recommended to bring. Bring cash (dollars of euros) in case of emergency and/or to change in Argentina (do not use ATM’s in Argentina but change cash or use Western Union to take cash).
Transportation Tips?
Rent a van, it is not cheap but worth it. You can rent in all bigger places like Ushuaia, Punta Arenas and Puerto Varas
Any surprises?
Cueva de los manos , spectaculair and great story and guided tour
Lodging
Several spots, parking lot ‘Salto Grande’, parking lot at Administración, parking lot near ‘Welcome center Torres del Paine’ and just outside of the par at parking lot ‘Cascade Rio Paine’.
Camping ‘Ovejero’ in El Calafate and free campsite ‘Camping Libre El Huala’ at Lago Roca
Free camping at Santa Barbara beach and Camping El Volcan