Map

When travel by Patagonian routes See map

Some general information about our routes

Patagonian routes are beautiful. They thrive in landscapes marked by vast expanses and endless horizons. They are usually very quiet except for areas near large cities. You can drive for hours to find only a few vehicles, which allows you to drive without stress. Here are some recommendations to make your trip safer.

• The routes are mostly two-way without separation at the center.
• Both paths of asphalt and gravel are generally maintained, but there may be disrepair areas without adequate indication.
• In several Patagonian provinces it have established a regrettable and dangerous wave of thefts of posters. This means that the signage, which was never great, today is poor, particularly troublesome if traveling at night.
• Please note that due to the successive layers of asphalt and poor maintenance of road verges, there may be a marked gap between the asphalt and the shoulder. Avoid "bite" the shoulder and if so, do not leaflet to quickly return to the asphalt. This maneuver usually end up in dumps.
• In our roads the best advice we can offer you is to exercise caution.

The distances in Patagonia are great and the weather is changing. Make sure you have forecast all-weather clothing if you are making long trips. Always carry water or a drink with you. Remember that there are long distances between cities and it may be hundreds of kilometers without encountering people.

Tips for gravel roads

A large number of routes in Patagonia are gravel. Here are some tips for safe driving on these roads:

• In front-wheel drive vehicles you have to prefer that good traction. It is preferable to forcing the engine and ensure a good output response.
• If driving on the gravel the car is cruising, we advise you not to stop, so the car does not skid, and go driving very gently on the accelerator. NO leafleting because you will definitely lose control of the vehicle.
• If your vehicle has rear-wheel drive, recover lost control while doing speed recesses. The most dangerous thing in these cases is flyers. If the car begins to spins, it is best to stop accelerating.
•  The gravel roads tend to form high "cords" stone cumulative product of passing vehicles. These cords can be placed in the spaces between the wheels of vehicles, roads or to the shoulder. If you must pass on these cords, do it very carefully because the stone that forms them is particularly loose and it can make the car lose grip.
• The loose material causes the vehicle has less grip and therefore there are very frequent skids and rollovers. If you lose control, do not make abrupt maneuvers with the steering wheel because it only makes things worse. Try to keep the wheel firmly and release the accelerator until the wheels turn again instead of slipping on the rocks.
• The most important thing to walk on gravel without problems is not to raise the speed, especially if you are not an experienced driver in this type of routes.

Preparing the car

• If a long trip, remember to bring some food and drink, a sleeping bag, tent and heater. The waiting for help can become very long.
• If possible, provide a protective windshield to his car: On the gravel road rise up stones that can break it. This is less important if your windshield is ready to shock.
• Companion inevitable: the chains. Its use is mandatory when the mud and snow occur in quantity. Also do not forget the ropes.
• Look before you leave where are the stations. Patagonia has long stretches without population or cities, and the fuel supply can be difficult. If you can, charge a spare drum.
• Air filters are easily clogged by those roads with loose soil and sand. We must therefore carry a spare.
• Control before leaving that the spare tire and the air in the tires are in perfect condition

What the law requires

• ID card or driver's identity card
• Green card (if it is expired, it can only be used by the holder)
• Receipts for payment patent
• Driver Registration
• Proof of payment of liability insurance
• Wafer and gas equipment card (if any)
• Wafer Vehicular Technology Verification (if the car is over two years old)
• 1 kilo fire extinguisher with pressure gauge
• First aid kit
• Fuses
• Triangular beacons
• Crique
• Head restraints and seat belts
• Take short lights on 24 hours
• Maximum speed on paved roads: 110 km.

Documents needed to cross the border

Every place to cross the border into Chile has its schedules, so it is advisable to consult them before long to cross into the neighboring country. Remember that if on arrival at the border is closed you should overnight in your vehicle.

• ID for all passengers or federal charter (there have been cases where it is demanded as a single document DNI) or passport.
• In the case of children, they should be submitted with the parents, the marriage certificate or notarized authorization. Remember now in Argentina custody is shared and whether traveling with one parent must have the authorization of the other (you might want to perform before a notary public a reciprocal permit that allows you to use any of the parents).
•  Green card or title of the vehicle. Travelers who have permanent residence in Argentina and wish to leave with your car to Chile must own the vehicle (Green Card) or be authorized by the owner for use it (Blue Card). Remember that the green card expires two years of issuance and from then on it can only be used by the holder.

• Updated driver's license.
• The car insurance with international coverage.

With these documents you must turn up to the police (with the driver's license and green card), to international police (with personal documents), to customs (with luggage) and to health (that will check whether you have food, plants or any prohibited item. If you had in possession of prohibited items, you would be asked to leave in the waste bins).

For more information about the documents required to cross into Chile consult the official website of the AFIP or the Nacional Gendarmerie of Argentina.