Argentina is eight times bigger than Germany. Therefore you shouldn’t plan to visit the country only with a round trip of 3 or 4 weeks.
The best time for visiting the South is from November to April. Especially the amazing Patagonia and the peninsula Valdez with its famous abundance of animals are worthy. From April to October there are great conditions for visiting the North of Argentina, ideally in connection with the Atacama Desert in Chile.
The adventure way “Ruta 40” leads from North to South next to the Andes. Normally vehicles with four-wheel drive aren’t necessary but because of the deep ruts one needs a bigger distance between the car and the street. A normal car isn’t sufficient. But you can discover nearly the whole country on asphalted street by camper or car without missing some sights.
Routes course
Day 1 |
Coihaiqu - Chile Chico
Unusual and a bit requiring getting used to is the pentagonal form of the city. Surrounded there is nature pure. The P.P. Coihaique offers different hikes and in the National Park Huemul it’s possible to see the threatened Andes deer. Especially the scenery in the southern National Park Cerro Castillo is amazing.
For many people the way from Coihaique to Chile Chico along the Argentinean border is the most beautiful one of the country. The road isn’t prepared well but one will be rewarded with beautiful nature. Since 2003 there is a lengthening of the road until Tortel. From there it’s possible to visit glaciers by boat which reaches into the Pacific.
Day 2 |
Chile Chico – Lago Buenos Aires – Cueva de las manos – National Park Perito Moreno
The Land of Wind and the end of the World are epitomes of the dream land for travelling discoverers especially because of books written by Stefan Zweig (“Magellan”), Bruce Chatwin (“In Patagonia”) and Paul Theroux (“The old Patagonian Express”). Therefore it isn’t necessary to tell a camper that he will find here what he always looked for: lonely roads, scenic highlights and silence which is only disturbed by the wind. Do your own Patagonia adventure! The Federal State Patagonia starts in the south of the Rio Colorado next to Malargüe.
The second biggest lake of South America is situated next to the heavily used road to Chile. The lake is divided into two parts, one Argentinean and one Chilean. Boats runs over the border. The area is unspoiled. On the Argentinean side extends the pampas with its endless bush vegetation. The Chilean part is one of the greatest scenic attractions of the country. The Baker River which flews from the blue-colored lake to the Pacific is known as a good river for rafting as well as fly fishing.
The Cueva de las Manos is one of the oldest evidences of the early settlement in Patagonia. The hand prints in the caves of the Rio Pintura Canyons are the oldest evidences of pre-colonial settlement in this area. At the walls of the caves illustrations of animals like Guanacos can be found as well. The oldest of the 800 hand prints should be created before 9300 years and the youngest before 3000. It shows that the Patagonian culture hasn’t change very much during this long term. You should visit the cave in the early morning or in the evening because then the canyon is very beautiful. Next to the park entrance is the camping ground.
It is difficult to reach the National Park in the North of the National Park Los Glaciers but it’s one of the most beautiful places of Argentina. When visiting this area please make sure that you have got enough gas. The glacier lakes are blue and green lighted which is an amazing view. The National Park is famous for its animal abundance. Be careful – it can be really stormy!
Day 3 |
National Park Perito Moreno – Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre
These both rock peaks cast a shadow over the northern end of the National Park Los Glaciers. The rocks lead to a rush of adrenalin not only for mountaineers. Also hikers and nature lovers will be enthusiastic because of the scenery. Some hiking and trekking ways lead from different places to the mountains. The infrastructure for overnights after day tours is really good. There are many camping grounds available. Some enthusiastic tourists say that hikes along the Fitz Roy are more beautiful than Torres del Paine in Chile. We don’t rate this statement but you will meet fewer hikers there. The area needs to be visited.
Day 4 |
Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre – Perito Moreno Glacier – El Calafate
This is maybe one of the last growing glaciers of the World. Its edge where 1000 year old ice falls into the water is known all over the world and therefore the whole area was declared National Park by the state. With the rental car it is possible to drive near to the impressing mass of ice. The best view to the huge wall of ice one can get during a boat trip which can be booked. Whiskey lovers should watch out! What is older than your whiskey and nevertheless gets in the glass? Of course the ice of the Porito Moreno! But be careful – there are often high waves which lead to death of careless tourists.
Day 5 + 6 |
El Calafate – Puerto Natales – National Park Torres del Paine
This is the most visited National Park of the country. It’s a must to visit this scenery but the masses of people during midsummer are disturbing. In the park there are different camping grounds which are good starting points for day trips. Especially the Grey Glacier, the Mirador Los Torres and the viewpoint above the Grey Glacier are worth full. It’s one of the best parks to watch animal like Guanacos, Rheas or Flamingos as well. The return journey to Puerto Natales takes place at the Afternoon.
Day 7 |
National Park Torres del Paine – Punta Tombo – Punta Arenas
The nature reserve of Punta Tombo is a place where one of the biggest Penguin colonies of South America can be found. The Penguins come in September for brooding at the beach. During January and February the new-born Penguins walk into the water. In the morning the beach is overfilled but going there in the evening is worth full because then there are less people.
Pick Up 4x4 Plus
Motorhome compact 
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