Patagonia Road Trips

Custom-Made Experiences by Locals

Patagonia Road Trip Itineraries: Self-Drive Planning & Personalized Tours

We are a local travel agency based in Argentina, specializing in custom journeys across Argentina and Chile. In this section, we focus on Patagonia road trips, which can be self-guided or done with a private driver. Here you’ll find suggested itineraries and route options that can be adapted to your time frame and interests, along with useful articles and practical information.

If you want to see all of our road trips, check out Argentina Road Trip Tours!

Trips to Inspire You

• El Calafate to Ushuaia Road Trip Itinerary (15 Days Self-Drive)

  El Calafate - El Chaltén - Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas - Ushuaia

• Ruta 40 Argentina road trip

  Buenos Aires, Northern Argentina, Cuyo Region, Lake District, El Chaltén, El Calafate, Tolhuim & Ushuaia

• Puerto Madryn to Bariloche Road Trip Itinerary

  Puerto Madryn - Gaimán - Esquel - El Bolsón - El Bariloche

• Mendoza to Bariloche Road Trip tinerary

  Mendoza - San Rafael - Malargüe - Caviahue - Villa Pehuenia - San Martín de los Andes - Villa La Angostura - Bariloche

• Patagonia Wildlife Road Trip

  Esquel - Puerto Pirámides - Bahía Bustamante

• Atlantic Patagonia Tour (self drive)

  Puerto Madryn, Bahía Bustamante, Comodoro Rivadavia & Campamento Darwin

• Argentina and Chile Road Trip: Carretera Austral and Ruta 40

  Esquel, Región de Aysén, Chile Chico & Los Antiguos, Lago Posadas, El Chaltén & El Calafate

• Patagonia Campervan & Comfort

  Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Torres del Paine, El Calafate & El Chaltén

Let's start planning your personalized experience

Beyond BA Latam is a local travel company based in Argentina, specializing in tailor-made journeys across Argentina, Chile, and Antarctica. Our knowledgeable team designs trips around your interests and travel style, helping you experience the region in a more enjoyable way.

Patagonia Road Trip Map

These are the most popular areas for road trips in Patagonia.

Southern Patagonia Road Trip

There is no road trip officially called "Southern Patagonia," but we use the term to describe the network of scenic roads that connect the most iconic destinations of Southern Patagonia, across both Argentina and Chile. These routes include sections of Ruta 40, Ruta 3, Chile’s Ruta 9, Ruta 41, Ruta 11 in Santa Cruz, and several other scenic roads. This road trip region connects highlights such as El Chaltén, El Calafate, Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas, Monte León, Cabo Vírgenes, Ushuaia, and Tierra del Fuego (both Argentina and Chile). The landscapes are remarkably diverse, combining vast steppes, glaciers, rivers, forests, fjords, mountains, national parks, Atlantic coastlines, the Andes Mountains, and more. Along the way, travelers can experience traditional gaucho culture, world-class hiking, and outstanding wildlife, including pumas, condors, penguins, guanacos, and more. It also offers the feeling of reaching the "end of the world."

Ruta 40

Ruta 40 is arguably Argentina’s most iconic road and one of South America's greatest driving routes. Stretching for more than 5,000 kilometers, it begins at Cabo Vírgenes in southern Patagonia and ends at La Quiaca, near the Bolivian border. In Patagonia, Ruta 40 passes through beautiful landscapes, including the Lake District, Bariloche, San Martín de los Andes, Los Alerces National Park, and the vast Patagonian steppe of Chubut and Santa Cruz. It also provides access to iconic destinations such as El Chaltén (Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre), Perito Moreno Glacier, Cueva de las Manos, Patagonia National Park, and Perito Moreno National Park.

The route also serves as a backbone for connecting with Chile (Torres del Paine, Carretera Austral, and many other areas), the Atlantic Coast, and Tierra del Fuego (Argentina and Chile).

Ruta 40: Beyond Patagonia

Ruta 40 continues north through some of Argentina’s most remarkable landscapes. These places are either located along Ruta 40 or in other areas that can be connected to it. Some of the attractions you can find along the way are Mendoza’s wine region, Aconcagua, Ischigualasto (Moon Valley), Talampaya, Catamarca, the Calchaquí Valleys, Cafayate, Cachi, Salta, Purmamarca & Quebrada de Humahuaca (Jujuy), Salinas Grandes, the High Plateau (Altiplano), and Iruya (naturally, doing the whole Ruta 40 would require more than 1 month). We can definitely help you organize a tailor-made journey to these places as well!

Carretera Austral

The Carretera Austral is one of the world's great road trips. This legendary route stretches for more than 1,200 kilometers through Chilean Patagonia, connecting remote communities and some of the most pristine landscapes in South America. The route passes through lush temperate rainforests, including the spectacular Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, dramatic fjords, hanging glaciers, turquoise rivers, and the famous General Carrera Lake. Along the way, travelers can visit destinations such as Chaitén, Puyuhuapi, Coyhaique, Puerto Río Tranquilo, and the Marble Caves. Many sections remain unpaved, adding to the sense of adventure. When combined with Southern Patagonia or the Chilean Lake District, the Carretera Austral offers one of Patagonia’s most rewarding road trip experiences.

Lake District

Both Argentina and Chile have spectacular lake districts, which can be explored separately or combined into a broader cross-border road trip.

The region is characterized by mountains, lakes, rivers, volcanoes, and ancient forests, as well as some of the most scenic roads in South America. To the west, the landscapes gradually descend toward the Pacific Ocean, while to the east they transition into the Patagonian steppe.

In Argentina, the famous Seven Lakes Route connects San Martín de los Andes, Villa La Angostura, and Bariloche through a succession of stunning lakes and mountain scenery. Other highlights include Los Alerces National Park, Lago Puelo, El Bolsón, Lanín National Park, Villa Pehuenia, and Moquehue.

In Chile, the Lake District includes destinations such as Puerto Varas, Frutillar, Puerto Montt, and Chiloé Island. Further north, the region extends toward lush volcanic landscapes around Pucón, Villarrica National Park, and the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve. To the south, the Chilean Lake District serves as the natural gateway to the Carretera Austral (you can also connect to it through Argentina).

Welsh Patagonia

Patagonia’s Welsh heritage is one of the region’s most fascinating cultural stories. In 1865, Welsh settlers arrived on the Atlantic coast and established communities such as Gaiman and Trelew, while later settlements expanded westward toward the Andes, particularly around Trevelin. Many of these traditions are still preserved today. One of the most interesting road trips combines Península Valdés and Puerto Madryn with Trevelin and the Lake District, crossing the Patagonian steppe from the Atlantic coast to the Andes while enjoying history, culture, wildlife, and spectacular landscapes.

Ruta 41

Ruta 41 is one of Patagonia’s lesser-known routes. Located in Santa Cruz Province, it connects remote landscapes that remain largely undiscovered by international visitors. Highlights include Los Antiguos, Monte Zeballos, Lago Posadas, and the spectacular Lago Pueyrredón. The route offers extraordinary views of colorful mountains, glacial valleys, turquoise lakes, and vast open spaces. One of its most impressive sections leads to Lago Pueyrredón, which sits along the Chilean border, where the same body of water is known as Lago Cochrane.

Ruta 3 & Atlantic Patagonia

Ruta 3 follows much of Argentina’s Atlantic coastline and forms the backbone of Atlantic Patagonia. Stretching from Buenos Aires to Tierra del Fuego, it offers a very different Patagonia experience compared to the Andes.

The route connects some of the region’s most important wildlife destinations, including Puerto Madryn and Península Valdés, where visitors can observe whales, penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, dolphins, and other marine species. Further south, Ruta 3 crosses vast Patagonian steppe landscapes and remote coastal areas, providing access to places such as Camarones, Cabo Dos Bahías, Puerto Deseado, Monte León National Park, and Cabo Vírgenes. In the final stretch, in Tierra del Fuego, the landscape changes dramatically, crossing the mountains before reaching Ushuaia. The route ends at Lapataia Bay, in Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Articles

• Bariloche to El Calafate: 3 Incredible Ways to Go

  Both destinations are among the top choices for travelers visiting Argentina. However, planning the journey from Bariloche to El Calafate can sometimes be challenging. In this guide, we share the best…

• From Bariloche to El Chaltén

  Exploring Patagonia by car is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in its vast and untamed beauty. A journey from Bariloche to El Chaltén offers the perfect blend of scenic landscapes, hidden…

• From Buenos Aires to Ushuaia by Car

  Hello! This is Santiago, one of the founders of Beyond BA Latam, our local travel agency in Argentina. Today, I’d like to share one of the ways to travel from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia by car. First…

• Route of the Seven Lakes - Argentina

  The Route of the Seven Lakes, or Ruta de los Siete Lagos, is a breathtaking scenic drive through the heart of the Argentine Patagonian Lake District in Northern Andean Patagonia. This iconic road…

• Ruta 41 in Santa Cruz: Patagonia’s Secret Scenic Route

  Patagonia is often associated with the iconic Ruta 40, but for those willing to venture off the beaten path, Ruta 41 in Santa Cruz offers one of the most rewarding scenic drives in the province.…

• Welsh Patagonia: The Extraordinary Legacy of Wales in Argentina

  Welsh Patagonia is one of the most fascinating chapters in Argentina’s history. In 1865, a group of Welsh settlers arrived in Patagonia aboard the Mimosa, seeking a place where their language…

• Marble Cathedrals Mini Guide

  The Marble Cathedrals (Catedrales de Mármol) are located in Chilean Patagonia, on General Carrera Lake (Lago General Carrera). This lake is shared with Argentina, where it is known as Lake Buenos…

• Cave of Hands

  Visitors from all over the world come to see the Cave Of Hands in the province of Santa Cruz because it is an extraordinary and captivating location. It is one of Argentina’s most famous…

• Best time for a Road Trip in Patagonia

  Planning a road trip in Patagonia is a dream for many travelers. I’m Santiago, one of the founders of Beyond BA Latam, and after driving across Patagonia multiple times, I want to share my…

• Argentina-Chile Border Crossings: Top 10

  With a shared border stretching for approximately 5,300 kilometers (3,300 miles), Argentina and Chile have one of the longest international borders in the world, extending along the Andes from…

• Patagonia Gas Stations

  Driving through Patagonia is one of the most unforgettable travel experiences in South America. However, navigating the vast and remote landscapes of southern Argentina and Chile comes with one…

• Best Family Road Trips in Argentina

  Argentina is the sixth-largest country in the world. It stretches 3,779 km from north to south and 1,423 km from east to west, offering an incredible variety of landscapes to explore. The most…

FAQs

Is Patagonia good for a road trip?

Absolutely. Patagonia is one of the world’s premier road trip destinations, offering dramatic landscapes, low traffic, scenic routes, and access to glaciers, mountains, wildlife reserves, lakes, fjords, and remote wilderness areas. Many travelers consider a self-drive journey the best way to experience the region.

What is the best time for a Patagonia road trip?

Most travelers visit between October and April. Summer (December to February) offers the longest daylight hours, while spring and fall usually bring fewer crowds and beautiful seasonal colors. Winter road trips are possible in some areas but require additional planning.

How many days do I need for a Patagonia road trip?

That depends on the route. We generally suggest about 2 weeks for Southern Patagonia and 3 weeks or more for a broader Patagonia road trip. Since distances are considerable, allowing extra time often leads to a more relaxed and rewarding experience.

Which is better for a road trip: Argentina or Chile?

Both offer spectacular experiences. Argentina generally provides longer driving routes, open landscapes, wildlife, and extensive road networks. Chile is known for fjords, lush forests, and mountain scenery. Many of the best Patagonia road trips combine both countries.

Is driving in Patagonia safe?

Driving in Patagonia is generally safe, but there are a few things to keep in mind. The region is known for its strong winds, which can be challenging for drivers. Distances are long, and gas stations may be far apart in remote areas, so it is advisable to refuel regularly and carry essential supplies. In terms of crime, Patagonia is generally very safe. However, as in most destinations around the world, it is always advisable to avoid leaving valuables visible inside your vehicle and to take basic precautions when parking.

Is Patagonia suitable for a family road trip?

In many (or most) of the cases yes. Patagonia could be an excellent destination for families, offering wildlife watching, scenic drives, boat excursions, short hikes, national parks, and outdoor experiences suitable for children of different ages.

Are gas stations easy to find in Patagonia?

Gas stations are available in most towns, but distances between them can be significant, especially in remote areas. We recommend refueling whenever possible and avoiding long stretches with a nearly empty tank.

Do I need a 4x4 to drive in Patagonia?

Driving a 4×4 is always a plus, but not a must to enjoy the highlights of Patagonia during the high season (between October and March). Most destinations in Patagonia, including Torres del Paine, El Calafate, El Chaltén, Tierra del Fuego, Bariloche, Ushuaia, Peninsula Valdés, and Puerto Madryn, can be visited with a regular car. Naturally, there are exceptions and remote areas where a 4×4 is useful or necessary.

What are the roads like in Patagonia?

Patagonia offers a mix of paved and gravel roads. Most popular destinations can be reached via paved roads (inside many National Parks and Natural Reserves you’ll probably find gravel road, for a matter of sustainability), while some scenic routes and remote areas require driving on gravel. Road conditions are generally good, although potholes, strong winds, and long stretches with limited services should be expected in certain areas.

Can I rent a car in Argentina and return it in Chile?

In most cases, no. Cross-border travel is commonly allowed, but rental companies usually require vehicles to be returned in the same country where they were rented. However, it is very common to rent a car in Argentina, visit Chile, and then return the vehicle in Argentina. Many of our Patagonia road trip itineraries combine both countries in this way.

Can you drive from Argentina to Chile?

Yes, and there are spectacular border crossings throughout Patagonia. Just make sure you obtain the proper authorization from your rental company before crossing the border. You can get inspired by reading our article about the best border crossings between Argentina and Chile.

Does Argentina require an international driver's license?

If you are visiting Argentina as a tourist, your valid driver’s license from your home country and your passport are usually sufficient. However, requirements may vary depending on your nationality, so we recommend checking with the Argentine consulate in your country before traveling.

Can I visit Torres del Paine and El Chaltén on the same road trip?

Yes. In fact, this is one of the most popular Patagonia road trip combinations. Many travelers combine El Calafate, El Chaltén, Torres del Paine, and Ushuaia into a single itinerary.

Can you help me design a custom Patagonia road trip itinerary?

Absolutely. Every trip we organize is personalized according to your interests, travel pace, budget, preferred accommodations, and desired experiences. Whether you are interested in wildlife, hiking, photography, family travel, or other interests, we can tailor the itinerary accordingly.

Why Choose Beyond BA

Personalized Trips

Travel itineraries built together with you from the very beginning. Tailored to your preferences, travel pace, budget range and preferred accommodation style.

Local Experts

As the best recommendations come from real experiences, we personally explore the places and activities we recommend, while always discovering new ones to share with you.

Genuine Connections

Our work has led us to build meaningful partnerships with local experts across Argentina and Chile, connecting us to truly authentic experiences.

Positive Impact

Our aim is to promote responsible travel by respecting local cultures, protecting the places we explore together and preserving the cultural & natural heritage of our country.

What Our Travelers Say

TripAdvisor

My dream was to go to Patagonia. I was planning it for a long time but decided to find someone who could help me with it. I was assigned with Lucila and this is when my dream stared coming true. She was the most attentive, helpful, and caring person. Listened to every concern I had and paid attention to all my wishes regarding how I want this trip to be like. When the itinerary was ready and the trip booked, she made sure everything was going smoothly. While in Argentina, I can't think of anything that went not according to plan. All the trips, pick-ups, activities were perfectly planned and Lucila was always within reach in case I had any questions. Honestly, this trip was a dream come true and the service quality impeccable. Now, I can't imagine planning my next trip to Argentina with anyone else

WeTravel

Victoria at BA Travel organized the most incredible trip down to the smallest details and connected us to wonderful local guides where needed. She really went the extra mile to make sure everything went smoothly and that is was the kind of trip that I would enjoy. I have traveled all over the world and have used a variety of services and I am so impressed with BA Travel and highly recommend them.

TrustPilot

Enjoyable experience in Patagonia Beyond BA , especially Alvaro, our advisor, did a great job helping plan our itinerary in Patagonia. Alvaro was very responsive and gave us good insights/advices during the planning process. At the onset and everyday we received reminders/updates on our drivers and activities for the next day. The whole trip was arranged smoothly and local operators/guides and drivers were all reliable and helpful. We enjoyed our trip and will definitely use them again if I go back to Argentina.

I suppose that Beyond BA got its name… I suppose that Beyond BA got its name from the fact that its organization of trips is BEYOND any expectations one can imagine. Their professionalism is of the highest standards. Lucila (our contact) followed us from the very beginning throughout our journey with her support and advice. All the reservations, flights, guides were as scheduled. It was amazing. To everyone that wishes to visit Argentina, only one travel agency: Beyond.....

Victoria and the team were Exceptional!!! Every email I sent was promptly answered, bookings and payments made easy with Beyond BA and Victoria's professionalism. Highly recommended to book through Beyond BA. Our tour was to Patagonia for hiking and it was an amazing experience. Great value for money. One of the most organised I've been on. Only having to carry day packs on the hikes was a bonus and the camp grounds were comfortable and an experience in its self. There was 3 of us and Victoria secured us triple rooms when not camping. Can not recommend Beyond BA highly enough and Victoria, thank you

We had a fantastic time during the trip and everything was organised perfectly by Beyond BA. They gave us great advices on how to better organise the trip suggesting great locations. In particular our contact Alvaro was fantastic, he was always available for any doubts we had during the trip and we are very grateful for his help!

We enjoyed the interaction with the company, specifically Julieta... Very well organized. Very good guides and drivers.

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