Punta Arenas Travel Forum

I hear that the roads in Chile are some of the best in South America. I have tentative plans to do a road trip from Santiago to Punta Arenas that would take a week and a half. I'm not sure if this is even possible, so here's my question. I can't find any highways on the maps i've looked at that will take me the whole way - are there ways to drive through that last patch in the south or will I have to fly there?

Thank you.

Joe

You cannot travel to Punta Arenas in Chile yet. You have to travel via Argentina. There are several possibilities. Either you cross over from Osorno or Puerto Montt to San Carlos de Bariloche, or at several border crossings further down in the south.

Also check out info about the Panamericana (Panamerican Highway).

You do not have to fly.

Note that if thinking of doing this in a rental car it will cost a packet. One way drop offs are hugely expensive and there are extra fees for taking the car into Argentina. You won't be able to cross the border without the correct papers from the rental company. The 5 Sur highway is excellent but has numerous tolls. If you have plenty of time, why not bus certain portions and rent a car to explore an area.

This is a very good suggestion.

Other people do it by buying a cheap car and write it off at the end. However, if such a car breaks down in the middle of nowhere you are in a not very appealing position. I would do it if I had mechanic skills.