raycuz
Jan 28, 12, 3:01 am
Hi All
Is it possible to drive from Punta Arenas and El Calafate? Is it an easy drive? How long?
Cheers
Is it possible to drive from Punta Arenas and El Calafate? Is it an easy drive? How long?
Cheers
South America - Driving
View Full Version : Driving
neuromancer
Jan 28, 12, 7:14 am
Yes, it is possible. The terrain is mostly flat, but there is a very strong wind. I think some of the road is unpaved.
According to Google maps, it's ~500km. The roads are interrupted at the border crossings, so it cannot calculate a route, but in reality a road exists there.
Given the high prices of international one-way rental + additional foreign insurance required, I'd take a bus and rent a car at the destination.
According to Google maps, it's ~500km. The roads are interrupted at the border crossings, so it cannot calculate a route, but in reality a road exists there.
Given the high prices of international one-way rental + additional foreign insurance required, I'd take a bus and rent a car at the destination.
Eastbay1K
Jan 28, 12, 10:13 am
Most (if not all) rental car companies in Chile do not permit your car going into Argentina under any circumstances. I don't blame them.
neuromancer
Jan 28, 12, 12:19 pm
Well, I don't think so. You can, but have to purchase international insurance. I inquired at Hertz 2 years ago when I was stranded there due to the earthquake. I did not like the cost of one-way + insurance, luckily I managed to find seats in the bus. There was a local company that allowed it too, I don't remember the name. Was left with the impression it is not anything extraordinary at other companies. Things may have changed since then.
Eastbay1K
Jan 28, 12, 1:12 pm
Well, I don't think so. You can, but have to purchase international insurance. I inquired at Hertz 2 years ago when I was stranded there due to the earthquake. I did not like the cost of one-way + insurance, luckily I managed to find seats in the bus. There was a local company that allowed it too, I don't remember the name. Was left with the impression it is not anything extraordinary at other companies. Things may have changed since then.
It also might be location-specific. I recall @ LSC specifically having Anti-Argentina ;) language in the contract. I believe I also have @ PMC.
It also might be location-specific. I recall @ LSC specifically having Anti-Argentina ;) language in the contract. I believe I also have @ PMC.
raycuz
Jan 29, 12, 1:44 am
Thanks all. Did more research and we have decided to base ourselves in El Calafate and hire a care from there. We will give Punta Arenas a miss. Could hire a care but was too expensive to cross border.
Cheers
Cheers
neuromancer
Jan 30, 12, 2:44 am
Well, IMO Punta Arenas is not that interesting to be worth the hassle. Torres Del Paine is, and is much closer to El Calafate.