I’m planning to explore Argentine and Chilean Patagonia for a month in December 2019.
I’m looking for a rental company (or several) that offers single-cab 4x4 pick-ups with a fitted camper cell for two people. I’m specifically after a vehicle with an indoor shower for extra comfort ;)
So, no vans—at least not from the rental companies I’ve seen so far.
While browsing the forum, I came across the Chilean rental company Holiday Rent. But do you have any recommendations for Argentine rentals?
Because, if I can’t return the vehicle in the same city as pickup, I’d prefer—and it’d likely be cheaper—to at least return it in the same country.
I’m traveling through Argentina and Chile (as well as Paraguay and Uruguay) with a 2019 Toyota Hilux Euro 6. Could anyone tell me if the local diesel is suitable for its engine, or if I need to take any special precautions (like adding an additive, for example) for these countries?
I’d also like to know if driving at high altitudes is possible, and up to what elevation—or if I should worry about the vehicle going into limp mode?
If that happens, what should I do?
Hello,
We’re planning a trip to Patagonia for November–December 2026.
After reading forums, blogs, and guidebooks, we’ve sketched out a rough itinerary and would love to hear from experts.
We initially wanted to rent a camper van, but it’s hard to find options and we have no idea about prices.
We’ve settled on starting in Bariloche, crossing into Chile for the Carretera Austral, then back into Argentina before crossing into Chile again for Punta Arenas, and finally ending in El Calafate to drop off the car. We don’t want to make any advance reservations so we can stay flexible based on weather and road conditions.
Do you think this route is reasonably doable?
And if you have any idea about the cost of renting a car for 17 days with a different drop-off location and the paperwork needed for border crossings…
Thanks a million in advance for your replies!
Céline
Day 1: Flight – 24 hours of travel, overnight on the plane
Day 2: Arrival in Buenos Aires, overnight in BA
Day 3: BA, overnight in BA
Day 4: BA, overnight in BA
Day 5: Flight to Bariloche, overnight in Bariloche
Day 6–7: Seven Lakes route, overnight in Bariloche
Day 8: Drive to La Junta, overnight stop
Day 9: Drive to Puerto Tranquilo, overnight in Puerto Tranquilo
Day 10: Catedral de Mármol, overnight in Puerto Tranquilo
Day 11: Drive to El Chaltén, overnight stop
Day 12: Arrival in El Chaltén, overnight in El Chaltén
Day 13: El Chaltén, overnight in El Chaltén
Day 14: El Chaltén, overnight in El Chaltén
Day 15: Drive to Punta Arenas, overnight in Punta Arenas
Day 16: Punta Arenas, overnight in Punta Arenas
Day 17: Punta Arenas, overnight in Punta Arenas
Day 18: Drive to Torres del Paine, overnight in Torres
Day 19: Torres del Paine, overnight in Torres
Day 20: Torres del Paine, overnight in Torres
Day 21: Drive to El Calafate, overnight in El Calafate
Day 22: El Calafate, overnight in El Calafate
Day 23: Flight to BA, overnight in BA
Day 24: Flight to Paris
hi everyone,
anyone have any info on Route 40 in Argentina?
We’re planning this trip and looking for tips (accommodations, sights along the way, etc.).
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Patrick
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a trip to Argentina, and we want to do the northern loop followed by the southern loop starting from Salta.
Since I’ve read conflicting advice, I need your help to figure out if an SUV is enough or if a 4x4 is absolutely necessary—prices are really different!
I’d also appreciate recommendations for "reliable" rental agencies.
Thanks for your help
