bonjour tout le monde, voila je suis a santiago avec une amie et son fils de 19 mois, d'ici peu nous voudrions remonter vers le nord en passant par la serena en prenant le bus, puis de la serena jusqu'a iquique en mule, je voudrais acheter deux mules et l'equipement qui va avec, au au alentours de la serena, si quelqu'un peux me dirigeais vers une adresse et surtout combien cela me couterais au moins cher, je vous remercie bye bye😛😛
haaa ouff une reponse🙂🙂, de toute facon apres on va la manger la mule alors....je plaisante bien-sur, , le projet est toujours d'actualite, je verrais sur place ( la serena), juste si tu as des info sur le prix sa m'interresserais, et sur le prix d'equipement ou peut etre que tu connais un endroit pas cher, ou je puisse acheter une mule, du coup avec mon ami, on va s'acheter qu'une mule.merci kalchaqui
A mon avis la region proposee ne convient pas a la rando meme avec une mule. Peut etre uniquement dans la region de Ovalle, La Serena et Vallenar. Mais attention randos tres limitees en montagne a cause de proprietes privees.
Bonjour, je dirais comme Kalchaqui que le problème c'est que c'est vraiment le désert, donc il faut emmener l'eau mais aussi le fourrage, cela fait du volume. Et en plus tu vas trouver le temps long, car le paysage n'est pas très changeant. Meme les chiens se cachent du soleil (pas cons).
Plus précisement
On te l'a dit : Rien á bouffer, rien á boire, rien á voir sur des kms et des kms ni pour toi, ni pour les mules ni pour le gamin de 19 mois.
C'est pas deux mules qu'il te faut : C'est une caravane de mules pour être en autarcie complète.
Tu passes où ? La panaméricaine ? ton espérance de vie et celles des mules seront considérablement réduit par les bus et les camions qui ne dévieront pas un cm en te voyant...s'ils te voient.
Le chemin de l'inca au pied de la cordillère ? Copiapo, fincas de chañaral, el salvador en suivant les puquios (sources), vers le salar d'Atacama... Achète d'abord un téléphone satellital, si ta mule se fait une entorse, on vous retrouvera momifier dans une centaine d'années...Le suicide par séchage en somme. Et puis, les sources d'eau en altitude sont assez souvent trés toxique arséniqué trés fort ou trés fortement contaminé par les industries minieres...
Sur les pistes qui bordent la côte... Entraine toi à dessaler l'eau de mer, à pécher et la méditation parce que là aussi vous serez vraiment seul au monde.
Et pour terminer en beauté, pense à ta mûle la larme à l'oeil lorsque ty l'abandonneras à Iquique, à part bouffer ta mule, je vois pas ce que tu pourras en faire, tu peux l'abandonner sur l'herbe rase de la playa cavancha mais elle risque d'avoir vite faim et soif.
En fait, j'ai l'impression de répondre au TONGO du mois sur VF (fanfaronnade)...Es-tu vraiment sérieuse ?
J'espère te voir aux fêtes de Bayonne une fois la raison imposée.
Bah, c'est parfois marrant de lire des posts comme le tien...
rien a voir sur des km... hum, c'est une question de pont de vue, la ou certain ne voit rien moi j'y vois au contraire tout un monde, bien plus grand et pas fait de details tout azimuts, on est pas a la meme echelle voila tout.
pour le reste il est bien evident que l'on ne partira pas a l'aveuglette sur des dizaines de km sans villages, ni eau, ni nourriture, nous avons un tant soit peu d'instinct de survie..
il est interressant de noter que tes remarques sont les memes que celles de tous les gens des villes a qui nous avons parler de notre projet, en revanche, tous ceux des campagnes sont emerveilles et nous donne des miriades d'informations, de contacts et de conseils afin de nous aider.
ton discours est plus proche de celui d'un parent qui ne croit pas en la capacite de son enfant a realiser des choses et a se surpasser. moi je crois que l'encouragement est la source de tout succes, et que les choses peuvent etre dites sans jugements ni moqueries.
nous n'avons tout simplement pas les memes projets ni les memes facon de les mettre en oeuvre.
il sera, je crois, plus interressant de se faire les fetes de bayonne que de partir en treck avec toi!
allez, c'est aussi parfois bien marrant de lire des reponses comme les tiennes! ouvres ton champs de dialogue et tu seras surpris de decouvrir le nombre de gens qui ont deja realise se genre de voyage. si nous sommes serieuses? si tu savais..
Moi qui ai toujours en tete, serieusement, de traverser les Andes dans leur integralite avec une mule (pas pour de suite, mais ca reste du serieux dans ma tete), ce n'est pas moi qui te dirais que ce projet est completement fou.
Cependant, comme mentionne par tout le monde dans les messages precedents, cette region desertique du Nord Chili n'est vraiment pas l'ideale pour une traversee a pied avec des mules porteuses et un enfant de 19 mois. J'ai lu deja des ouvrages de voyages accompagnes d'anes ou de mules, dans les Andes ou ailleurs, je me suis beaucoup renseigne, et dans ton projet, le point problematique pour moi, c'est surtout l'alimentation des mules.
Pourquoi ne pas envisager cette aventure sur une region plus propice a un tel voyage? (l'achat de mules serait egalement plus facile pour toi au Perou ou en Bolivie)
Choisis plutot les Andes, en Equateur, ou au Perou, ou en Bolivie, ou possiblement au Nord Ouest de l'Argentine. Dervla Murphy a ecrit le livre 'Eight Feet in the Andes' au sujet d'un voyage avec mule au Perou avec sa fille de 8 ans.
Bonjour, on ne veut pas t'empecher de faire ce dont tu as envie, mais j'en suis a 4 voyages dans cette zone, et prends la carte du Chili, a part les villes indiquées (Copiapo- Antofagasta-San Pedro-Iquique etc...) entre chaque ville il n'y a pas un arbre , pas de verdure, juste du sable et des pierres , avec de la montagne. Donc pour un géologue cela doit etre très intéréssant, raison pour laquelle il n'y a qu'une activité minière. Moi qui suis un fondu de road trip en
voiture je m'ennuyais au bout de quelques dizaines de km, alors j'imagine en mule. Seul points positifs, vu la secheresse de l'atmosphère pratiquement pas de microbes, et pour ceux qui ont des rhumatismes articulaires plus aucunes douleurs. Par contre prendre de la pommade anti UV, la plus filtrante possible.
Et j'espère que ceux qui t'encouragent ont déja visité cette région. En tout cas la population qui y vit n'a qu'un rève , redescendre dans le sud.
Pourquoi ne pas envisager plutot de faire la descente de Valparaiso vers la Patagonie.
Choisis plutot les Andes, en Equateur, ou au Perou, ou en Bolivie, ou possiblement au Nord Ouest de l'Argentine. Dervla Murphy a ecrit le livre 'Eight Feet in the Andes' au sujet d'un voyage avec mule au Perou avec sa fille de 8 ans.
Ce livre, ma bible; l'auteur (irlandaise), mon inspiration. 🙂
bonjour tout le monde, voila je suis a santiago avec une amie et son fils de 19 mois, d'ici peu nous voudrions remonter vers le nord en passant par la serena en prenant le bus, puis de la serena jusqu'a iquique en mule, je voudrais acheter deux mules ...
... tu trouveras ça dans n'importe quel magasin de chaussures🙂...
🙂 Bon, pour ce qui est de la ville et des champs.... Desole, mon origine est rurale, mon travail est rural, mes relations son rurales....
Si ton projet est serieux, je m'en félicite mais autant te dire que ce n'est pas ce que tu laissais entrevoir dans tes premiers messages...et si je me permet de répondre á ton message c'est parce que j'ai la modeste prétension de connaítre cette région aussi bien le désert que la puna d'atacama mais bon j'ai n'ai pas vu l'ébauche d'un itinéraire viable de ta part, je t'ai donc jugé uniquement sur l'absence de présentation d'itinéraire....Sachant que l'itinéraire et donc l'approvisionnement est une question de vie ou de mort aussi bien de ton projet que des participants.
Donc vous ëtes serieuses, ouf, tant mieux, c'est bien mieux ainsi...
Et si tu veux des réponses sérieuses et non moquantes, commence par écrire serieusement...
Suerte
Hi there, Next September (2025), we re heading to Latin America as a family for a year, and we re thinking of buying a vehicle (car, van, or camper) in Punta…
Hi there, I’m looking for recent info on a boat trip with sleeping accommodations from Belém to Santarém. I don’t want a "luxury cruise for wealthy tourists"—just a bed with a minimum of comfort seems great to me🙂. I didn’t find any up-to-date details with Amazon Star. Do you have any companies, guides, or prices for this route to recommend?
I’d love to hear tips and feedback on this trip, especially since I’m traveling solo. I’d like to get a sense of what to expect and ensure some basic safety with transportation.
Thanks.
I live in Quindío and I’ve seen a lot of worried questions since the August earthquake. Here’s an update for those planning a trip to the coffee region.
Tourist sites are operating normally: Salento, the Cocora Valley, Filandia, and Pereira Airport are open and welcoming travelers. The region needs visitors—coming here directly helps the locals.
A few tips to plan your stay:
• Airports: Pereira and Armenia, each about 1 hour from Salento.
• Where to stay: Salento for the vibe and proximity to Cocora, Filandia, or a *finca* near Quimbaya for more tranquility.
• Cocora: Easy to explore independently from Salento, with the Willys (local jeeps) leaving from the square. Go early to avoid crowds.
• La Carbonera: Less known, wilder, and home to the largest wax palm forest. The road is long—best done in a 4x4 or with a Willy driver.
• Coffee: Many small family-run *fincas* offer tours around Salento and Filandia.
• Hot springs: Santa Rosa de Cabal, on the way to Pereira.
• Duration: Plan at least 3 days to enjoy without rushing.
If you have any questions about the region, ask away—I’m happy to help.
Hi everyone! I’m heading to Colombia in January 2026 and have a few questions. In Salento, which is better to do—Cocora Valley or Carbonera Valley? After that, I want to fly from Medellín to Rincón del Mar. Is there an airport in Tolú? I can’t find any info. Thanks in advance, and *buen viajé* to all! Kristian
Hi everyone! So happy to be back on this forum—it’s packed with such useful info! 🙂 My husband and I are planning a 2.5-week self-drive trip to Colombia at the end of the year, including some domestic flights. My first question is: is it possible, easy, and safe to do a road trip in Colombia?
Below is our draft itinerary (with questions at each stop):
29/11: France → Colombia. Overnight in Bogotá.
30/11: Exploring Bogotá: La Candelaria and Montserrate.
01/12: Gold Museum (closed on Mondays). Drive to Zipaquirá (1.5 hrs) to visit the Salt Cathedral. Then drive to Villa de Leyva (3 hrs). Explore the town. Overnight in Villa de Leyva.
02/12: Return to Bogotá via Laguna de Guatavita (5 hrs). Is it worth the detour? Overnight in Bogotá.
03/12: Flight to Pereira. Drive to Salento. Overnight in Salento.
04/12: Cocora Valley (hike among the wax palms) followed by a drive around the area. Are there any waterfalls or other sights nearby?
05/12: Visit a coffee finca—any recommendations? Then explore the surroundings: Filandia, Manizales, waterfalls? Hot springs? Which ones?
06/12: Flight to Medellín.
07/12: Exploring Medellín: Centro, Plaza Botero, Comuna 13. How do you visit Comuna 13? Is it easy to get around Medellín? Metro? Buses?
08/12: Drive to Guatapé (2 hrs). Visit the town, stroll around the lake, then El Peñol. Overnight in Guatapé.
09/12: Return to Medellín.
10/12: Flight to Santa Marta. Drive to a hotel near Tayrona Park.
11/12: Tayrona—El Zaino entrance.
12/12: Tayrona—Palangana entrance, then Bahia Concha and Santa Marta. What do you think?
13/12: Drive to Minca (45 mins). Can we reach the village by car? Pozo Azul and Marinka waterfalls. Overnight in Minca (or back in Tayrona?).
14/12: Drive to Puerto Nao (5 hrs). Stop in Ciénaga on the way + boat tour in Nueva Venecia and/or Buena Vista? Not enough time? Overnight in Puerto Nao.
15/12: Exploring Cartagena: Centro, Getsemaní, the walls + La Boquilla if we have time.
16/12: La Boquilla (is it really worth it?) if we didn’t have time yesterday, then back to the beach.
17/12: Return to France.
So, what do you think? Is this doable, or should we tweak it? Thanks in advance for your invaluable feedback and tips! 🙂
It's decided—2027 will be Brazil, in the summer (unless you advise against it 😕). From what I’ve read, the weather’s okay, even if it’s a bit chilly for swimming. We’re going, as always, as a group of four, with our teens. 🙂
We’d be looking at a solid two weeks, at least 14 days on the ground. I’m planning way ahead to nail down an itinerary and book our flight tickets (the prices I’m seeing already are freaking me out…).
From my research, I’ve come across some classic routes: Rio/Iguazu/Paraty/Ilha Grande.
Roughly: 4 days in Rio, 2 in Iguazu, 2 in Paraty, and 3 on Ilha Verde. That’d leave us one more stop on the trip.
Since we like to end with a "chill" stop for the kids,
My questions:
- Is Ilha Verde worth it this time of year? I’ve read that swimming might not be an option—water’s too cold… So not ideal for a chill/relaxing destination?
- How should we round out the trip in the South? São Paulo? Another stop along the Costa Verde?
- Wouldn’t it make more sense to head up to the Northeast, where it’s warmer, like Salvador de Bahia?
But Salvador raises other questions:
- Are there flights from Iguazu to Salvador?
- And for the return to France, would we have to connect through Rio or São Paulo from Salvador?
- Any suggestions for places to stay around Salvador?
Thanks for your input—I’m sure I’ll have more questions as I go along. 😉
Hi there, we’ve decided to head to Brazil at the end of March for 2.5 weeks with our 13-year-old son. From what I’ve gathered from some research, Rio seems like a great destination at this time of year, and I’m thinking around 4-5 days to explore it—does that sound right to you? Copacabana, Ipanema, Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, maybe a favela tour, or any other ideas?
How’s the best way to get around locally? I’ve heard about Bonito or Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande—what do you think of those? Fernando de Noronha for snorkeling or even diving? Is Recife a good option at this time of year?
If you’ve got any suggestions, we’re all ears—it’s for our 50th birthdays! :-) Thanks so much for your help and tips. See you soon.
Hi everyone,
We’re planning 40 days in Uruguay and Argentina in February and March, trying to avoid as much rain as possible.
We’re thinking of starting in Buenos Aires, then heading to Bariloche, and from there flying to Córdoba, Mendoza, or Salta. Maybe by bus or renting a car to explore each region.
Do you have any suggestions or tips for us? We love picturesque, historic cities and landscapes. As seasoned travelers, we’re used to planning our trips ourselves.
Thanks in advance!
We’ve planned our road trip in Chile, and the only thing left is to book the TABSA ferry from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams.
Problem: the ferry that leaves Punta Arenas at 1 AM isn’t available for booking, no matter the day or month. All the other departures can be booked, though.
On top of that, Tabsa isn’t responding to any messages.
We’re planning to explore Peru’s main highlights and were wondering if anyone could share insights on the quality and comfort of overnight buses. If so, which bus company should we trust?
Hi,
My wife and I are heading to Brazil from November 6th to December 2nd. We’ll be stopping in São Paulo, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Rio, and Salvador de Bahia.
Could you recommend some nice, non-luxury places to stay in each of these spots?
Also, any suggestions for places to visit would be great.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Marc
Hi there.
I already posted a message asking for advice about our upcoming trip to Chile.
Details: Getting around by bus or train.
Starting from Valparaiso, heading north, passing through cities and places to visit, then returning to Santiago via a different route.
Avoid the beaches...
Thanks
Hello,
my wife and I will be in Cusco for a week in March 2027.
I’d like to organize the visit to the site on our own, combining the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
We’d leave Cusco on Day 1 to arrive at the site in the morning, then stay in Aguas Calientes or Ollantaytambo, and on Day 2 return to Cusco while visiting the Sacred Valley.
Is this doable?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hello,
We’re spending 3 weeks in Rio between February 20 and March 15, 2027, to visit our son and daughter-in-law. We’re thinking of one or two "escapes" from Rio—3-day trips to get away from the city (so not too far, max 3–4 hours by car or bus). We’re all ears for suggestions! We love beautiful nature and authentic experiences, not so much the touristy spots... even though those spots are often in beautiful places, we’d rather avoid them.
Thanks for your insights!
Catherine
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip with my partner (no kids this time—thanks, Grandma!) for two weeks to celebrate her 40th birthday. I’ve been thinking about Chile. We’re looking at leaving around September 18, 2027, starting in the south and returning in early April.
Here’s what I had in mind:
8 nights in a van in the Lake District and the start of the Carretera Austral (up to the Chaitén area). We’re set to arrive in Puerto Montt around 2:00 PM. We don’t want to go too far south since we’re planning to explore the heart of Patagonia (Chile and Argentina) with the kids when they’re older. The idea is to spend 3 nights discovering the lakes (up to Cochamó) and 3 nights in Pumalín Park. I’ve also added two transition nights.
7 nights in the Atacama to experience another side of Chile (San Pedro), taking a domestic flight from Puerto Montt to Calama in the early afternoon. We’ll depart for France in the early evening from Santiago.
IMPORTANT NOTICE for those planning to take a bus to another city, state, or destination from Salvador!
Starting January 20, 2026, the intercity bus station Rodoviária is changing its address!
The Rodoviária is leaving the Iguatemi area and will now be located in ÁGUAS CLARAS (about twenty kilometers from downtown Salvador).
A brand-new station (the most modern in Brazil) has just been set up there, accessible by car/taxi/Uber/metro.
Allow for much more transfer time (especially during rush hours), so leave early if you're heading to Chapada Diamantina or other Brazilian cities by bus.
Remember, there are also private transfers (even French-speaking ones) that can take you directly from your hotel in Salvador to your hotel in Chapada. Sure, it’ll be more expensive, but you’ll save on transfer time and comfort.
Tropical greetings from Salvador,
@ivanbahiaguide
Loyal member of the French-Speaking Brazil Forums for over 15 years already 😊 🇧🇷
Hello,
We’re thinking of spending 1 month in Chile, maybe doing a loop?
From 12/23 to 01/22.
What are the must-see sights, given we’re more interested in the country’s cultural side than the beaches?
Thanks
Hi everyone,
We're planning a trip to southern Chile in November. Here's our tentative itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Santiago, then a flight the next day to Balmaceda where we'll pick up a rental car to reach Coyhaique.
Day 3: Walk in the Coyhaique National Reserve, then continue to Puerto Chacabuco. Return to Coyhaique for the second night.
Day 4: Drive to Villa Cerro Castillo for a hike in the national park. Continue to Puerto Tranquilo and stay there for 3 nights.
Day 5: Boat tour on Laguna San Rafael.
Day 6: Day trip to Monte San Valentin Glacier.
Day 7: Excursion to the Marble Chapels, then drive to Puerto Guadal. We'll stay there for 3 nights.
Day 8: Walk along Lago Carrera and return to Puerto Guadal.
Day 9: Rio Baker Valley and, if possible, a glacier excursion.
Day 10: Drive to Cochrane and hike in Tamango National Reserve. We'll stay 2 nights in Cochrane.
Day 11: Walk in the Chacabuco Valley.
Day 12: Drive to Caleta Tortel. We'll stay there for 2 nights.
Day 13: Cruise in the Rio Baker delta.
Day 14: Return to Cochrane.
Day 15: Return to Balmaceda in two stages.
Day 16: Continue the return journey.
Day 17: Return the rental car and head back to Santiago.
After this, we're also planning to explore northern Santiago. I'll post about that part once I have a clearer idea of the route.
What do you think of this itinerary? Is it doable in 17 days?
Thanks in advance for your tips and recommendations.
martine
Hi there, I’ll be in Brazil from December 10th to the end of February.
I’ve sketched out a rough itinerary but I’m not sure how to arrange it—considering the climate, year-end holidays, and Carnival.
Basically, I’m thinking of the Amazon, the Northeast coast with Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (but skipping Chapada Diamantina),
Ouro Preto, Paraty, and Ilha Grande—but no Rio visit.
Is this doable in 3 months?
Which direction should I take for this itinerary?
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone, does anyone know the agency Ventura Travel Agency (not ventura travel)? After lots of research and quotes, it’s the only one offering Uyuni at a reasonable price while meeting all the criteria: transfer to the border, private-room accommodation, and a very fair rate. Other agencies or guides either offer shared rooms, no border transfer, or prices that are way too high. But I’d love to hear some reviews about this agency. Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
We're planning a trip to Chile to visit the Atacama Desert and then head toward Putre, Lauca, Salar de Surire, etc.
Which would be the better time to go, April or November?
Is an SUV enough?
Looking forward to your tips!
Hi everyone, French travelers in Chile—what credit cards do you use for your various car rentals in the country? I’m traveling in September and was planning to switch my regular debit card (a VISA PREMIER in deferred debit mode) for the deposit guarantee.
My rentals are with Figal in Punta Arenas, Econautos in Arica, and Chilean Rent a Car in Temuco, and all of them want the deposit on a credit card. For me, deferred debit *should* work, but I’ve read comments saying the opposite.
How’s it actually working on the ground with these rental companies right now? Will a deferred debit card work, or not at all?
In France, banks don’t issue credit cards, right—or am I mistaken?
Hi everyone, is it still possible to travel in Ecuador outside the Amazon region? If so, do you have a reliable agency to recommend? All your recent experiences from the past few months would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much
Hi,
We’re heading to Buenos Aires for 3 days in November and would like to do a guided tour of a few neighborhoods. There are "free" tours, but none in French. Does anyone have a guide to recommend so we can really get to know the city beyond just the architecture?
Thanks
Hi there,
I’m desperately looking for info on the schedules and routes of (shared) boats to visit the islands of Lake Titicaca.
From what I’ve found, there’s a *combi* (bus) that leaves from Puno to go to Llachon. Where do you catch it? What are the schedules and frequency? Does it take about 1 hour?
Then in Llachon, you can take a boat to Amantani (45 min). Same question—where do you check for frequency and schedule?
After that, from Amantani, boats go to Taquile and then Uros. Do you have enough time to visit the islands between two boats? Frequency and schedule?
The goal is to do this tour independently (no agency) over 2 days. Thanks for any tips you might have!
I just got back from a trip to Bolivia and wow—what a wake-up call. It’s not the easiest country, but it’s absolutely stunning.
I started with Isla del Sol, perfect for easing into the altitude at a relaxed pace. Try to stay in the northern part of the island—it’s quieter and the views are insane. And the trout there? Unreal. Quick tip: bring cash in small bills; they almost never have change, and cards are rarely accepted.
Next up, La Paz. The city’s pretty wild, built in every direction. I did a few hikes in the area, including the famous Charquini Lagoon (the blue lake) at over 5,000 m—let’s just say I struggled 😅 but it was so beautiful it was totally worth it.
After that, I headed to Sajama. It’s cool, especially for the hot springs, and I stayed in Tomarapi. But honestly, if you’re short on time, you can skip it without too many regrets.
The highlight of the trip: the Salar. I did it starting from Tupiza, and I *highly* recommend going Tupiza → Uyuni. Way less crowded at the start and the landscapes are super varied. For the tour, I used SplitYourGuide to find a group, and it worked out great. Super handy for splitting costs and meeting people.
I wrapped up in Sucre—this city is gorgeous, all white, with such a chill vibe. And the salteñas + ice cream? Next level 😋
Bottom line: Bolivia’s a bit rough around the edges, sometimes exhausting (shoutout to the altitude), but it’s 1000% worth it.
If you’ve got questions or need tips, I’m happy to help!
Martin
I was planning to go to Réunion and stay in half-board accommodation with non-professionals, but it seems that’s not really the custom there—or maybe my budget isn’t big enough.
So, since I’ve already traveled around Ecuador and Peru, I’m now looking at Argentina, especially for its mountains (like the ones in Réunion that tempted me, even though—frustratingly—I could only admire them from below).
I plan to get around by bus and don’t know in advance where I’ll sleep, so I won’t book ahead. If I like a place, I might stay for several days.
I know that in Chile, it’s easy to find half-board accommodation, but what about in Argentina?
I’d like to stay with locals in half-board without it being a professional setup. I’m not sure if this is common practice there. It’s up to me to find someone willing to host me.
What do you think?
What would be a fair price (keeping in mind that 40 to 50 € is the max I can spend on accommodation, breakfast, and dinner)?
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Patagonia for three weeks in November, starting from Coyhaique in Chile.
We won’t have a car, and I’m struggling to find information about transportation options for a few parts of the itinerary we’d like to do:
1) From Perito Moreno (the town, near Los Antiguos), we’d like to travel down Ruta 40 to visit Perito Moreno National Park and then cross into Chile via the Paso Roballos (at the latitude of Bajo Caracoles) to reach the road to Cochrane. Without a car, it seems we’ll need to use private agencies to get to the national park—do you have any recommendations or suggestions? Also, does anyone know if it’s possible to cross into Chile via Paso Roballos (from Bajo Caracoles) without a rental car? That is, without having to go all the way down to El Chaltén or back up toward Perito Moreno/Los Antiguos, etc.?
2) The second stretch that seems a bit tricky (though still easier, in theory) is from Caleta Tortel to Villa O’Higgins on the Chilean side. Do we have to go back through Cochrane, or are there ways to get directly from Tortel to Villa O’Higgins?
3) Finally, we’d like to hike into Argentina (El Chaltén) from O’Higgins. Any recommendations for this? Do we need to go through an agency? What’s the estimated duration of the trek?
As you’ve probably gathered, we want to visit some off-the-beaten-path spots but don’t have a car, so we’re looking for the best possible compromises.
Thanks so much in advance for all your suggestions!
Thomas
