Original post
Bonjour
Est-ce que les bureaux de change chiliens acceptent les coupures de 100 et 200 € ou bien vaut-il mieux avoir des coupures de 50 et 20 €.
Merci d'avance !
Changer des euros au Chili
by Miesele
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Pas de problème avec des 100 et des 200. Bon taux seulement au centre de Santiago.
Bonjour,
Les billets doivent surtout être en parfait état, pas froissés, déchirés, égratinés ou coupés, sinon ils seront refusés.
J'aurais tendance à dire au maximum des billets de 100.
Bonne chance.
Les billets doivent surtout être en parfait état, pas froissés, déchirés, égratinés ou coupés, sinon ils seront refusés.
J'aurais tendance à dire au maximum des billets de 100.
Bonne chance.
Pas de problème avec des 100 et des 200. Bon taux seulement au centre de Santiago.
À Providencia, dans le secteur de Pedro de Valdivia, le taux est très similaire à celui du centre ville.
À Providencia, dans le secteur de Pedro de Valdivia, le taux est très similaire à celui du centre ville.
Question que je me pose toujours? Pourquoi en 2018, les gens veulent ils changer des euros? Une CB suffit!!!! Des DAB existent partout, pas de perte de temps dans les banques, pas de risques de se faire arnaquer par des changeurs de rue, disponibilité 24h sur 24; tous les commerçants du monde entier prennent dorénavant la CB.
Oui je voulais surtout dire qu'en province le taux est mauvais, il vaut mieux changer des dollars.
Et oui ils changent les 200.
Et les DAB impliquent des commissions bien supérieures au cash. En plus certains détestent les banques en général (il y a de bonnes raisons) et les évitent autant que possible. Sans compter ceux qui financent leurs voyages par de l'argent noir.
Bonjour Miesele, nous sommes au Chili, nous avons échangé nos coupures de 500 € dans un cambio près de la place d'Armes à Santiago sans problème. Pour répondre à la personne qui demandait pourquoi nous ne payons pas en carte bleue, les banques prennent des taux parfois très important sur les montants payer en carte bleue.
Oui je voulais surtout dire qu'en province le taux est mauvais, il vaut mieux changer des dollars.
Exact, le change est toujours meilleurs à Santiago, personnellement je pense moi aussi que c'est dans la rue Agustinas, entre Bandera et Ahumada que le change est le meilleur. Dans le secteur Los Leones / Pedro de Valdivia, il n'est pas trop mauvais non plus.
Et oui ils changent les 200.
C'est vrai mais je conseille jusqu'à 100. Le plus gros billet au Chili est de CLP 20.000 soit environ Euro 26 à certains endroits ils ne les aiment déjà pas trop...
Le billet le plus falsifié est celui de CLP 5.000 de Gabriela Mistral.
Il faut parfois se méfier aussi entre les billets de 1000 pesos et 10000 pesos, certains chauffeurs de taxis jouent sur la confusion et le peu de connaissance des billets.
Et les DAB impliquent des commissions bien supérieures au cash. En plus certains détestent les banques en général (il y a de bonnes raisons) et les évitent autant que possible. Sans compter ceux qui financent leurs voyages par de l'argent noir.
Dans les petites villes aussi, il peut y a voir des problèmes avec les DAB, soit ils sont en panne, soit ils sont à court de liquidité. Quand c'est le cas, il y a certains magasins (grandes surfaces notamment) qui peuvent vous donner de l'argent liquide quand vous achetez chez eux avec une carte. Ils vont alors vous demander: "¿quiere vuelto?"
Exact, le change est toujours meilleurs à Santiago, personnellement je pense moi aussi que c'est dans la rue Agustinas, entre Bandera et Ahumada que le change est le meilleur. Dans le secteur Los Leones / Pedro de Valdivia, il n'est pas trop mauvais non plus.
Et oui ils changent les 200.
C'est vrai mais je conseille jusqu'à 100. Le plus gros billet au Chili est de CLP 20.000 soit environ Euro 26 à certains endroits ils ne les aiment déjà pas trop...
Le billet le plus falsifié est celui de CLP 5.000 de Gabriela Mistral.
Il faut parfois se méfier aussi entre les billets de 1000 pesos et 10000 pesos, certains chauffeurs de taxis jouent sur la confusion et le peu de connaissance des billets.
Et les DAB impliquent des commissions bien supérieures au cash. En plus certains détestent les banques en général (il y a de bonnes raisons) et les évitent autant que possible. Sans compter ceux qui financent leurs voyages par de l'argent noir.
Dans les petites villes aussi, il peut y a voir des problèmes avec les DAB, soit ils sont en panne, soit ils sont à court de liquidité. Quand c'est le cas, il y a certains magasins (grandes surfaces notamment) qui peuvent vous donner de l'argent liquide quand vous achetez chez eux avec une carte. Ils vont alors vous demander: "¿quiere vuelto?"
il y a certains magasins (grandes surfaces notamment) qui peuvent vous donner de l'argent liquide quand vous achetez chez eux avec une carte. Ils vont alors vous demander: "¿quiere vuelto?"
Ce n'est valable qu'avec les cartes chiliennes non ? En tous cas chez moi (seulement un Unimarc) je crois qu'ils ne le font pas avec les cartes étrangères.
Ce n'est valable qu'avec les cartes chiliennes non ? En tous cas chez moi (seulement un Unimarc) je crois qu'ils ne le font pas avec les cartes étrangères.
Question que je me pose toujours? Pourquoi en 2018, les gens veulent ils changer des euros? Une CB suffit!!!!
Parce que retirer dans un DAB coûte cher (frais de la banque locale et de la banque en France en général). Et parce qu'en retirant au DAB et en payant par CB dans les magasins il y a aussi un risque de se faire cloner sa carte. Au Chili, changer dans une maison de change officielle qui a pignon sur rue et qui donne un reçu ne me paraît pas spécialement risqué (en tous cas dans ma ville, jamais entendu parler d'un quelconque problème et les nouvelles vont vite ici).
Parce que retirer dans un DAB coûte cher (frais de la banque locale et de la banque en France en général). Et parce qu'en retirant au DAB et en payant par CB dans les magasins il y a aussi un risque de se faire cloner sa carte. Au Chili, changer dans une maison de change officielle qui a pignon sur rue et qui donne un reçu ne me paraît pas spécialement risqué (en tous cas dans ma ville, jamais entendu parler d'un quelconque problème et les nouvelles vont vite ici).
Au Chili, changer dans une maison de change officielle qui a pignon sur rue et qui donne un reçu ne me paraît pas spécialement risqué (en tous cas dans ma ville, jamais entendu parler d'un quelconque problème et les nouvelles vont vite ici).
Je suis d'accord avec toi. Je n'ai jamais eu de problème dans les bureaux de change.
Par contre, il faut surtout éviter de suivre les personnes qui conseillent d'aller voir ailleurs et les suivre sous prétexte d'obtenir quelques pesos de plus par euro ou USD.
Je suis d'accord avec toi. Je n'ai jamais eu de problème dans les bureaux de change.
Par contre, il faut surtout éviter de suivre les personnes qui conseillent d'aller voir ailleurs et les suivre sous prétexte d'obtenir quelques pesos de plus par euro ou USD.
il y a certains magasins (grandes surfaces notamment) qui peuvent vous donner de l'argent liquide quand vous achetez chez eux avec une carte. Ils vont alors vous demander: "¿quiere vuelto?"
Ce n'est valable qu'avec les cartes chiliennes non ? En tous cas chez moi (seulement un Unimarc) je crois qu'ils ne le font pas avec les cartes étrangères.
Avec les cartes de débit il me semble que cela fonctionne. Mais cette alternative n'est pas très connue.
Ce n'est valable qu'avec les cartes chiliennes non ? En tous cas chez moi (seulement un Unimarc) je crois qu'ils ne le font pas avec les cartes étrangères.
Avec les cartes de débit il me semble que cela fonctionne. Mais cette alternative n'est pas très connue.
En fait j'ai un vague souvenir d'avoir été avec quelqu'un qui aurait demandé le vuelto avec une CB étrangère et à qui la caissière aurait dit non à l'unimarc. Mais je l'ai peut-être rêvé ! Ça vaut le coup d'essayer en tout cas.
Merci Pierre
Comme je n'aurai pas l'occasion d'aller dans le centre de Santiago, par mesure de prudence je vais me limiter aux billets de 100 et 50 euros et des coupures de 100 et 50 US$.
Merci également pour tes nombreux posts qui m'ont bien aidée pour la préparation de notre petit périple chilien.
Miesele
Merci Thierry pour votre réponse et les nombreuses informations que vous partagez sur ce forum.
Encore 3 semaines à patienter pour découvrir ce merveilleux pays 😎
Miesele
Bonjour Dominique
Comme Ninine4, Thierry6789 et Jayma vous ont déjà répondu, je rajouterai qu'il ne faut pas généraliser, dans chaque pays les montants max qu'on peut retirer sont différents (très faibles en Argentine lorsque j'y étais en 2014, alors sur 6 semaines s'il faut retirer tous les 2 jours, je vous laisse imaginer le montant des frais bancaires).
Par ailleurs, au cours de nos voyages nous allons très rarement dans les grandes villes et même avec les DAB on peut se faire arnaquer : la preuve, en mars de cette année j'étais au Guatemala, DAB vide (et ce n'était pas le seul), heureusement j'ai gardé le ticket (il n'y en a pas systématiquement) car au retour j'ai constaté qu'on m'a bel et bien prélevé le montant que je voulais retirer.
tous les commerçants du monde entier prennent dorénavant la CB
Faux, même en France ce n'est pas le cas, mais là aussi je ne passe pas mes vacances dans les villes 😉 Miesele
tous les commerçants du monde entier prennent dorénavant la CB
Faux, même en France ce n'est pas le cas, mais là aussi je ne passe pas mes vacances dans les villes 😉 Miesele
Merci beaucoup Catherine mais comme je n'aurai pas la possibilité de faire le change au centre ville de Santiago, je vais privilégié de petites coupures.
Profitez bien de votre voyage 😎
Miesele
Merci Miesele, pour nous c'est la fin de notre voyage 😢😢😢, nous revenons de l Île de Pâques et nous passons notre dernière nuit à Santiago 😣😣😣Nous garderons un souvenir merveilleux de ce pays, aux paysages époustouflants et tellement varié. Bon voyage à vous également.
Bonjour Ninine
Un hôtel à recommander à Santiago? Liaison aéroport/Santiago facile?
Bon retour
Merci
Is
Coucou Isabelle,
Le seul hôtel que nous ayons fait à Santiago, est l hôtel Galerias. C est 3 étoiles locales, ils s apparente plus à un 2 étoiles, il n est pas loin de la place d Armes. Je ne peux pas te donner le prix, car nous étions en circuit accompagné. Quant à l aéroport, il est à 15mn( si pas de bouchons ) de Santiago , en empruntant l autoroute. Il y a beaucoup de taxis en attente, mais encore une fois, nous ne les avons pas pris.Bon voyage.J espère que tu ne restera pas uniquement sur Santiago, car le Chili est un pays magnifique; et attention à la pollution à Santiago, j en ai souffert ( difficulté respiratoire ) .Et je n ai aucun problème de santé. Bon voyage 😉
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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.
What do you think? Thanks,
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 😊 🇧🇷
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
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, I'm looking for a local agency in Uyuni to do the trip and tours from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Hi there,
Could you recommend any car rental agencies in Calama and Punta Arenas? Best regards,
Could you recommend any car rental agencies in Calama and Punta Arenas? Best regards,
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?
Thanks for your help!
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?
Thanks for your help!
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!
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!
Hey everyone,
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 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
hi,
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)?
Looking forward to your feedback.
Best regards,
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)?
Looking forward to your feedback.
Best regards,
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
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