🚗 First, let’s introduce the car rental company we chose:
We opted for Europcar at El Calafate airport. The staff were incredibly patient and helpful, and the fees for minor body scratches upon return were quite reasonable.
🙋 Why choose self-driving instead of public transportation:
Many scenic viewpoints in Fitz Roy and Torres del Paine National Park are easily accessible by the roadside, making self-driving a fantastic option for spontaneous photo stops. Additionally, if you’re hiking and unsure about your descent time, having a car means you won’t have to worry about missing the last bus.
However, self-driving does come with its challenges, such as navigating road conditions and ensuring the vehicle is in good shape, and it can be more costly than taking a bus.
❓Reasons for choosing to rent a car in Argentina
Renting a car from El Calafate in Argentina offers the convenience of driving to El Chalten (Fitz Roy) and Torres del Paine in Chile, with a travel time of just 2-3 hours. However, it’s worth noting that cars in Argentina are generally in poorer condition compared to those in Chile, and an Argentine visa is required.
If your travel plans are limited to Chile, consider renting a car there. It’s essential to weigh your travel needs and choose the most suitable car rental location.
🔔 Car rental tips:
1️⃣ Car rental prices in Argentina can be quite steep, with a compact A-class car costing 💲200 per day during the Christmas season. Most of these cars have manual transmissions, and even a new 2023 model may have an interior reminiscent of a 20-year-old Chinese car, so be prepared to adapt.
2️⃣ The speed limit on Argentine highways is 110 km/h, while in towns, it drops to 40 km/h. In Chile, highway speed limits are usually clearly marked.
3️⃣ Many roads in small towns in both Argentina and Chile are unpaved gravel roads, so drive cautiously and slowly.
4️⃣ Small towns in Argentina and Chile often have numerous one-way streets, and Google Maps doesn’t always distinguish them.
Look for road signs with a single arrow, which indicates a one-way street.
5️⃣ When heading to Torres del Paine from Argentina, stick to the main Highway 40. Avoid following Google Maps onto nearby dirt roads.
6️⃣ There are no rest stops on Argentine highways, so plan to refuel and eat in the towns along your route.
7️⃣ There are no gas stations inside Torres del Paine National Park. If you’re coming from Argentina, make sure to fill up in La Esperanza or Rio Turbio to have enough fuel for the self-driving loop and the return trip.
8️⃣ Mobile signal is scarce in many areas, so download offline maps in advance to stay on track.
9️⃣ The road conditions in Torres del Paine National Park can be challenging, so it’s highly recommended to purchase full insurance for peace of mind.
🛃 Border crossing guide:
Due to character limitations, please refer to the screenshot in Figure 2 for detailed border crossing information.
Feel free to ask questions 🙋🏻♀️ and I wish everyone a Happy New Year!
