Border crossing between Villa O Higgins and El Chalten (Carretera Austral)



The southern part of the Carretera Austral is one of the wildest and most beautiful parts of Patagonia. To reach this stretch you have to do a hard crossing from Villa O Higgins to El Chalten. Partly by bike, partly walking and partly by boat you need  2 - 4 days.
 
Roadbook
 
Km 
Hm
Locality
Description
O
 
Villa O Higgins
Several hostels, small shops, internet on the puplic library, contact captain Pirincho or Hielo Sur for the actual schedule of the boats http://www.hielosur.com/site/frame/index_frame.html
5
 
Puerto Bahamondez
Crossing the lago O Higgins 2 ½ - 4 hours
 
 
Candalario Manzilla
Possibility to camp on the haven, refuge (often closed)
7
 
Aduana Chilena
Cravel road, very steep, border is open 1. nov - 30 april.
22
 
Frontera Chile-Argentina
Cravel road, very steep, in Argentina the road ends suddenly and becames a small, muddy footpath. For the next 6 km you have to carry your bike most of time.
28
 
Aduana Argentina
Situated on the north end of the lago desierto. Possibility to camp. Pick up the boat to reach the south end of the lake and de carretera to El Chalten. There’s also a very bad walking path, not recommended by bike.
65
 
El Chalten
A reasonable gravel road runs for 37 km to El Chalten. Several hostels, supermarket, internet, but no cash dispenser.

November 2005