Tierra del Fuego Road Trip Itinerary
The Tierra del Fuego Road Trip is an amazing 1449km journey through the beautiful landscapes of Argentina. Starting in El Calafate, this two-week trip takes you through the stunning Los Glaciares N.P., the port city of Puerto Natales, and the quaint San Sebastian. Along the way, you can take in the breathtaking views of rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests, as well as the unique wildlife of the region. The best time to drive this route is between October and April, when the weather is mild and the road conditions are good. However, it is important to be aware that border crossings and seasonal road closures due to weather conditions may occur, and some parts of the route may be curvy. Despite this, the Tierra del Fuego Road Trip provides an unforgettable experience and is suitable for all levels of driver. With a moderate budget, you can create memories that will last a lifetime.
14
number of days
1,438 km
route length
fair
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
El Calafate
Distance 1,438 km
Driving time 25.6 h
Pace: modest
374.0 kWh
Airports
FTE
[detailsContainer]
El Calafate in Argentina is the perfect starting point for the "Tierra del Fuego Road Trip". Located in Patagonia, this small town is a great destination for nature lovers.
Visitors can explore the beautiful Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the continent. Boat trips are available to get up close to the glacier, and a visit to the Glaciarium Museum provides insight into its formation and importance.
El Calafate is also a great place to explore the local wildlife, with nearby lakes and lagoons home to a variety of bird species. Nature walks are available to explore the area's forests and wildlife.
For those traveling by air, El Calafate Airport (FTE) is the closest international airport. Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to start your road trip.
No matter what your interests, El Calafate offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a nature retreat, a wildlife adventure, or just a great place to start your road trip, El Calafate is the perfect place to begin your "Tierra del Fuego Road Trip".
1
El Calafate
- Los Glaciares N.P.
Distance 76 km
Driving time 1.6 h
Pace: modest
19.8 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a road trip from El Calafate to Los Glaciares National Park, a journey of 76 km that will take you fewer than 2 hours. The road is mountainous and windy, and you will need a 4WD car to make it. During the trip, you will be able to see some of the most stunning landscapes in the region. Keep your eyes peeled for historical sites, picturesque views, and breathtaking vistas. Some sections may be closed seasonally, so make sure to check the itinerary before setting out.
At Los Glaciares National Park, you will be able to enjoy an incredible view of the glacier, as well as the rare wildlife living in the nearby woods. Don’t miss the chance to explore the area and take plenty of pictures! In the itinerary of this stage, you can find information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip!
Los Glaciares N.P. - Argentina - South America - Road Trip - sco.wikipedia.org
❯
❮
2
Los Glaciares N.P.
- Torres del Paine N.P.
Distance 359 km
Driving time 7.6 h
Pace: modest
93.4 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an adventure of a lifetime and explore two of South America's most stunning national parks, Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina and Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. This 364 km road trip will take you about seven hours to complete and is best done in a 4WD car. As you cross the border from Argentina to Chile, be sure to take your time and enjoy the picturesque landscapes and scenic roads. You'll have plenty of opportunities to spot unique wildlife and take in the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes. Highlights of this road trip include the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, the enormous Torres del Paine massif, and the turquoise waters of Grey Lake. Keep in mind that certain sections of the route may be closed seasonally, so be sure to do your research before setting out. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, grab your camera and hit the road for a truly unforgettable experience!
Torres del Paine N.P. - Argentina - South America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
3
Torres del Paine N.P.
- Puerto Natales
Distance 131 km
Driving time 2.3 h
Pace: modest
34.0 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an adventure of a lifetime and explore one of the most beautiful roads in Chile! Starting in Torres del Paine National Park, you will make your way through stunning landscapes and historical sites, down the 136 km road to Puerto Natales. On this journey, you can expect to see the mountains of Las Torres, the Grey Glacier, and the Salto Grande waterfall. All of these can be seen in fewer than 3 hours of driving, so take your time to stop and take in the incredible views. To make the most of this experience, it is recommended to use a 4WD car, as some sections of the road may be closed seasonally. Make sure to bring your camera and capture some postcard-worthy pictures! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Puerto Natales - Argentina - South America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
4
Puerto Natales
- Punta Arenas
Distance 247 km
Driving time 2.9 h
Pace: fast
74.2 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Start your road trip in Puerto Natales, Chile and head to Punta Arenas on a 247km journey that will take less than 3 hours. This beautiful drive is best done in a 4WD car, as some sections of the route may be closed seasonally. Along the way, you'll have the chance to take in the picturesque landscapes and historical sites. Enjoy the scenic road and pay attention to the stunning views of the Patagonian steppe. You can also take a detour and visit the Milodon Cave, where the remains of an ancient creature were discovered. As you drive along the coast, you'll have the opportunity to visit Cerro Sombrero, home to a colony of Magellanic penguins. When you reach Punta Arenas, make sure to visit the 19th century Magdalena Island, where you can observe sea lions and Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat. You can also head to the nearby Otway Sound to explore the Magellanic penguin colony. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Punta Arenas - Argentina - South America - Road Trip - Wikipédia
❯
❮
5
Punta Arenas
- San Sebastian
Distance 340 km
Driving time 7.2 h
Pace: modest
88.3 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a road trip from Punta Arenas, Chile to San Sebastian, 340 km away, with fewer than 7 hours of driving time. On the way, you will cross the state border and take a ferry crossing. You can enjoy some of the most picturesque landscapes and drive through some of the most scenic roads. There are several historical sites to explore, and some sections may be closed seasonally. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route are all available in the "Itinerary" section of this stage. So, don't forget to check it out before you embark on your journey!
San Sebastian - Argentina - South America - Road Trip - Pixabay
❯
❮
6
San Sebastian
- Ushuaia
Distance 285 km
Driving time 4.0 h
Pace: fast
85.6 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an exciting and unforgettable journey from San Sebastián to Ushuaia! This 285 km stretch is a must-see for road-trippers, taking fewer than four hours to drive. Be sure to bring along a 4WD car, as you will encounter steep ramps and winding roads. As you drive, be sure to take in the historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and scenic roads. Along the way, you'll find a range of attractions and accommodation options, as well as recommended restaurants and campsites. Don't forget to take plenty of pictures of this beautiful journey! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Ushuaia - Argentina - South America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
❯
❮
Ushuaia
[detailsContainer]
Ushuaia, Argentina is the end of the famous Tierra del Fuego Road Trip and the perfect place to finish a great journey. Located in the southernmost tip of South America, it is the closest city to Antarctica and the starting point of the most adventurous expedition.
The city is surrounded by spectacular mountains, glaciers, and stunning snow-capped peaks. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including penguins, sea lions, and whales. It is also known for its beautiful beaches and stunning scenery.
Ushuaia is a great place to explore the wonders of the Patagonia region. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the Beagle Channel or take a 4x4 off-road tour to explore the backroads of Tierra del Fuego. There are also plenty of great hiking trails in the area, including the Glacier National Park and the Tierra del Fuego National Park.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is the Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (IGR) located just outside of Ushuaia.
To experience the best of Ushuaia, visitors should explore the Museo Maritimo de Ushuaia, the Tierra del Fuego National Park, and the historic Estancia Harberton. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops in Ushuaia to explore.
At the end of the road trip, Ushuaia is the perfect place to reflect on the journey and enjoy the beauty of Patagonia.
Tierra del Fuego Road Trip at a glance
-
Start:
El Calafate
-
End:
Ushuaia
-
Distance:
1,438 km
-
Stay:
14 days
-
Getting there:
El Calafate Airport (FTE)
-
When to drive:
January, February
-
More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Tierra del Fuego Road Trip is an awe-inspiring 1449km journey through the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of southern Argentina. Spanning over two weeks, travelers are treated to an in-depth exploration of a region rich in glaciers, rugged mountains, pristine forests, and an array of unique wildlife.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- El Calafate: Often considered the launching point for the expedition, El Calafate is renowned not just for its proximity to Los Glaciares National Park, but also as the home of the fascinating Glaciarium Museum, which offers insights into the science of glaciers.
- Los Glaciares National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the park is celebrated for the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier. Visitors can witness the awe-inspiring sight of ice chunks calving from its face and the varied trails offer panoramic views and close encounters with the park's natural splendors.
- Puerto Natales: This charming port city in Chile serves as the gateway to the majestic Torres del Paine National Park, renowned for its soaring mountains, bright blue icebergs, and golden pampas that are home to rare wildlife such as guanacos and pumas.
- San Sebastian: Offering a tranquil respite from the more frequented tourist spots, San Sebastian provides travelers with a more serene and intimate connection to the untamed landscapes and local wildlife like the Patagonian fox and the Andean condor.
Best Time to Go:
Embark on this adventure during the Southern Hemisphere's spring and summer months, from October to April, to take advantage of the milder climate, longer daylight hours for sightseeing, and the full accessibility of Roads and trails.
Potential Risks:
- International border crossings, primarily between Argentina and Chile, require patience and preparation due to strict regulations and potential wait times.
- Prepare for the possibility of seasonal Road closures due to snow or ice, especially when venturing into high-altitude areas.
- Drivers should be cautious on winding and sometimes narrow Roads that traverse mountainous terrain, and always be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Road Trip is accommodating for drivers of varying experience, with clear signage and well-maintained routes.
- Travelers can enjoy a comfortable experience with a moderate budget, with a variety of accommodation and dining options along the way.
- Wildlife enthusiasts are in for a treat, with opportunities to observe creatures such as the elusive Patagonian puma, Andean deer, and a plethora of bird species in their natural habitats.
- Adaptive clothing and gear are key as the region is known for its unpredictable weather, so pack layering options and be ready for anything from sunshine to snow.
A good choice for:
The Tierra del Fuego Road Trip is more than just a holiday; it's an expedition into one of the planet's most secluded and spellbinding frontiers. With strategic planning, a sense of adventure, and respect for the natural environment, travelers will create unforgettable memories on this unparalleled journey.
-
