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Patagonia 4×4 Tour, Chile and Argentina
Including a five day cruise through the Patagonian fiords
Chile · Argentina · Patagonia
South America, Chile and Argentine Patagonia
This expedition covers Chilean and Argentine Patagonia and includes a five day cruise through the fiords, which is the only way to see a good part of that coast.
The driving runs south on Ruta 40 through Argentine Patagonia to El Chalten, a small alpine village at the foot of Mt Fitzroy inside Los Glaciares National Park, then on to El Calafate on the shore of Lago Argentino.
This is saw toothed mountain country. Granite spires, glacial lakes and the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, which covers around 12,363 square kilometres.
- Region
- Chile and Argentina
- Includes
- 5 day fiords cruise
- Key stops
- El Chalten, El Calafate
- Format
- Guided expedition
A section of the route
El Chalten and El Calafate
Day fifteen is one of the bigger mileage days in Argentina, about 300km and five hours from Gobernador Gregores to El Chalten via Tres Lagos on Ruta 40 and Ruta 23, past the shores of Lake Viedma.
El Chalten sits on the Rio de las Vueltas near the base of the Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy spires. It was named Argentina’s national trekking capital and about 350 people live there year round. Snow and ice fence the town in, the houses are low and the roads are rock and dirt. We stay two nights so there is time to get out into the country around it.
From there it is a shorter run, around 214km, east back onto Ruta 40 then south on Ruta 11 along Lago Argentino to El Calafate, which is the Queenstown of Argentina.
See all international toursPlanning the trip
Dates, itinerary and cost
We are passionate about exploring the remote locations where our 4WD expeditions take us, and we put many years of overseas experience into each international trip. A large amount of planning goes into every expedition, so if you have thought about country like this, call Steve on 021 924 427 or email steve@4x4treks.co.nz. He likes nothing better than talking through plans for the next trip.
Common questions
About the Patagonia tour
Which countries does the tour cover?
Both Chilean and Argentine Patagonia, with a five day cruise through the Patagonian fiords included.
What is El Chalten?
A small alpine village on the Rio de las Vueltas at the foot of Mt Fitzroy, inside Los Glaciares National Park and close to the Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy spires. It is Argentina’s national trekking capital and about 350 people live there year round.
How long do you stay in each place?
Two nights at El Chalten, which gives time to explore the country immediately around the town, then on to El Calafate on Lago Argentino.
What are the driving days like?
They vary. The run from Gobernador Gregores to El Chalten is one of the bigger ones at around 300km and five hours. El Chalten to El Calafate is closer to 214km.
How do I get the full itinerary?
Contact Steve or call 021 924 427. Each expedition is planned in detail, so he will send you the current version.
More expeditions
Other international 4×4 tours
Ask Steve about Patagonia
A large amount of planning goes into each expedition. Get in touch for the current itinerary and dates.
Or call Steve021 924 427