Patagonia by van
Patagonia is the end of the world, literally. Between Torres del Paine in Chile, Fitz Roy in Argentina and the Carretera Austral, this road trip crosses near-empty country. Strong wind, gravel roads, four border crossings: you go in a 4x4 camper, with two spare wheels.
Our itineraries
Travelling in Patagonia by van
On the road
Stops not to miss
Torres del Paine
Mirador Las Torres: 4 to 5 hours round trip to see the towers at sunrise
Perito Moreno Glacier
About 75 km from El Calafate.
Ruta 40 to Chile Chico
Fill up at every station: they are few and far between on Ruta 40
Cerro Castillo and Coyhaique
Hike up to the Cerro Castillo lagoon (a long day on foot)
Where to sleep
The rules for sleeping in a van
From the itinerary “Patagonia Van Trip: a 3-week loop from Punta Arenas” →- In national parks (Torres del Paine, Los Glaciares): only at authorised campsites; camping elsewhere can mean a fine and removal from the park (Worldly Adventurer, 27/09/2026). Around El Chaltén, the park campsites have been paid and bookable online since the 2024-25 season (ElChalten.com).
- Outside the parks, in Chile: according to travellers who have driven the Carretera Austral, overnighting outside a campsite is generally tolerated if no sign forbids it and you are not on private land (no gate or fence crossed) (Sally Sees). This is not an official rule: check locally.
- Outside the parks, in Argentina: the rules vary from one province and town to another. We have not checked them yet; the safest option is a campsite every night. This is what our budget counts.
When to go
Patagonia month by month
November to March
- Jan : Best time
- Feb : Best time
- Mar : Best time
- Apr : Outside the best time
- May : Outside the best time
- Jun : Outside the best time
- Jul : Outside the best time
- Aug : Outside the best time
- Sep : Outside the best time
- Oct : Outside the best time
- Nov : Best time
- Dec : Best time
Elsewhere
