pvron

We are thinking of renting a car and driving from Mendoza to Santiago. Is this doable? We would rent one way. Can this be done? How long would it take?
Also, looking for an apt in BA in March. Would you stay in Palermo or Ricoletta area? Which rental agent do you suggest?
Thanks,
Ron

Huentetu

You cannot rent a car in one country and drop it in another. You could arrange for the car to be picked up by someone, but I think the cost would be astronomical. You could drive up to Mount Aconcagua park from Mendoza, stop for lunch in Uspallata on the way. Or there are travel agencies in Mendoza which offer the tour. If you want to go the whole way to Santiago, the best option is a bus. The trip takes 6 hours or so, a lot more over busy weekends as there are customs delays.

Graziella5b

Not that wise because even if you had a c ar you have to know the way to be totally safe.

There are companies that drive you from one place to the other, that is in chofered car, sometimes they ca take you only you, or you can share with may be another couple.
good luck.

halifax

Does anyone know of any companies that offer car service between Santiago and Mendoza?

not_enuf_vaca

I just got a quote for this from an agent I am using - she quoted $385 USD for a private driver.

halifax

Are you willing to share your agent? And was that a flat rate no matter how many were in the car?

not_enuf_vaca

I actually planned a trip with Uncorked Argentina and this was quoted as part of her overall service (which is pretty darn reasonable - even if just to have an English spekaing person to deal with). However there also sounds like there are drivers a-plenty in Mendoza, you could probably just contact your hotel as well.

Graziella5b

I know this way in the past, but years ago there were more than one company . THey picked you up in your hotel in Mendoza and drove you to the door of your hotel in Santiago. The cost is so unbelievabe it was $30 dollars per person, in the car there were up to four persons. We left our car in Mendoza and used the service which was SO very good. I do not know what is the situation now, of course forget the former rate....

sandiej

The road from Mendoza to the Chilean border is very good. I drove it myself last week. However, you cannot even take the car into Chile without a great deal of red tape. We decided to drive up one day, and stayed overnight in Upsallata and drive back the next. It is an amazing drive, and if you drive yourself you can stop where and when you what. We rented from Alamo in Mendoza City. If you go there say hi to Julieta, she is so nice. I reserved the car before we left and per day with all the insurance it was approximately $50 a day.

It is approximately 380km r/t. It is about 4-5 hours each way. You need to go end just before customs in Chile. There is a shop that sells chocolate and every sleds down. It was freezing and it snowed last week. The park is still closed so you have to hike if you want to get closer. Stop at Puenta del Inca. We had lunch across from the ski slope and it is also a bus stop. The owner speaks some English. Otherwise, there is not too much English.

In Uspallatta there are 3 hotels. We stayed at Condores. Clean but can use some maintenance.

Go for the drive, it is awesome. It was the first time I saw purple mountains, yellow mountains, green mountains and snow covered mountains.