Border Crossing in Southern Chilean Patagonia

The border between Chile and Argentina is strictly maintained, but crossing it doesn't present much difficulty beyond getting out your passport and waiting in a line for the stamp. Most travelers cross by bus, which means getting out of the vehicle for 30-45 minutes to go through the bureaucratic proceedings. (Bring your valuables with you when you leave the bus.) Crossing by car is also quite manageable (check with your car-rental company for restrictions on international travel).

There are three crossings. Dorotea Pass is 27 km (17 mi) along Route CH-250 from Puerto Natales. After going through immigration, there are 14 km (9 mi) to Río Turbio in Argentina. It's open 24 hours from November to March, 8-midnight April-October. Casas Viejas Pass is located 14 km (9 mi) from Puerto Natales. After going through customs, it's about 19 km (12 mi) to Río Turbio (open all year 8 am-10 pm). From December to March, Cancha Carrera provides access from Puerto Natales through the Cerro Castillo area to El Calafate along National Route 40 in Argentina. From the border crossing, it's 129 km (80 mi) east on PR7 to La Esperanza, then 161 km (100 mi) southeast on RP5 to Río Gallegos.