The Patagonia Run – Van Rental

Patagonia in a Wicked Campers is something awesome that you will never forget. About one quarter of the distance is unpaved making this a really adventure trip. You will never forget the stormy windy nights, shaking the van while you sleep. You will feel so cozy and protected in your wicked camper. You will be driving through areas scarcely traversed by tourists: endless plains and with the possibility to do some hiking around Torres del Paine and the Fitz Roy. You can bunk down for the night with your campervan almost everywhere. So put your hiking boots on, fill your backpack with trail-mix, and warm clothes, and then get yourself into a Wicked Camper.

Depending on where you will be starting your trip, (Santiago or Punta Arenas), you will be driving through the famous Panamericana Ruta 5 and camp at Pucón overlooking the active Villarica Volcano… which you might even want to try climbing. From Pucón drive to Argentina by traversing a unique piece of nature: The forests that border the two countries are full of very old Araucaria trees. You continue your trip by the lake area between San Martin de Los Andes and Bariloche. Driving and camping on CARRETERA AUSTRAL is also pretty neat. Near Esquel you pass the Chilean border. Here is where the epic Carretera Austral begins. This southern Chilean highway Chile passes through a very diverse landscape. The first part is characterized by narrow valleys, fast flowing rivers and waterfalls. Because the micro-climate, tropical forests with ferns, bamboo and giant trees prevail here. An enormous contrast to the Argentine side which is very desert-like. The last part of the Carretera Austral is curvy and offers truly spectacular views over the Lake General Carrera. You will be back in Argentina side on the VAST Ruta 40. This road is a legend in Argentina and similar to Route 66 in North America! It runs from south to north; large parts still unpaved. Drive past colorful mountain ranges, the Cave of the Hands, and, you will see in nice weather, the Fitz Roy, massive even at a great distance. Travel from the cozy town of “El Chalten” while eating delicious pizza and continue south on Ruta 40 to El Calafate. Here you can see the famous Perito Moreno glacier. If fate is telling you to continue your journey, you can go to the Torres del Paine. This world-famous mountain rises steeply from the surrounding landscape. Here is where the real trekking is. While driving and camping at Torres del Paine National park, you will find Guanacos, and Condors. Next, you have only a short drive ahead to Punta Arenas, and if you are motivated you can make it to Tierra de Fuego and Usuahia before coming back to Punta Arenas.