Esquel to Futaleufu

[billkidd]

I am planning to travel south from San martin de Los Andes in Argentina as far as Esquel. I would like, then, to cross back to Chile, ideally to Futaleufu. From here I plan to head south on the Caraterra Austral.

At least one bloke told me this is possible but when I look at various maps it looks like there is NO road directly between these two places.

Has anyone completed this crossing in either directions? If so what was the border post like - I will be travelling on an Australian registered bike (landed in Santiago) with a friend riding an Argentina rental bike.

Thanks

[Toyark]

I have not been there- so best wait for someone who has-

Looking it up, GE shows an unpaved track going between Trevelin and Futaleufu.

GE shows the '259' stopping approx. here -43.187962, -71.611834

From the south of Trevelin, GE shows an unpaved track which appears to be about 32Kms long, south and sort of following the Rio Futaleufu. As to whether it is rideable- I do not know. Someone may come along who has been there. If not, local knowledge will be invaluable.

On GE, the bridge on the Argentina side seems to span from -43.174473, -71.748649 and -43.173890, -71.749682.
Once across the bridge, it looks like under 1 Km to the Chilean border.

I do not know the rules relating to rental bikes in Argentina- ask your friend to check with the rental company- there maybe a restriction preventing border crossings.
Hope this helps a bit.

[billkidd]

Thanks Bertrand. I expect I'll give it a go regardless but that is a good help.

[robatron]

Originally Posted by billkidd

I am planning to travel south from San martin de Los Andes in Argentina as far as Esquel. I would like, then, to cross back to Chile, ideally to Futaleufu. From here I plan to head south on the Caraterra Austral.

At least one bloke told me this is possible but when I look at various maps it looks like there is NO road directly between these two places.

Has anyone completed this crossing in either directions? If so what was the border post like - I will be travelling on an Australian registered bike (landed in Santiago) with a friend riding an Argentina rental bike.

Thanks

I did it last month from Trevellin to Futaleufu. It is signposted as Paso Futaleufu, clear to find, and gravel section close to border. Futaleufu is close to border post and has ATM, Tourist Office (helpful for accomodation recommendations), and Petrol Station.

Border post is standard office with 2 desks: police and customs. They generally dont ask for insurance, just check your passport and check ownership papers of bike. They check for fruit/meat/diary on Chilean side.

Here is an accurate list of the border crossing between Chile and Argentina for future reference

[billkidd]

Excellent advice and links from you all. Beers on me next time we meet. :-)