Villa O´Higgins to La Candalaria
 

Has anyone done the route from Villa O´Higgins (Chile) to La Candalaria (possibly Argentina not sure). We have heard this route is possible by taking a small boat across Lago Deserto and then a ferry across from Villa O´Higgins.

If so what bike did you have and how much was the ferries.

Cheers Geoff

------------------
In South America and heading to Tierra Del Fuego ETA Feb 06

Hi Geoff

When I was in El Chalten I guy I'd met on the road did it the other way (Argentina-Chile). He was on the biggest vehicle the boat would take - a push bike!

Regards, Mick

I was just in O´Higgins and investigated this. The Carabineros (who are in charge of all the border crossings) confirmed that it would be impossible to take my moto on this route. Apparently even bicycles have to be carried for signifcant distances on part of the trail.

Word is they are making a new land crossing from O´Higgins to north of El Chalten, maybe it'll be open next summer.

------------------
Steven
KLR "El Terremoto"
Currently returning from Ushuaia.

Some fellow travellers, Peter and Martina did just that a few weeks ago, don´t know if first. You´re stuck if you have a big bike, a BMW twin etc too large, Freewind and Tenere went, one at a time.
Don´t think they are registered on here, so posting this as confirmation it is possible. You would have to arrange with boat. In SA Handbook it says cyclist have to carry their bike 2kms, apparently not anymore.
Ask locally if you have asmall enough bike.
Fantastic achievement taking this route...anyone else been that way by m/c ?

(Apologies if this is not the route you discuss, but pretty sure it is)

Unfortunately my details weren´t fully true (third hand),
actual
"we didnt make it across to villa o higgins. the customs didnt let us go through. We were very very VERY disappointed!!!! had to go back all the way....."
So it might not be possible, even though you can get most of the way.

Nooooooooooo.

It's bad enough that Ruta 23's being tarmac'd which will make El Chalten another El Calafate in a few years. If it is true, get to O'Higgins before it suffers the same fate.

Regards, Mick