Gravel In Patagonia
 

Hello,

I am going to be taking a trip on a Vespa through South America to Tierra Del Fuego and I want to avoid gravel as much as possible going down, just to give me the best chance of arriving safely at my destination. I have been told and read that it is impossible to get to Ushuaia without encountering some gravel. I was planning to go at least as far south as Osorno in Chile and then crossing over the Andes to Bariloche and going down from there. I want to see the Glaciers and then cross over to the coast again, but from what I can tell, I should cross over sooner to avoid gravel. Is there a way to go farther south and then get to Ushuaii without riding on too much gravel?

Lola

Once you get to Bariloche, head east to the coast then down south along the east coast to the ferry across to the island. On the other side you have no choice, at least 125km of gravel through Chile territory then back on paved roads entering Argentina again, have fun.

Thanks. I was hoping to go further south in the Argentina mountains and see the Glaciers and other neat stuff, but it looks like it will have to be on the ride back.

Lola

Lola
Is Puerto Moreno Glacier your objective? I was there in 97, so too long ago, but remember the Rio Gallegos to El Calafate road being paved. Also heard they finished the Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas paving. So a ferry to Porvenir is possible and road to San Sebastian is not too bad.
Allen.

The road to Perito Moreno Glacier in '97 was awesome! now it's paved and in great conditions.

To reach Torres del Paines, you have to do gravel roads that you can't avoid. Also, I wouldn't use the ferry from Porvenir because it sails once per day :thumbdown:

Lola
Is Puerto Moreno Glacier your objective? I was there in 97, so too long ago, but remember the Rio Gallegos to El Calafate road being paved. Also heard they finished the Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas paving. So a ferry to Porvenir is possible and road to San Sebastian is not too bad.
Allen.

Personally, I can't think of anything better to ride Ripio than a little lightweight vespa.

Ten times easier than on a big 1200 etc.