Ushuaia in the winter

[StrollSouth]

I am thinking of making a trip down to Ushuaia in July, their winter, and am looking for advice on what to expect. Rain, snow and icy roads? I plan on staying on paved roads to make better time and also to make finding hot showers easier.

[Grant Johnson]

See Weather.com

for some numbers.

But don't get fooled - you have to go through the mountains to get there. And one of the popular camping sites in summer is the ski hill. And the snow line isn't very high up.

Reports from travellers in March are not good for bikes...

Let us know how you go!

[StrollSouth]

Hi Grant!
Thanks for the weather site and concern. The mountain pass between Los Andes (Santiago) and Mendoza, AG, was closed for a day this week due to snow. We are still determined to hit TDF so will try passing further south, near Osorno on the advice of some locals. If the mountains won´t let us into Argentina then we will probably catch a ferry from Puerto Montt.

If anybody reading this has passed recently over the Andes now would be a good time to speak up.

Thanks!

[hook]

Hi Lynne and Tom, I took the ferry from Puerto Montt to Chaiten last month. There was plenty of rain and wind, but no snow. The good thing about going further south is that crossing into Argentina doesn't require crossing a high mountain pass (like the Eisenhower!). I spent several days in Chaiten waiting for a break in the rain. The wind along the oceanfront sometimes made simply walking a difficult undertaking. Once you're in the mountains though, there is some shelter. In short, I would think your "chances" are good east of Chaiten, towards Esquel, then south. Snow won't be an issue there- but there will be issues...

[StrollSouth]

Hook,
Your route may be our plan "B" and I am interested in what the cost was for the ferry and what the road was like on route 7...still gravel?

Are you still in the area or are you back in Colorado? It is good to hear from someone from the Centenial state.

[hook]

Hi, I'm in Buenos Aires now having some work done on my bike. I forget what the ferry cost, somewhere around $85 with the bike I think. Make sure you secure the bike well, we had a rough ride going to Chaiten. The ferry departed Puerto Montt 3 hours late due to rough seas. The waters are protected however-it's not like being aboard the Andrea Gail in her final hours or anything, just choppy. The road was well maintained gravel, more smooth than rough. Despite a great deal of rain while I was there, there was very little slop. Over dinner tonight the thought of turning south and joining you sounded like a challenge- I bet it would be- but Rio sounds mo betta! Hope to see you further north- before Colorado. Suerte!