Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
Mid-Chile-Argentina border crossings? Mid-Chile-Argentina border crossings?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Feb 2012
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Phoenixville, PA
Posts: 19
Mid-Chile-Argentina border crossings?
Hi,
My girlfriend and I are renting a bike in Osorno, Chile in a couple of days and are planning to ride around the lakes and mountains for about ten days.

We expect to cross into Argentina on route 215/231 between Osorno and Bariloche and then probably to cross back over into Chile at Futaleufu on route 259/231.

Can anyone tell me what to expect at these border crossings?
Problems if I have only a U.S. driver's license?
Long delays?
Necessito por propinas in either or both directions?

Also, any tips for great rides or food or other great (or bad) experiences that anyone has had recently in the mid-South Chile lakes district or in Argentina between Bariloche and Trevelin would be much appreciated!

Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Feb 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Auckland
Posts: 61
We crossed at Futelefu about 3 months back. No worries. Small borders, real laxed people, through in about 20 minutes.

Only thing was we were bringing a New Zealand bike. I`m not sure what the deal is with a rented bike. There may be more hassle so I would make sure you look into that as well

Cheers

Reece
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Feb 2012
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Phoenixville, PA
Posts: 19
Thanks very much, Reese.

It's amazing to receive knowledge from someone on the other side of the globe!
(And a nod to Grant and Susan for making it possible!)

So far in my life, NZ has been the most beautiful place I've ever been. As a Kiwi, what did you make of the Andes and the Chilean coast?

Also, we're hoping to catch the ferry that leaves Chaiten, Chile once a week on Monday mornings to Quellon on Chiloe. By any chance, did you take that ferry going in either direction?

Thanks again!
-Brad
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Feb 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
The borders are all easy, with short waits, clear and consistent document flow, no bribes (don't ever offer a bribe to anyone in Chile unless you're very confident you know what you're doing). I've never heard of anyone needing an international license on that border, although I always carry one against the eventual, inevitable need. But you need to confirm that you can take rental bikes across the border if you haven't already done so.

I took that ferry. It was fine, except it was late leaving, later arriving, and couldn't unload vehicles (including bikes) for 6 or 8 hours due to "tides." I've heard that's not unusual, so don't schedule too tightly.

The southern Andes get increasingly gorgeous the farther south you go. Where you're heading you'll see some of the less-remarkable areas if you like mountain scenery--mostly pleasant, pretty, interesting and fun, but not truly spectacular. The Andes also get increasingly gorgeous if you head north to the altiplano, but with a totally different feeling to them.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Feb 2012
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Phoenixville, PA
Posts: 19
Thanks, Mark, that's great information.
Well, we're on our way tomorrow...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 117
Go to AAA and get an international drivers license. That's all you require anywhere in the world.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 19:55
Central America Border Crossing Info nugentch Central America and Mexico 45 28 Feb 2013 21:04
Chile and Argentina MountaineerWV Trip Paperwork 8 14 Dec 2011 04:21
Motorcycle mechanic - Coihaique, Chile or Perito Moreno, Argentina ReeceNZ South America 5 1 Dec 2011 20:39

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:52.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top