State of Routes and Roads

Here are some tips to consider if you are planning a trip to Patagonia: Remember to bring a map of the area you plan to visit. Check the condition of your vehicle before setting off. Keep in mind that you may encounter gravel roads and icy and snowy routes if you travel during winter.

How to drive on gravel routes, rural roads or dirt tracks:

The main danger of driving on unpaved roads is the speed of circulation. Travel at a moderate speed appropriate to the characteristics of each road. Remember that on gravel roads, vehicles lose stability and grip. It is not advisable to exceed 70 km/h. Do not use smooth or overly repaired tires. Keep in mind that even if the tread is still visible, the tire has an expiration date. If you are traveling a long distance, make sure to carry an extra spare tire. If you suffer a tire blowout, do not hit the brakes. Try to control the vehicle and try to stop it slowly. On gravel roads, avoid sudden steering movements of your motor vehicle. Doing so could easily lead to loss of control. If you encounter stones or rocks above the road surface while traveling on trails or natural paths, never try to drive over them. Try to avoid them and in this way, you will avoid damage to the crankcase, gearbox, fuel tank, and brake circuits. On bridges, curves, or slopes, stay to the right. Remember that on a slope, the vehicle ascending has priority. At cattle grids, culverts, and bridges, the width is narrow, and in some cases, it is only a single lane. In these cases, reduce your speed and, if necessary, yield to larger vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. When you encounter a vehicle on the other side, signal your lights, reduce your speed to avoid flying rocks, and stay to the right. Roads with difficult access are only for vehicles equipped for this purpose. If this is not your case, do not take any risks. If you encounter machinery maneuvering on the road, reduce your speed and wait for the operators’ instructions. When traveling on these roads, do not overtake vehicles or drive too close to them, as the vehicle in front of you constantly throws rocks backward. If you do this, try to be seen by the other driver, use your left turn signal so they know you want to pass, and wait for the other driver to clear the way.

Driving in snow or ice:

It is recommended NOT to travel on the Routes in snowy or icy conditions. Drive with chains only in cases of extreme necessity. Do not accelerate or brake suddenly. Obey the indications of the road signs, as well as the instructions of the security personnel. Maintain braking distance of the vehicle in front of you, the distance should be considerably greater than in normal conditions. Always keep your vehicle’s windows clean. Do not carry excessive or poorly stowed cargo, it may cause loss of control of your vehicle. Avoid stopping the vehicle on slopes, bridges, curves or in places with poor visibility for the person traveling on the route as well as for you. On the other hand, if you stop, you could be stranded by the snow. Travel with the regulatory and low beam lights on.

If you are stopped on the road due to snow or ice:

Stay in your vehicle; it is the safest place. Keep your vehicle closed but ventilated for fresh air. Do not use fuel-powered heaters to heat the interior of your vehicle. Make sure the roof is clear of snow. Check that the exhaust is not blocked by snow. Run the engine periodically to maintain the interior temperature.

To know the status of the routes we suggest entering HERE