Ride Day 70: Chile Chico To Gobernador Gregores, Argentina

Finally onto Ruta 40 and Gobernador Gregores, Argentina! I will miss Chile immensely, the country provided me with some amazing highlights so far on this trip, including my rides to Chile Chico and Hornopiren.

I got up before sunrise and packed my tent, loaded my bike, and I was on my way just as the sun rose and I was on my way to Gobernador Gregores, Argentina

The border crossing was only a few miles away, so I was hoping there would be no lines and I could get on my way into Argentina without any fuss.

The closest town to the border on the Chile side is Chile Chico and on the Argentinian side is Los Antiguos.

Although the trip total was 260 miles (428 kilometers), it is mostly paved. I took Ruta 40, and the whole trip took me just under 6 hours.

I purchased online a Tourism Card (USD $100) for Argentina from here. I got mine for 90 Days. You MUST do this before you enter or travel to Argentina. It is not available at point of entry for Argentina.

Leaving Chile

1. As you approach the border, you will go through the town of Chile Chico, Chile, and sweep right along the river to the border.
2. Drive to the border station and park right out front and walk into the building on your left.
3. When you walk in there is one long counter and immigration is on the left and Aduana on the right, it is all in one building
4. Get your stamp out of Chile
5. Then go and get hand in your Aduana (Bike Import Permit)
6. Total Time was  10 minutes, and there was no cost involved

Entering Argentina

1. As you drive through into Argentina, you will need to ride about 5 miles to get to the Argentinian Crossing.
2. You will stop at the Pare (Stop) Sign and park your bikes on the right. I stopped right outside and was told to move my bike
3. Then take your papers and walk into the building to the left. Because I am an Australian citizen, I needed to purchase a Tourism Card for Argentina before I traveled there. It is not available at point of entry for Argentina.
4. You also get to say how long you will be in the country (I said 90 days as you weave in and out of Argentina on your way to Patagonia and back to Buenos Aires).
5. Get your Passport Stamped into Argentina and show them your tourist card (purchased online). They will enter information into the computer and give you receipts of entry.
6. Now go to your right and get your temporary vehicle import permit (Aduana), provide, title, registration, passport, and receipt.
7. The guy/girl enters all data into the computer, asks how long you are staying and complete a form. They will then provide you with a temporary vehicle import permit.
8. After about 5 minutes I got my import papers for 90 days
9. Total Time was 20 minutes and $0

Notes: You have to get insurance, which can be purchased online for Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil. You just need to send her all your vehicle details and which countries you want. Here are her details below (send her an email ) she will require.

Insurance for Motorbike Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil

They can do an insurance of civil liability for the vehicle. It covers Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil. To pass the insurance price, You need to send them a photo of the vehicle

To get insurance, they need the following information:

• First and Last Name
• Passport Number
• Date of Birth
• Period you need to be covered (days)
• Vehicle information: Brand, Model, Year, VIN Number, Registration number.

Gisela María Speiser
Av. Roque S. Peña 651 3*”56″
(1035) Capital Federal
Tel/Fax 0054 11 4326-3647/2611
Celular 11 15 4176-9382
gisela@speiserseguros.com.ar
www.speiserseguros.com.ar

Chile Chico, Chile

Chile Chico is a town in Chilean Patagonia. It sits on the southern shore of General Carrera Lake, which is ringed by glaciers and mountains. In the lake is the Capilla de Mármol Natural Sanctuary, a series of marble formations sculpted by the water. Southwest of town, Lago Jeinimeni National Reserve is home to condors and guanacos. Chile Chico is near the Río Jeinimeni border crossing with Argentina. (from Wikipedia)

Gobernador Gregores, Argentina

Gobernador Gregores is a town in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, formerly known as Cañadón León. Ramón Outerello, one of the leaders of the massive strike known as Patagonia Rebelde was executed there by a firing squad of the Argentine Army in November 1921.

Hotel Kaiken Gobernador Gregores, Argentina

This is a fairly modern hotel for Gobernador Gregores. Was probably one of the windiest cities I have ever visited.

The staff was extremely nice and very helpful. I was able to park my motorbike right inside the building. There is also ample parking for cars right next door.

The rooms are very comfortable, with air conditioning and a nice little-grassed area to relax in.

The WiFi is the only thing that stopped them from getting five stars as it is just above average with 2.1 MBPS download and 1.1 MBPS upload.

The front office has some basic drinks and snacks. There is plenty of cafes and restaurants within walking distance.

All in all a very nice stay with lovely hosts.