Ride Day 74: Punto Arenas, Chile to Rio Grande, Argentina

A one night stay in Punta Arenas, Chile and onto Rio Grande, Argentina on my way to Ushuaia. The rain had not let up; I was hoping so much I could get a few nice days in Ushuaia. After a few rain soaked days in El Calafate, Argentina and then rain again all day in Punta Arenas I made my way to Rio Grande, Argentina, and yet another border crossing. I would start on Ruta 9 then onto Ruta 255, then cross over into Argentina on Ruta 257 and finish on Ruta 3.

The border crossing was not far from my starting point, so I was hoping again that there would be small lines and I could get on my way back into Argentina without much fuss.

Although the trip total was 260 miles (424 kilometers), it is paved for some of the way and the dirt, rough roads for about half the journey.

The Ferry – Cruce Punta Delgada

Cruce Punta Delgada Simple crossing by Ferry. I had to wait around 30 minutes before the ferry was loading, the trip takes about another 20–30 minutes depending on the weather and traffic.

Was a nice trip. I stopped at a nice little cafe beforehand and had some lunch. Pricing varies depending on the mode of transport.

The cost was only around $6 USD. Information here.

Tourism Card

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 Paso Fronterizo San Sebastian Chile border, you will drive to the border station and park on the right out front (go past any cars) and walk into the building on your right.
2. When you walk in  go to immigration and get your stamp out of Chile
3. Then go and get hand in your Aduana (Bike Import Permit)
4. Total Time was  15 minutes, and there was no cost involved

Entering Argentina

1. Drive about another 10-12 miles to get to the Argentinian Crossing.
2. You will stop and park your bike on the right.
3. Then take your papers and walk into the building to the right. 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. You will need to show this.
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 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
9. Total Time was 30 minutes  (a bit of a line there)

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)

Rio Grande, Argentina

Río Grande is a city in Argentina, on the north coast of the eastern part of the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. It has a population of 67,038 and is the industrial capital of the Tierra del Fuego Province. It is a pretty boring town. However, it rained the whole time I was there, so hard to give it a good review!