Puerto Río Tranquilo to Los Antiguos Private Transfer
Puerto Río Tranquilo to Los Antiguos Private Transfer
Puerto Río Tranquilo, Chile Chico & Los Antiguos, Chile - Argentina
Price, timing and itinerary details change according to the selected option.
From Puerto Río Tranquilo
Transfer Overview
Travel from Puerto Río Tranquilo, the base for visiting Chile's Marble Caves, to Los Antiguos in Argentina with a private vehicle and driver. This route connects the Carretera Austral with northern Santa Cruz and onward travel along Argentina's Ruta 40.
We pick you up at your hotel, apartment or another agreed address and take you directly to your accommodation on the other side of the border. You travel with your own group throughout, without changing vehicles. Transfers are available in both directions.
Much of the journey follows the southern shore of Lake General Carrera, known as Lake Buenos Aires in Argentina. The road passes through Puerto Guadal and Mallín Grande, climbs through the winding Paso Las Llaves section and continues to Chile Chico before crossing into Argentina at Jeinimeni. The route is around 170 km; allow approximately 6-7 hours, including border checks. Forested slopes and green valleys gradually give way to rocky headlands, dry hills and the orchards around Los Antiguos.
You can book a direct transfer or add a stop that interests you: a walk to Los Maquis waterfall, lunch in Puerto Guadal, a visit to a local artisan, a museum visit or time at a fruit farm. We recommend choosing one main activity and planning it in advance. Longer visits are arranged around the road conditions, daylight, border opening hours and the availability of your hosts.
Price Details:
Price on request. Contact us and we will confirm the rate for your group and date.
Transfer Includes
- ● Private transportation
- ● Bottled water
Transfer Excludes
Frequently Asked Questions about the Puerto Río Tranquilo - Los Antiguos Private Transfer
Which route does the transfer take, and how long does it take?
From Puerto Río Tranquilo, we follow the Carretera Austral, Route 7, south to the junction at El Maitén. We then take Route 265-CH along the southern shore of Lake General Carrera through Puerto Guadal, Mallín Grande and Paso Las Llaves to Chile Chico. After Chile Chico, we continue to the Jeinimeni border crossing, complete the checks for both countries and drive on to Los Antiguos.
The route is around 170 km, depending on your addresses, and much of it is on gravel. Allow approximately 6-7 hours for the full international transfer in normal conditions, including border formalities. Longer visits and activities add to this time.
Much of the journey passes through sparsely populated countryside. Services are limited, so lunch and other substantial stops are best arranged before departure.
The route is around 170 km, depending on your addresses, and much of it is on gravel. Allow approximately 6-7 hours for the full international transfer in normal conditions, including border formalities. Longer visits and activities add to this time.
Much of the journey passes through sparsely populated countryside. Services are limited, so lunch and other substantial stops are best arranged before departure.
How does the border crossing work, and what documents do we need?
Traveling from Chile to Argentina involves Chilean exit checks followed by Argentine entry checks, including immigration and customs formalities. The process is reversed when traveling toward Chile.
There is no fixed waiting time. Checks may be fairly quick on a quiet day, while summer weekends and public holidays can bring longer queues. Leave plenty of time before any onward flight, and avoid nonrefundable tours or activities scheduled soon after your expected arrival.
Each passenger must carry a valid passport or other accepted travel document, plus any visa or permission required for their nationality and circumstances. You are responsible for checking the entry requirements and bringing the necessary documents.
There is no fixed waiting time. Checks may be fairly quick on a quiet day, while summer weekends and public holidays can bring longer queues. Leave plenty of time before any onward flight, and avoid nonrefundable tours or activities scheduled soon after your expected arrival.
Each passenger must carry a valid passport or other accepted travel document, plus any visa or permission required for their nationality and circumstances. You are responsible for checking the entry requirements and bringing the necessary documents.
Can we take food across the border?
Both countries restrict food and agricultural products carried in luggage.
When entering Argentina, SENASA checks products of animal and plant origin. Fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and many homemade or unlabeled foods are restricted or prohibited.
When entering Chile, you must declare the animal and plant products you are carrying to SAG. Declaring a product does not mean it will be admitted; border inspectors decide whether it meets the entry requirements.
We recommend eating fresh fruit and other restricted foods before reaching the border. If you plan to buy food at a farm or tasting, check whether you can take it into the next country before purchasing it.
When entering Argentina, SENASA checks products of animal and plant origin. Fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and many homemade or unlabeled foods are restricted or prohibited.
When entering Chile, you must declare the animal and plant products you are carrying to SAG. Declaring a product does not mean it will be admitted; border inspectors decide whether it meets the entry requirements.
We recommend eating fresh fruit and other restricted foods before reaching the border. If you plan to buy food at a farm or tasting, check whether you can take it into the next country before purchasing it.
How can weather and border closures affect the transfer?
The transfer is available in winter when road conditions allow and the border is open. Snow, ice, strong winds and poor visibility can affect travel, particularly on the gravel and mountain sections around Paso Las Llaves. Roadworks or temporary restrictions may also change the schedule.
Some optional visits, including the walk to Los Maquis waterfall, may be unsuitable even when the main road remains open. We check road and border information before each transfer and plan departure times and stops around the conditions and available daylight.
If the Jeinimeni border crossing is closed on your travel date because of weather, road conditions or an official decision, we check the latest information and discuss the available options with you. If a safe crossing is not possible that day, the journey may need to be postponed or replanned. Alternative crossings are a considerable distance away, so using one may involve a much longer drive, a different schedule and a revised price, which we would agree with you before changing the route.
Some optional visits, including the walk to Los Maquis waterfall, may be unsuitable even when the main road remains open. We check road and border information before each transfer and plan departure times and stops around the conditions and available daylight.
If the Jeinimeni border crossing is closed on your travel date because of weather, road conditions or an official decision, we check the latest information and discuss the available options with you. If a safe crossing is not possible that day, the journey may need to be postponed or replanned. Alternative crossings are a considerable distance away, so using one may involve a much longer drive, a different schedule and a revised price, which we would agree with you before changing the route.
Do you offer a transfer from Los Antiguos to Puerto Río Tranquilo?
Yes. We can pick you up at your accommodation or another agreed address in Los Antiguos and take you to your hotel, cabin or other accommodation in Puerto Río Tranquilo.
We can also plan stops in Chile Chico, at the lakeside viewpoints, in Puerto Guadal or at Los Maquis waterfall. The day's plan depends on border opening hours, road conditions, daylight and the time needed for each visit.
A private boat trip to the Marble Caves later that day may sometimes be possible. Request it in advance so we can assess the timing. It remains dependent on the border crossing and conditions on the lake.
We can also plan stops in Chile Chico, at the lakeside viewpoints, in Puerto Guadal or at Los Maquis waterfall. The day's plan depends on border opening hours, road conditions, daylight and the time needed for each visit.
A private boat trip to the Marble Caves later that day may sometimes be possible. Request it in advance so we can assess the timing. It remains dependent on the border crossing and conditions on the lake.
Can we visit the Marble Caves before traveling to Argentina?
An early visit to the Marble Caves, or Capillas de Mármol, can sometimes be combined with the transfer on the same day.
We would plan an early private boat trip, allowing time to return to Puerto Río Tranquilo and reach the border before it closes. Boat trips depend on conditions on Lake General Carrera. Strong winds can delay departures or cause trips to be canceled.
Shared boat tours run on a fixed schedule, so they are harder to fit into this plan. We do not recommend arriving at Balmaceda Airport, driving to Río Tranquilo, visiting the caves and continuing across the border to Argentina all in one day.
If you want to combine the caves and the transfer, please request both together so we can check the seasonal schedule and whether the plan is realistic.
We would plan an early private boat trip, allowing time to return to Puerto Río Tranquilo and reach the border before it closes. Boat trips depend on conditions on Lake General Carrera. Strong winds can delay departures or cause trips to be canceled.
Shared boat tours run on a fixed schedule, so they are harder to fit into this plan. We do not recommend arriving at Balmaceda Airport, driving to Río Tranquilo, visiting the caves and continuing across the border to Argentina all in one day.
If you want to combine the caves and the transfer, please request both together so we can check the seasonal schedule and whether the plan is realistic.
Where can we stop for photos or a short walk?
Around Puerto Guadal, there are views across the turquoise lake toward the mountains and green valleys of western Patagonia. Farther east, the Paso Las Llaves road climbs high above the lake between the Mallín Grande and Puerto Fachinal areas, with wide views of the water, rocky headlands and surrounding mountains. Your driver can stop where there is a safe place to pull over; we cannot stop on blind bends or narrow shoulders beside steep drops. Closer to Chile Chico, the scenery changes to dry hills and steppe vegetation.
For a short walk, Cascada Los Maquis is near Puerto Guadal. A series of cascades flows through the rocks and forest, with a short walk to the lower falls. Allow around one hour for the stop, including the walk and time for photos. The path has uneven ground, rocks and sections that can be slippery after rain, so suitable walking shoes are important. We confirm access and whether the walk is suitable on your travel date.
For a short walk, Cascada Los Maquis is near Puerto Guadal. A series of cascades flows through the rocks and forest, with a short walk to the lower falls. Allow around one hour for the stop, including the walk and time for photos. The path has uneven ground, rocks and sections that can be slippery after rain, so suitable walking shoes are important. We confirm access and whether the walk is suitable on your travel date.
Can we stop for lunch or try local produce?
Yes. Puerto Guadal is a useful place to plan a lunch stop along the lake. Local cooking draws on Patagonian traditions, including lamb, beef and seasonal vegetables. Possible venues include El Arrayán Lodge & Restaurant or the restaurant at Terra Luna Lodge. We check opening times, availability and arrangements for guests who are not staying at the lodge before confirming your stop. A lunch stop in Chile Chico can also be arranged.
Los Antiguos is known as Argentina's national cherry capital. Its sheltered valley supports orchards and small farms, known locally as chacras, growing cherries, apples, strawberries, raspberries and other fruit. Chacra Don Neno is one possible option for a walk around a family orchard, where you can see how the fruit is grown and try homemade products. The cherry harvest usually runs from late December into February, although the dates vary with the season. We confirm visits and tastings directly with the owners.
Allow around one hour for lunch or a farm visit. Drinking water is provided in the vehicle. Meals and other drinks are not included in the standard transfer.
Los Antiguos is known as Argentina's national cherry capital. Its sheltered valley supports orchards and small farms, known locally as chacras, growing cherries, apples, strawberries, raspberries and other fruit. Chacra Don Neno is one possible option for a walk around a family orchard, where you can see how the fruit is grown and try homemade products. The cherry harvest usually runs from late December into February, although the dates vary with the season. We confirm visits and tastings directly with the owners.
Allow around one hour for lunch or a farm visit. Drinking water is provided in the vehicle. Meals and other drinks are not included in the standard transfer.
Are there cultural or family-friendly stops along the way?
Yes. The area around Mallín Grande is associated with one of Chile's best-known dinosaur discoveries. In 2004, Diego Suárez, then seven years old, found the first remains of Chilesaurus diegosuarezi while accompanying his geologist parents in the field. The discovery site itself is not a visitor attraction, but the story often interests younger travelers.
In Chile Chico, the Museo de Chile Chico at the Casa de la Cultura has archaeological objects, fossilized wood and stone tools connected with the region's early inhabitants; we confirm access before including a visit. Beside the cultural center stands the historic boat Andes, from the time when boats connected the settlements around Lake General Carrera.
South of Chile Chico, the Cueva de las Manos del Río Pedregoso preserves hand stencils and other rock paintings. It is a guided hike of several hours rather than a stop along the road, and can be added as part of an extended itinerary when the trail is open. This is a different site from Argentina's UNESCO-listed Cueva de las Manos in the Río Pinturas canyon.
In Puerto Guadal and the small settlements along the lake, a visit to a local artisan working with wool, leather or wood can be requested in advance. For families, an orchard visit in Los Antiguos is often the easiest choice.
In Chile Chico, the Museo de Chile Chico at the Casa de la Cultura has archaeological objects, fossilized wood and stone tools connected with the region's early inhabitants; we confirm access before including a visit. Beside the cultural center stands the historic boat Andes, from the time when boats connected the settlements around Lake General Carrera.
South of Chile Chico, the Cueva de las Manos del Río Pedregoso preserves hand stencils and other rock paintings. It is a guided hike of several hours rather than a stop along the road, and can be added as part of an extended itinerary when the trail is open. This is a different site from Argentina's UNESCO-listed Cueva de las Manos in the Río Pinturas canyon.
In Puerto Guadal and the small settlements along the lake, a visit to a local artisan working with wool, leather or wood can be requested in advance. For families, an orchard visit in Los Antiguos is often the easiest choice.
Can you take us to Perito Moreno Airport or Patagonia National Park?
Yes. We can extend the transfer to Jalil Hamer Airport in Perito Moreno, approximately 60 km from Los Antiguos. Allow around one additional hour on the road. Perito Moreno is a town in northern Santa Cruz with scheduled passenger flights; it is not the Perito Moreno Glacier near El Calafate, which is much farther south. Send us your flight details before booking so we can check whether your schedule leaves enough time for possible border delays.
The transfer can also end at La Ascensión, an entrance to Argentina's Patagonia National Park on Provincial Route 43, around 20 km from Los Antiguos. This former sheep ranch has historic farm buildings and trails toward Lake Buenos Aires and the surrounding plateau. An easy trail of about 1.5 km leads to the lakeshore; allow around 1.5 hours there and back.
Both extensions are quoted separately and must be arranged in advance.
The transfer can also end at La Ascensión, an entrance to Argentina's Patagonia National Park on Provincial Route 43, around 20 km from Los Antiguos. This former sheep ranch has historic farm buildings and trails toward Lake Buenos Aires and the surrounding plateau. An easy trail of about 1.5 km leads to the lakeshore; allow around 1.5 hours there and back.
Both extensions are quoted separately and must be arranged in advance.
Can we continue to Cueva de las Manos or south along Ruta 40?
Yes. We can help plan onward transport to Perito Moreno and the Cañadón Pinturas area, where the UNESCO-listed Cueva de las Manos preserves hand stencils and other rock paintings connected with Patagonia's early inhabitants. This is a separate journey south of Los Antiguos, requiring its own travel and visiting time.
We can also prepare a longer itinerary with transport and visits toward Lago Posadas, El Chaltén or El Calafate. Travel beyond Los Antiguos requires separate planning for the distances, overnight stops and activities you would like to include.
Los Antiguos is a small town on Lake Buenos Aires, known for its mild local climate, orchards and relaxed pace, and works well as an overnight stop before the next stage. Tell us where you'd like to go next, and we'll send you a quote.
We can also prepare a longer itinerary with transport and visits toward Lago Posadas, El Chaltén or El Calafate. Travel beyond Los Antiguos requires separate planning for the distances, overnight stops and activities you would like to include.
Los Antiguos is a small town on Lake Buenos Aires, known for its mild local climate, orchards and relaxed pace, and works well as an overnight stop before the next stage. Tell us where you'd like to go next, and we'll send you a quote.
Can we add a guide or combine several stops?
Yes. We can plan a sightseeing transfer with a local guide and visits chosen around your interests.
Although the distance is relatively short, the route includes winding mountain roads, gravel sections and an international border. For a standard transfer, we recommend one main addition, such as Los Maquis waterfall, lunch in Puerto Guadal or an orchard visit in Los Antiguos. Brief photo and comfort stops can usually be made where conditions allow.
If you would like several longer visits, we will plan the departure time, total duration and price accordingly. A guide is not included in the standard transfer.
Although the distance is relatively short, the route includes winding mountain roads, gravel sections and an international border. For a standard transfer, we recommend one main addition, such as Los Maquis waterfall, lunch in Puerto Guadal or an orchard visit in Los Antiguos. Brief photo and comfort stops can usually be made where conditions allow.
If you would like several longer visits, we will plan the departure time, total duration and price accordingly. A guide is not included in the standard transfer.