Exploring Patagonia - Ruta 40 - In the middle of nowhere - Bajo Caracoles

Moving back North on the Ruta 40 in the Santa Cruz Province, we stopped at Bajo caracoles that´s a small Patagonian settlement in the middle of nowhere, next big City is Perito Moreno (Not related to the Glacier).In between both lies "La cueva de las manos"

This cave is 40 clicks off the main highway on a gravel road. This paintings were made by the local cavemen thousands of year ago, even though they look like they were touched up a little.

Exploring Patagonia - Ruta 40 - El Chalten

"El Chalten" is a City in the Santa Cruz province located 213km north of "El Calafate" on the Northern tip of the Parque Nacional los glaciares.

The city itself founded in 1985 is composed of a series of outfitters, hostels and pubs, basically a backpackers haven. But the surrounding areas make it a must on any Patagonian excursion.

Ideal for hiking and biking. the "Chorillo del Salto" waterfall and the mirador Fitzroy are fantastic for a one day stopover.

In Passing snapshot - The Patagonian man

As you may imagine, Patagonians are a quite tough breed. The same as people from Northern Canada or Siberia, they live in one of earths most desolated regions.
This chap whose name I will omit, is a tow truck driver which helped us out in a moment of need during our trip, and was kind enough to show us around the Buenos Aires Lake.
Born an raised in Patagonia, he was as most of them, very generous and helpful to anyone in need. Here we see him picking up some driftwood to take home.

Exploring Patagonia - Ruta 40 - From El Calafate to Torres del Paine

After seeing the "Perito Moreno" Glacier the next best thing is to head west to Chile and visit the "Torres del Paine" National Park

For that you have to drive roughly 7 to 10 hours some parts are gravel roads in bad condition.

You have to go from Calafate to a place called Esperanza and gas up your car and your canisters cuz there are no gas stations neither at the Chilean border or inside the Park.

Exploring Patagonia - Ruta 40 - Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier sits roughly 70 clicks from El Calafate. Its located inside the "Parque Nacional los Glaciares" National Park.

You can only stay in the park for the day and the entrance fee for foreigners is roughly 20 bucks.

Needless to mention that the Glacier is one of the largest worldwide and that it is magnificent.

There's a walkway that spans all round the glacier and gives you plenty of great photo angles.

Exploring Patagonia - Ruta 40 - El Calafate

Continuing south on the 40 we arrived at one of our main destinations which was the Perito Moreno Glacier, the closest city to it being "El Calafate", a small city that has no other merit than being a Tourist Trap.

In any case if you go to the glacier by land you will need to stop there for gas and food.


El Calafate is one of those picture perfect towns like the one on Wayward Pines, but it does have some attractions.