Are you planning a trailer trip through Argentina but don't know where to camp, what to eat, or even what to do there? How about taking a look at the places we picked out for you? Explore Argentina and find your place in the world with these tips.
Argentina is one of the countries that share a border with Brazil, and one tourist attraction we have in common is Iguazu Falls. So, how about we start there?
To enjoy the beauty and tourist attractions of the Falls and of the Iguazú National Park , a good place to camp is the campgrounds in the city of Puerto Iguazú, for example.
How to get there: Via the Tancredo Neves International Bridge. This is the bridge that connects BR-469 to RN 12 in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina.
Heads up: Since January 29, 2022, the following are mandatory:
In addition, to cross the Argentine border you must pay an ecotourism fee, which is charged by the city of Puerto Iguazú. The amount is 90 Argentine pesos per person and must be paid in Argentine currency. Remember to exchange your money before traveling, because if you don't pay the fee, your car will be impounded. Getting your car back will cost you far more than the fee.
Even so, if you need to, there are currency exchange offices on Cataratas Avenue on the way to Puerto Iguazú.
On the Argentine side of the falls, you can explore trails, bridges, viewpoints and circuits. With just 1 ticket you can do 6 circuits, whereas on the Brazilian side there is only one trail to follow.
There are also the Triple Frontier Landmark, small street markets, casinos, an ice bar and wine shops. If you love wine, take the chance to buy Argentine wines and local treats such as dulce de leche, alfajores and Argentine parrilladas.
It doesn't necessarily have to be your next stop. But with campgrounds and free admission, there's no excuse for not visiting Los Glaciares National Park.
How to get there: From El Calafate on RP 11 to the Perito Moreno Glacier (80 km of paved road).
Alternatively, Lake Roca can be reached via RP 11 toward the Moreno Glacier, turning left onto RP 60 (gravel) until it connects with RP 15, or by staying on RP 15, all of it gravel.
Or else, take RP 11, RN 40 and RP 23 to El Chaltén (220 km of paved road).
What to do
There are plenty of activities, and you can choose among ice trekking, sailing, hiking, climbing and fishing. On top of that, you can visit places such as the Perito Moreno, Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, Lake Roca, the El Chaltén or Fitz Roy area, Viedma Glacier, Chorrillo del Salto and the Patagonian Ice Field.
You can also see Desert Lake with its centuries-old forests, glaciers and streams, where you can camp and go sport fishing.
But remember that to enjoy these activities safely, you need to follow a few guidelines, such as finding out where camping is allowed, not bringing pets, and not lighting fires in places not previously designated for that purpose by the people who look after the park.
Not surprisingly, the park got its name from the enormous trees that grow there, the alerces.
Even those who aren't big on admiring nature will admire the beauty of Los Alerces National Park.
There are several camping areas, both equipped with supplies that the less prepared might need, and free camping.
Imagine yourself diving into the clear waters of the rivers and lakes that run through there. And if that's still not enough, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand up paddle are some of the sports you can enjoy during the summer.
However, if you decide to go in a colder season, some trails may be closed and some sports won't be possible. On the other hand, there are some activities you can do all year round. For example, a visit to the Forest of Ancient Alerces, where you'll learn more about the history of these millennia-old trees, and the Torrecillas Glacier, a hike of about 2 hours that leads to Laguna del Antiguo.
As for food, depending on which camping area you choose, there are restaurants that prepare tasty dishes that may include venison, wild boar, trout, salmon, forest mushrooms, raspberries, chocolates, empanadas and a classic regional tea
How to get there: From Esquel, a city in the province of Chubut , take RN 259 and RP 71 to Villa Futalaufquen, where the park entrance is located.
Besides its Swiss-style architecture and the chocolate sold on the main street, Bariloche also has beautiful places to camp. And the fact that there are several camping areas around the city lets you balance the calm of nature with the attractions of coveted Bariloche. Going to the ski resort and Lake Nahuel Huapi are examples of that balance.
Camping Selva Negra, one of the closest to downtown, Los Coihues campground and Cirse Villa Maitén campground, which is near Lake Nahuel Huapi, are great examples of places to camp.
How to get there: To reach Los Coihues campground, just follow Route 40 and then connect to Route 82 up to the entrance of Lake Gutiérrez.
For the others I couldn't find a reference, so I'll just leave the address. Also, by clicking on the campground names you'll find a website about tourism in Bariloche. Just get in touch and ask for more information.
Camping Cirse Villa Maitén: Av. Exequiel Bustillo 14.500, R8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro.
Camping Selva Negra: Los Mimbres 2950, R8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina. Got that?
Anyway, these were just a few of the places you can go. Allow yourself to explore freely beyond the tourist spots. You might be surprised.
And now you can no longer say that you don't know where to camp in Argentina or what to do there. However, we'd like to ask for just one thing. When you visit some of these places and post photos on your social media, remember to tag Easy Transport. We'll be thrilled to know we're helping you find your place in the world.
Hasta pronto, explorers.
