Crossing Into Chile: Paso Futaleufú

Paso Futaleufú, near the Chilean town of the same name, is the most commonly used border crossing from Argentina to the northern length of Chile’s Carretera Austral.

From Trevelín, Ruta Nacional 259 heads to the pass (45 km/27.5 mi; gravel, dusty in summer). The immigration and aduana of either country is about 100 meters (325 ft) apart (summer 8 a.m.-10 p.m., and in winter 8 a.m.-8 p.m.). On the Chilean side the road is blacktopped.

Public transportation departs 2-3 times per week from Esquel, passing through Trevelín, to meet up with transport into Futaleufú, Chile ($5, 2 hr). Check with Esquel’s tourism office for up-to-date bus schedules. Check with the carabineros in the nearest town to check on road conditions, especially May-September.