The climate depends on the geographical location, and on meterological conditions which can change from one day to the next. In summer, southern Patagonia tends to be cool and sunny, with very dry air. Sea-level temperatures range from a minimum of 10ºC and a maximum of 30ºC, with a daily average of 20ºC. At higher altitudes these temperatures diminish at a rate of about one degree per 100 metres of altitude. Breezes and winds accentuate the coolness of the air. Light summer clothing is a must, but thorny plants and the strong sun can make shorts a problem during hikes and horseback rides.

– What to take
Warm, lightweight clothing will come in very handy. You will need a warm parka for excursions to glaciers or high places, and for days that are cooler than usual. Another must is a lightweight waterproof jacket for windy days and occasional unexpected showers.
Sunglasses and a hat with chinstrap are also advisable.
A sunblock cream with a protection factor of at least 15 is a must.
Tennis shoes with worn soles or «alpargatas» are good for traveling , but aren’t recommendable for hikes through thornbush areas;they are treacherous on wet stones in creeks or in places with loose stones. In these cases, light trekking shoes will be the best choice.
Remember that only big towns have laundries. On some ranches you can ask to have something washed – but not ironed – if you are staying long enough to make it worthwhile. Ask about this when you arrive.

– Wind
You will be entering the land and waters of the Roaring Forties. There, storms come without thunder, lighting or rain; they are pure wind, which often as not blows beneath a clear sky. If the wind is blowing, respect it, whether you be driving or walking.

– The sky over Patagonia
The southern hemisphere sky is the richest in shining stars and galaxies. Seeing it from a ranch, through clear air and without ground lights, is a memorable experience. That’s why they call us the «Thousand-Star Hotels».

In the summertime the sunlight is deceptive, making you think that the day is longer than it really is. Get to your destination when it’s still daylight.
Getting to a estancia is in itself an interesting experience. The same road will look very different when you leave in the morning.

You will be driving on paved or gravel roads in practically uninhabited areas. The absence of the stress imposed by city transit and the beauty of the places along the way will create an atmosphere conducive to traveling long distances with a reasonable effort.
When you plan the stages of your trip, remember that with the exception of the paved stretches, your average speed should not exceed 60 km/hr, and 40 km/hr on corniche roads with hairpin curves.

Whether you are driving a town car or a 4WD, certain basic safety rules must be followed.

– Watch your speed. Most accidents on roads with little traffic are the result of underestimating the difficulties involved. Slow down before reaching a point in the road that is hidden from view by the terrain or some other element. On gravel, don’t trust stretches that look good; drive on a  minimum-adherence surface. On asphalt, watch out for raised culverts and shoulder drains. Pay attention to the wind.

– Drive defensively. Somebody who thinks he has the road all to himself can suddenly pop up in that place you can’t completely. Stay on your side of the road whenever the visibility is poor for one reason or another.

– On gravel, slow down to a crawl when passing a vehicle coming from the opposite direction. This will help you keep control of your vehicle and greatly lower the risk of breakage of your windshield and other windows by flying rock fragments. If you have to overtake a slow vehicle, keep as far away from it as possible. Let the driver know you’re there. Try not to kick up dust and rocks. On backroads, don’t leave the one you’re on. Follow the dirt roads that look like they’ve been driven most recently. Some places can fool you, and not be as firm as they look.

– In summer it rains very little. But if you find yourself on a wet road, keep to the high part in the middle, which is more compacted by the traffic. Clay is very slippery; try to keep off the shoulders, which are very soft. On dirt roads stay in the ruts if the suspension is high enough to allow this. And if you get stuck, don’t force the motor; passing motorists will give you whatever help they can.

– If your driving day includes a particularly isolated stretch of road, take along sleeping bags just in case. A burner, some water and food on board can turn out to be very useful it you have to spend a night out somewhere.

– If you have to ford a stream, case it out first on foot. Take care: a swift current that reaches above mid-thigh is dangerous, and the water is always very cold. If you decide to use your winch, keep away from the steel cable.

– Check the fuel and tires before leaving populated areas, and top off the tank whenever possible. Remember to close cattle guard gates, and don’t drive over fields unnecessarily. Help keep roads and paths clean by taking your wastes to the next ranch or town for disposal.

– In southern Patagonia people are valuable and few. Be courteous on the road. If you see someone asking for help – which can turn out to only be a request that you take someone a message – stop.

What to take
. A good road map.
. Two spare tires, or at least extra inner tubes and tools if you’re up to taking the tires apart.
. A good flashlight and batteries.
. Optional: a few simple tools, baling wire, 20 meters of 15-mm nylon rope, a collapsible shovel, a tire pump or small air compressor.
. We do not advise taking along extra fuel in cans; it is unnecessary and risky.

Paso Río Futaleufú (Chubut)
Location: 43°10’SL / 71°45’WL
Schedule: ARG: 09-21hs / CHI: 08-21hs
Relief: Mountainous.
Height: 300 masl.
Connect/Link: Trevelín-Futaleufú.

Paso El Triana (Chubut)
Location: 45°46’50»SL / 71°43’56»WL
Schedule: ARG: 09-21hs / CHI: 08-22hs
Relief: Sandy, stony, with low mountain ranges.
Height: 670 masl.
Connect/Link: Aldea Beleiro-Coyhaique.

Paso Huemules (Chubut)
Location: 45°54’54»SL / 71°38’39»WL
Schedule: ARG: 09-21hs / CHI: 08-22hs
Relief: Sandy, stony, Patagonian plateau.
Height: 500 masl.
Connect/Link: Lago Blanco-Balmaceda.

Paso Ingeniero Pallavicini (Santa Cruz)
Location: 46°30’42»SL / 72°20’22»WL
Schedule: ARG: 09-21hs / CHI: 08-22hs
Relief: Mountainous.
Height: 470 masl.
Connect/Link: Pallavicini-Ing. Ibañez.

Paso Río Jenimeni (Santa Cruz)
Location: 46°35’20»SL / 71°41’21»WL
Schedule: ARG: 09-21hs / CHI: 08-22hs
Relief: Irregular, mountainous, presents plateaus.
Height: 260 masl.
Connect/Link: Los Antiguos-Chile Chico.

Paso Rodolfo Roballos (Santa Cruz)
Location: 47°05’59»SL / 71°54’50»WL
Schedule: 09-21hs / CHI: 08-22hs
Relief: Arid, stony, clayey and has low plateaus.
Height: 715 masl.
Connect/Link: Lago Posadas-Cochrane.

Paso Río Don Guillermo (Santa Cruz)
Location: 51°15’20»SL / 72°13’59»WL
Schedule: ARG: 09-23hs / CHI: 08-00hs
Relief: Mountainous.
Height: 260 masl.
Connect/Link: Cerro Castillo-Pto. Natales.

Paso Dorotea (Santa Cruz)
Location: 51°34’22»SL / 72°21’11»WL
Schedule: ARG: 09-23hs / CHI: 08-00hs
Relief: Mountainous.
Height: 605 masl.
Connect/Link: Villa Dorotea-Pto. Natales.

Paso Laurita (Santa Cruz)
Location: 51°41’40»SL / 72°17’15»WL
Schedule: ARG: 09-01hs / CHI: 08-00hs
Relief: Flat with irregularities.
Height: 240 masl.
Connect/Link: 28 de Noviembre-Pto. Natales.

Paso Integración Austral (Santa Cruz)
Location: 52°08’SL / 69°31’WL
Schedule: ARG: 09-23hs (01 Abril-31 Octubre) 24hs (01 Noviembre-31 Marzo) / CHI: 08-22hs
Relief: Patagonian plain with rocky outcrop and volcanic rocks.
Height: 165 masl.
Connect/Link: Río Gallegos-Pta. Arenas.

Paso San Sebastián (Tierra del Fuego)
Location: 53°12’50»SL / 68°38’22»WL
Schedule: ARG: 09-23hs / CHI: 08-22hs
Relief: Regular (low descending), flat with minimal elevations.
Height: 10 masl.
Connect/Link: Río Grande-Puerto Porvenir/Puerto Bahia Azul.

* Summer hours, under normal traffic conditions. Consult previously for reconfirmations of status and schedules.
** Information provided by the Argentine National Gendarmerie.