If you’ve landed here, you’re probably planning to head north along the Carretera Austral and researching the Los Antiguos to Chile Chico border crossing. When I was preparing for this route, I struggled to find clear and up-to-date information online -so I’m sharing my first-hand experience to help you navigate it easily.
If you’re travelling through Patagonia, moving from Argentine Patagonia into Chilean Patagonia (or vice versa), this is one of the most common and straightforward crossings. I’d say this is a common route for most travellers – especially if you want to get to Puerto Rio Tranquilo, you’ll go through Los Antiguos to Chile Chico. You can do the journey in either direction and the logistics are essentially the same – this just happens to be the way we went.
Here’s everything you need to know before you cross.
All information is correct at the time of writing: November 2025.
USD$ 1 = 1 420 ARS
€1 = 1 640 ARS
£1 = 1 850 ARS
Where the Border Crossing Is Located
The Los Antiguos – Chile Chico crossing is located on the southern end of the lake shared by both countries:
- Argentinian Immigration (Los Antiguos): A few kms outside town, reachable by taxi.
- 5 km Walk Between Borders: A straightforward gravel footpath or on the paved road.
- Chilean Immigration: A few kms ride into Chile Chico.
Why Choose the Los Antiguos to Chile Chico Border Crossing?
While a lot of the border crossings throughout Patagonia is pretty relaxed, this is quite a rural crossing. It’s also probably the most direct route just north of the El Chalten – Vila O’Higgins crossing.
- Fast and easy immigration on the Argentinian side
- A gentle 6 km walk between the border posts
- Strict but efficient Chilean entry procedures
- Taxis from the Chilean border to Chile Chico town
It’s an ideal choice for overlanders, backpackers, cyclists and anyone connecting routes along the far north of Patagonia or heading towards the Carretera Austral.
The border sits along Lago Buenos Aires/Lago General Carrera, it also offers wide-open lake views, classic dry-Patagonia landscapes and snowy mountains in the distance.
Step-by-Step: How to Cross the Border from Los Antiguos to Chile Chico on Foot
1. Travel to Los Antiguos
From El Chalten or Bariloche, you can book a ticket with Chalten Travel. It is approximately the midway point between the two places. It’s a quite a comfortable bus. On our bus, it stated that it was an executive cama. There was WIFI, a small sandwich with a slice of cake and a bottle of water. We decided on the overnight bus as the ticket was 180 000 ARS per person! It felt a little steep but it is a 12hr journey either way.
2. Getting to the Argentinian Immigration Office
Seems straightforward when you think about it. How hard is it to get to the immigration office? Well, it’s approximately 3.5 km from the bus station to the immigration office. You could definitely walk it, but with our backpacks, we decided to conserve our energy for the walk through No Man’s Land. We got into Los Antiguos at 0845hrs on a Sunday morning, as you can imagine, not very much traffic about. Luckily, we did walk past the Tourist Information office about 700m from the bus station (which was open!) and managed to get a taxi to take us to the border. That cab was 5 000 ARS but the info center said it should be 3 500 ARS, but we didn’t mind, we were just happy not to walk it!
3. Leaving Argentina: What to expect at the Argentinian Immigration Office (Los Antiguos)
As it’s quite a rural border and when we crossed it, it was very quiet. The process was pretty straightforward:
- No long lines
- No questions
- No exit stamp (Argentina often handles land exits digitally)
- You get a slip, keep that – you’ll need it on the Chilean side.
Present your passport, get cleared and you’re ready to begin the walk.
4. Walk through No Man’s Land
Okay, it’s not really no man’s land. It’s technically still Argentina until you get to the midway point and you get to the Chilean signboard. The walk between the two immigration offices is about 6 km. I know a lot of information online says it’s 5 km but I did measure it with AllTrails…. sooooooo. According to my AllTrails, with our 20+ kg backpacks, we walked 2km in 50mins. Very slow, very tiring. At least the weather we had mid November was lovely! I would say depending on your pace and how heavy your bags are, it could take upwards of 2hrs to complete.
Here’s what the roads are like:
- Quiet gravel sidewalk or paved if you walk on the roads.
- Minimal traffic. Like I said, rural border post.
- Scenery. Dry desert-like mountains on one side, snowy mountain tops on the other.
- A straightforward walk. Mainly flat.
- There’s only one road so you definitely won’t go missing.
Try Hitchhiking?
My husband and I have never hitchhiked before… but after speaking to several Chileans and Argentinians, they keep telling us that in Patagonia (especially) it’s really safe to hitchhike. There’s no time like the present to try! We stuck our thumbs out a couple of times, with several cars just driving past us. We managed to walk just over 2km to the Argentine/Chilean border signs and got extremely lucky, someone had stopped to pick us up! Couldn’t believe it. Although, to be honest, he probably saw the desperation in our eyes. Definitely saved us from walking the last 4km…
5. Entering Chile: What to expect at Chilean Immigration (Chile Chico)
You’ll first go through passport immigration. We got asked a series of questions by the border guards and they were very pleasant to chat with! You definitely feel the little town vibes from them. Some questions we got asked:
- Our occupations
- Our martial status
- The address for the accommodation
- Our rough travel route
In return, you’ll be stamped through and get a PDI slip and passport stamp. A PDI Slip is essentially a tourist ticket that foreigners receive upon entering Chile. It must be kept and presented to immigration when you leave the country so don’t lose it!
Chile has strict agricultural and biosecurity rules, so expect:
- You must complete an agricultural declaration form (SAG).
When filling out the form: your border post would be Jeinimeni. - Bag inspection (x-ray + manual check)
- Officers will ask about food items. No fresh produce, seeds, honey, raw foods etc.
- If you are unsure, declare it. It’s best to be on the safe side, I’ve met people who got a pretty hefty fine for not declaring. They will just toss what you’re not allowed to bring in but better that than a fine.
Although the process is thorough, it’s efficient and organized. Once cleared, you’re officially in Chile.
6. Getting from Chilean Immigration to Chile Chico
The Chilean border office isn’t in town either, it’s about 6 km. You could try hitchhiking or you could try getting a cab into town. There was WIFI at the Chilean office so you could easily Whatsapp a taxi company asking for pick up. Alternatively, you could get some help from the border employees to call a cab. The taxi ride cost 5 000 CLP. It’s a short transfer, you’ll be in the town within 10mins.
We decided to stay in Chile Chico for two nights. It gave us time to explore the lakefront town and get our bus to Puerto Rio Tranquilo and continue on our journey to exploring Carretera Austral.
Key Tips for a Smooth Border Crossing
- Time of year: Summer (November–March) offers the best walking conditions. Although weather is unpredictable.
- Immigration office Hours: 0800hrs – 2100hrs
- Distance: 6 km between immigration posts.
- Total time: Around 2.5 hours, including border formalities and hitchhiking.
- Download the declaration form in advance or fill it out at the border.
- Cash: Have ARS and CLP cash for taxis.
Is It Safe and Easy to Walk Between the Borders?
Absolutely! The only challenge here is walking between the two border posts. Traffic is light, the road is paved and both border posts are used to travellers arriving on foot. Even solo travellers will feel safe here.
Who Is This Border Crossing Best For?
This guide is especially useful for:
- Overlanders heading toward the Carretera Austral
- Travellers moving between El Chaltén / Perito Moreno → Chile Chico
- Backpackers/long term travellers looking for a hassle-free Argentina – Chile route (aka not using the El Chalten – Vila O’Higgins border)
- Cyclists and hikers
Final Thoughts
The Los Antiguos to Chile Chico border crossing is simple, scenic and one of the most straightforward ways to enter Chilean Patagonia by land. With a short-ish walk, standard immigration procedures and easy onward transport, it’s a great alternative than crossing further north and missing out the Carretera Austral.
If you’re travelling across Patagonia and considering crossing by foot, this route is absolutely worth it.
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