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How to Get to Los Antiguos

Los Antiguos, a tranquil Patagonian gem nestled on the shores of Lago Buenos Aires, is renowned for its sweet cherry production and serves as a strategic gateway to the spectacular Ruta 40 and the Marble Caves. Getting here involves embracing the vast distances characteristic of Patagonia, a journey often best experienced with the unparalleled freedom of your own vehicle to explore its unique landscapes.

8 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 Season
PatagoniaHub
By PatagoniaHub Travel Team|Verified local expertsLast updated: Apr 29, 2026
Full guide to Los Antiguos →

Reaching Los Antiguos, a picturesque town in Argentina's Santa Cruz province, is an adventure in itself, emblematic of Patagonian travel. Situated at the crossroads of scenic landscapes and rich culture, its remote location ensures a journey filled with breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences. Whether you choose to fly into a regional airport and continue by ground, embark on a long-distance bus trip across the steppe, or undertake an epic road journey along legendary routes like Ruta 40, meticulous planning is key to an unforgettable arrival in this enchanting cherry capital. Embrace the distances, as the journey through Patagonia is as rewarding as the destination itself.

Nearest Airports

Perito Moreno Airport

PMQ60 km

The closest airport to Los Antiguos, approximately an hour's drive south. It's a small regional airport with limited flight options, primarily served by LADE, making connections less frequent.

Comodoro Rivadavia International Airport

CRD550 km

A major regional hub offering more frequent connections from Buenos Aires and other Argentine cities. From CRD, Los Antiguos is a substantial 7-8 hour drive or bus journey.

Chile Chico Aerodrome

CCH5 km

Located just across the border in Chile, this is a very small aerodrome primarily serving local Chilean flights. While physically close, international border crossing formalities are required.

By Flight

Flying is the quickest way to cover the vast distances to Patagonia, but it's important to note that you will always require subsequent ground transport (car or bus) to reach Los Antiguos from the nearest significant airports. Internal flights in Argentina typically originate from Buenos Aires.

Airlines

Aerolíneas ArgentinasLADE (Líneas Aéreas del Estado)

Flight Tips

  • Book domestic flights well in advance, especially during peak season (October-April) as seats can be limited.
  • Most flights connect through Buenos Aires (Aeroparque Jorge Newbery - AEP) for regional destinations.
  • Factor in significant ground travel time from Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD) to Los Antiguos (7-8 hours minimum).

By Car

Driving to Los Antiguos is arguably the most rewarding and authentic Patagonian experience, offering unparalleled freedom to explore the region's vast and diverse landscapes at your own pace. A rental car is highly recommended for accessing remote attractions and fully appreciating the scenic routes.

Main Driving Routes

FromRouteDistanceDurationRoad Condition
Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD)RN3 South, RP26 West, RP43 North550 km7-8 hoursMostly paved, though some sections of RP26 and RP43 can have gravel patches or be less maintained, particularly after winter. Strong winds are common.
El Calafate / El ChalténRuta Nacional 40 North700-800 km9-11 hoursThis iconic route is predominantly paved, but expect significant gravel sections (ripio), especially between Tres Lagos and Perito Moreno. Services are sparse, so plan fuel stops carefully.
BarilocheRuta Nacional 40 South1200 km15-18 hours (typically split over 2 days)A truly epic journey along one of Argentina's most famous roads. Mostly paved, with occasional gravel stretches. Services become more infrequent as you head south; fuel up whenever possible.
Chile Chico (Chile)Paso Jeinimeni / Los Antiguos Border Crossing5 km15-30 minutes (including border formalities)Paved on both sides of the border. Ensure you have all necessary vehicle and personal documents for international travel.

Driving Tips

  • Always carry extra fuel, water, and snacks, as services can be few and far between on Patagonian routes.
  • Be prepared for varied road conditions, including gravel (ripio) sections, especially on Ruta 40. Drive slowly on ripio and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
  • Patagonian winds can be extremely strong; exercise caution, especially when driving a larger vehicle.
  • Ensure your vehicle has a well-inflated spare tire and the necessary tools for changing it. Cell signal is often absent in remote areas.

By Bus

Bus travel is a popular and often comfortable way to navigate the long distances in Patagonia. Most long-distance services offer 'semi-cama' (partially reclining) or 'cama' (fully reclining) seats, making overnight journeys more bearable.

Bus Companies

AndesmarDon OttoTaqsaVia Bariloche

Bus Tips

  • Journeys can be very long (e.g., 24+ hours from Buenos Aires, 7-8 hours from Comodoro Rivadavia), so plan accordingly and bring entertainment.
  • Book tickets in advance, especially during the high season (December to March), as popular routes can sell out.
  • Dress in layers and bring a blanket or pillow for added comfort during overnight trips. Buses typically make stops for meals and restrooms.

From Major Cities

CityBest MethodTravel TimeCost
Buenos AiresFlight to Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD) + rental car or bus~2.5 hour flight + 7-8 hour drive/busMedium to High (depending on flight deals and car rental)
Comodoro RivadaviaRental car or long-distance bus7-8 hoursMedium (car rental) to Low (bus)
BarilocheRental car (highly recommended) or long-distance bus15-18 hours (often overnight or split over two days by car)High (car rental with fuel) to Medium (bus)
El CalafateRental car (essential for Ruta 40 exploration) or long-distance bus9-11 hoursHigh (car rental with fuel) to Medium (bus)

Local Transport

Once in Los Antiguos, the town center itself is compact and easily walkable, allowing you to explore its cherry farms and lakeside promenade on foot. However, for excursions to nearby attractions such as the renowned Cueva de las Manos, the Petrified Forests, or deeper exploration of Lago Buenos Aires's stunning shores, a car is virtually essential. Taxis and 'remises' (private, pre-booked cabs) are available in town but can become costly for longer day trips. Given the vast distances and scattered points of interest, self-driving remains the most practical option for experiencing the region fully.

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