Cruise along Argentina's iconic Ruta 3 and admire Tierra del Fuego's eclectic assortment of wildlife, headlined by flamingos and guanacos.
Exit the city of Río Grande to the southwest and join Ruta 3. Prevailing crosswinds become tailwinds as the route curves to the southeast before crossing the city's namesake river, the Río Grande. During the summer, flamingos are a common sight in this area, especially near the river.
Water Warning!
All water on Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego collected from natural water sources must be treated before consumption. In 1946, fifty North American beavers were introduced to the island in a misguided attempt to create a fur trade. History has proven this to be a catastrophically terrible decision – the beavers now number in the hundreds-0f-thousands, damming rivers (which causes irregular flooding) and spreading giardia.
Directions
 |
Río Grande |
|
|---|---|---|
| From downtown Río Grande, head southwest and join Ruta 3 | ||
| 9 km | Route bends southeast | |
| 11 km | Río Grande (river) | |
| 14 km | Paso Río Bella Vista Alternate Route intersects with Ruta 3 | |
| 35 km | Atlantic Ocean; follow the coast for next 12 km | |
| 47 km | Cabo Auricosta | |
| 80 km | Begin gradual ascent (+170 m / 14 km) | |
| 90 km | RP-H junction; turn right (west) for Lago Chepelmut (~25 km) and Lago Yehuin (~46 km) (limited access) | |
| 93 km | Descent (-135 m / 7 km) | |
|
Tolhuin |
Camping Recommendation
Reserva Cabo Auricosta
A small fishing/wildlife reserve on a tiny peninsula ~47 km south of Río Grande. Sand dunes provide shelter from the wind for tents. From Ruta 3, enter the reserve via a narrow gravel driveway that leads to the coast (the entrance is signed). As usual #leavenotrace.
Location |
|---|
| -54.016592, -67.338943 |
Category |
|---|
| Wild |
Cost |
|---|
| Free |
Water Source |
|---|
| BYOW (bring your own water) |
Highlights |
|---|
| Atlantic Ocean |
Alternate Route
Not many cyclists will opt for this alternate route; it's ripio (as opposed to the paved Ruta 3) and has no services. There are a number of Estancias not far from the road that may be inhabited and provide a space for wild camping; other than that, wild camping and water sources are extremely limited.
| Take a right on RP 9 from Ruta 3 | ||
| 25.5 km | Airstrip | |
| 62 km | Turn right on RP-18 | |
| 66 km | Lago Yehuin | |
| 70 km | Keep left on RP-18 | |
| 96.8 km | Río Ewan Sur | |
| 105 km | Turn right | |
| 106 km | Turn left | |
| 109.5 km | Right onto Ruta 3 | |
| 128 km | Enter Tolhuin |
Tour Total
Explore Nearby
The above route information is intended to be used as a guide in conjunction with your own due diligence. Although Bicycle Patagonia is a product of extensive research, we make no representations, guarantees nor assurances as to the accuracy of the above information or the associated .gpx and .kml files. Prior to beginning the route, be sure to check local weather forecasts & road conditions. While out riding, respect Patagonia – follow all public and private land use restrictions, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and always #leavenotrace.