Motor Home Time Rental company category:Standard
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Motor Home Time TrelewTrelewView map
Hiring a campervan in Trelew puts your starting point in the heart of the lower Chubut valley, settled by Welsh colonists in the 19th century, halfway between the Valdés Peninsula and the Punta Tombo reserve. Southern right whales, elephant seals, Magellanic penguins and the tea rooms of Gaiman are all less than a day's drive away. 2 partner companies, Motor Home Time and Ruta Sur, hand over their vehicles here.
Their fleet is made up of 4x4 campers, from the Adventure Camper models with two or three berths to the Eminence Camper with four, built for the tracks of the Patagonian steppe.
Observed prices
Rental prices observed in Trelew
| Vehicle | Winter July | Spring October | Autumn April |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campervan | from €309/day median €321/day | from €353/day median €364/day | from €329/day median €345/day |
Daily prices observed on October 22, 2026 for a 15-day rental: CoolDrive selling price, mandatory fees included, 1 rental companies compared. 100% of offers with unlimited mileage. Median excess: €3,000.
Road trip ideas
Road trips from Trelew
1 Valdés Peninsula: whales, elephant seals and orcas
- Trelew
- Puerto Madryn
- El Doradillo
- Carlos Ameghino Isthmus
- Puerto Pirámides
- Punta Delgada
- Caleta Valdés
- Punta Norte
- Trelew
Along National Route 3, Puerto Madryn and El Doradillo beach, where right whales come close to the shore in season, lead to the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus and the entrance to the Valdés Peninsula, a World Heritage Site. Boat trips leave from Puerto Pirámides; the tracks then reach the elephant seals of Punta Delgada and Caleta Valdés, and finally Punta Norte, where orcas hunt in March and April.
- Distance
- about 600 km
- Recommended vehicle
- 4x4 camper
2 The Welsh valley and the Punta Tombo penguins
- Trelew
- Gaiman
- Dolavon
- Rawson
- Playa Unión
- Punta Tombo
- Trelew
To the west, Gaiman keeps its brick chapels and Welsh tea houses, where torta negra is served, then Dolavon lines up its irrigation canals and old flour mill. Head back via Rawson, the provincial capital, and the port of Playa Unión, before driving south to Punta Tombo, where tens of thousands of pairs of Magellanic penguins nest from September to April.
- Distance
- about 320 km
- Recommended vehicle
- 4x4 camper, any model
3 Route 25 across the steppe to Bariloche
- Trelew
- Florentino Ameghino Dam
- Los Altares
- Paso de Indios
- Esquel
- Trevelin
- El Bolsón
- Bariloche
Heading west, National Route 25 follows the Chubut valley through an almost empty steppe: a detour to the Florentino Ameghino Dam, the red cliffs of Los Altares, then Paso de Indios before Esquel and Trevelin, another village founded by the Welsh, at the foot of the Andes. Ruta 40 then leads via El Bolsón to Bariloche, a departure city of our partners, as a one-way trip.
- Distance
- about 950 km
- Recommended vehicle
- 4x4 camper
Weather and seasons
When to go in Trelew?
Best time
Southern spring, September to November
September to November
highs 18 to 25 °C, lows 6 to 12 °C
The richest season for wildlife: southern right whales are still numerous in the Golfo Nuevo, penguins return to Punta Tombo from September and elephant seals raise their pups on the peninsula's beaches. Sunshine rises from 10 to 13 hours a day, but the wind often blows hard.
High season
Summer, December to February
December to February
highs 28 to 29 °C, lows 14 to 16 °C
Dry heat, very little rain and up to 14 hours of sunshine a day: this is the peak of the Argentine holidays, with very busy campsites in Puerto Pirámides and Playa Unión in January. The chicks grow up at Punta Tombo, while the whales have left the coast.
March and April
March to April
highs 20 to 25 °C, lows 10 to 13 °C
The southern autumn keeps mild days and a sea still pleasant at Playa Unión. Above all, this is when orcas hunt young sea lions at high tide at Punta Norte; the penguins leave Punta Tombo in April and the holiday crowds are gone.
Winter
Winter, May to August
May to August
highs 12 to 15 °C, lows 2 to 5 °C
Nights close to freezing, short days and a cold wind: the steppe empties and Punta Tombo no longer hosts penguins. Yet the right whales arrive in the Golfo Nuevo from June, which makes a short stay on the Valdés Peninsula worthwhile, with a heated vehicle and stages driven in daylight.
Climate in Trelew, month by month
Most pleasant months: September to April.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29 °C | 16 °C | 15 mm | 14 h/day |
| Feb | 28 °C | 15 °C | 11 mm | 12 h/day |
| Mar | 25 °C | 13 °C | 24 mm | 11 h/day |
| Apr | 20 °C | 10 °C | 25 mm | 9 h/day |
| May | 15 °C | 5 °C | 13 mm | 8 h/day |
| Jun | 12 °C | 3 °C | 29 mm | 7 h/day |
| Jul | 12 °C | 2 °C | 19 mm | 7 h/day |
| Aug | 15 °C | 4 °C | 16 mm | 8 h/day |
| Sep | 18 °C | 6 °C | 20 mm | 10 h/day |
| Oct | 21 °C | 9 °C | 15 mm | 11 h/day |
| Nov | 25 °C | 12 °C | 27 mm | 13 h/day |
| Dec | 28 °C | 14 °C | 20 mm | 14 h/day |
Averages 2016–2025 computed from Open-Meteo data (ERA5 reanalysis).
Practical tips
Everything to know before hitting the road
Fuel and groceries before the peninsula
Puerto Pirámides is the only village on the Valdés Peninsula, and its services are limited. Fill up and shop in Trelew or Puerto Madryn before crossing the isthmus, and carry water for several days: the distances between Punta Delgada, Caleta Valdés and Punta Norte are covered slowly on ripio gravel.
Gusts on the Atlantic coast
On Route 3 and the coastal roads of Chubut, westerly gusts hit 4x4s loaded with a camper body or roof tent from the side. Slow down on open stretches between Trelew and Puerto Madryn, hold the doors when opening them and, at the end of the day, look for shelter behind a building or a mound before unfolding the tent.
Guanacos and rheas on the road
Guanacos, Darwin's rheas, known as choiques, and estancia sheep often cross Route 3 and the steppe roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Avoid driving at night, keep a moderate speed on the tracks and never stop on the carriageway to photograph the animals.
Sleeping in the protected areas
In the Valdés Peninsula protected area, camping is in principle only allowed in Puerto Pirámides; spending the night on the tracks or near the animal colonies is forbidden. Puerto Madryn and Playa Unión have campsites; elsewhere, check the local rules and never enter an estancia without the owner's permission.
What travellers ask
Your questions about a road trip in Trelew
Where can I pick up a campervan in Trelew?
Two partner companies have a depot in Trelew: Motor Home Time and Ruta Sur. The exact place and hand-over time are confirmed after booking. Almirante Marcos A. Zar airport is a few kilometres north-east of the centre: tell the company your flight time so they can arrange the meeting and the vehicle walkthrough.
How much does it cost to hire a campervan in Trelew?
The price depends on the season, the length of hire and the 4x4 camper model chosen; the southern summer and the whale season are among the busiest periods on the Chubut coast. Run a search with your pick-up and return dates to get the real prices of the Trelew rental companies, mandatory fees included, bookable straight away.
Which vehicles can I hire in Trelew?
The offers found for Trelew are 4x4 campers: the Adventure Camper range, in Elite, Freedom, Freedom Plus, Luxury and Premium versions, with two or three berths, and the Eminence Camper, which offers four berths for five seats. The number of seats and berths varies from one model to another: check it in each offer.
Can I do a one-way trip to El Calafate or Buenos Aires?
Our partners also rent from Puerto Madryn, Bariloche, San Martín de los Andes, El Calafate, Río Gallegos and Buenos Aires. Route 3 runs south along the Atlantic to Río Gallegos, then turns off towards El Calafate, about 1,450 km in all; Buenos Aires lies about 1,400 km to the north. Enter the return city when searching: any fees are then included.
Can I drive to Chile with a 4x4 hired in Trelew?
It is possible with the company's written consent, which provides the vehicle's exit authorisation, to be requested when booking. From Trelew, the most logical crossing is via Esquel and the Futaleufú pass, towards Chile's Carretera Austral. At the Chilean post, the sanitary control bans fresh produce such as fruit, meat or cheese: empty the fridge beforehand.
Verified customer reviews
They rented in Trelew with CoolDrive Nomad
4.3
818 reviews
Excellent follow-up, pleasant and efficient contact.
Jérôme K.
Argentina · Mar 2025
Avis Vérifiés
Booking a pick-up with a rooftop tent. A flawless experience from the first exchange with Cooldrive to the return of the vehicle, which allowed us to travel across Argentina just as we wanted: on an ADVENTURE!! This will remain an unforgettable trip. A big thank you for your valuable advice and your responsiveness. Rental company in Buenos Aires very professional and extremely kind.
S.
Argentina · Mar 2025
Trustpilot
The quality of the vehicle was limited, with basic comfort considering the excessive price. Good rating for customer relations, but there was a lack of verification of the rented vehicles.
(anonymous)
Argentina · Jan 2024
Avis Vérifiés
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — Campervan and motorhome hire in Trelew
What licence do I need to drive in Argentina?
For a tourist stay, a valid national licence is generally accepted, and an international driving permit is recommended for police checks on Route 3. Each company sets its minimum age and the number of years of driving required, shown in the offer. In Argentina, you drive on the right, with dipped headlights on during the day on open roads.
Do I have to pay to enter the Valdés Peninsula and Punta Tombo?
Yes, both protected areas charge an entrance fee, with different rates for foreign visitors, Argentine residents and inhabitants of Chubut province. At Valdés, the checkpoint and visitor centre are on the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus. Keep your ticket and check the accepted payment methods in advance.
Are the roads around Trelew paved?
The main routes are: Route 3 to Puerto Madryn and the south, Route 25 to the Andes, and the roads to Gaiman and Rawson. On the Valdés Peninsula, only the access road and Puerto Pirámides are paved; the rest is ripio gravel, like some coastal tracks towards Punta Tombo. Drive slowly to limit punctures and flying stones.
How do I get to Trelew?
Trelew airport receives scheduled flights from Buenos Aires, making it the usual air gateway to the Valdés Peninsula. Long-distance coaches also serve Trelew bus station from Buenos Aires and the main cities of Patagonia. If your flight lands late, plan a night in town before picking up the vehicle.
When should I book a 4x4 camper in Trelew?
Several months ahead for January and February, the Argentine summer holidays, and for September and October, when the whale season draws travellers from all over the world to the Chubut coast. With only two rental companies, the choice of models shrinks quickly. In winter, or in March and April, a few weeks are often enough.
Can I pay by card and use my phone on the peninsula?
In Trelew and Puerto Madryn, bank cards are widely accepted. On the Valdés Peninsula and in the steppe, however, mobile coverage quickly disappears and cash machines are rare. Withdraw pesos before leaving, download offline maps and share your route with someone before setting off on the isolated coastal tracks.
About us
Why start a campervan trip from Trelew
Within a few hours' drive, Trelew brings together what makes the Patagonian coast famous: the Valdés Peninsula and its whales, the penguins of Punta Tombo and a Welsh culture still alive in Gaiman and at the Eisteddfod, the singing and poetry festival held in town. The Egidio Feruglio Palaeontological Museum also displays the giant dinosaurs discovered in the province, including Patagotitan.
The two partner companies, Motor Home Time and Ruta Sur, offer 4x4 campers designed for the long roads of the steppe. Puerto Madryn, 57 km as the crow flies, Bariloche, El Calafate and Buenos Aires, other departure cities of our partners, make it possible to cross Patagonia one way. The climate is pleasant from September to April, the best time to combine the Atlantic coast and the interior.
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