Some travelers have shared routes for exploring Patagonia by car. One suggested itinerary starts in Ushuaia and includes stops in Torres del Paine, El Calafate, and El Chaltén, finishing in El Calafate for a flight back to Buenos Aires. Another route starts in El Calafate, exploring Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno Glacier, and El Chaltén, before returning to El Calafate.

For those preferring public transport, buses are mentioned as a viable option, with routes connecting major points in Patagonia like Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, and Puerto Natales. Direct flights are also available from El Calafate to Ushuaia, enhancing connectivity between key locations.

Travelers have explored cross-border routes, such as driving from Punta Arenas through Torres del Paine to El Calafate and El Chaltén. There is also a mention of crossing from El Bolsón, Argentina through Chile using the Carretera Austral and then back into Argentina to reach El Chaltén.

Some travelers on the TripAdvisor forum have discussed various aspects of renting vehicles for traveling in Patagonia. It is advisable to book rental cars in advance, especially if planning to cross borders, as additional paperwork and permissions are required. This can also incur extra charges, approximately $100 USD for necessary paperwork.

Crossing borders with rental vehicles can be complex. Travelers need to notify rental companies about their plans to cross borders between Chile and Argentina, which may lead to additional fees. Not all rental companies allow their vehicles to cross national borders, and those that do often charge a substantial fee.

For those looking into alternative options, renting a campervan has been mentioned as a cost-effective way to explore the region while managing accommodation expenses. However, users should be aware that returning the campervan to the country of rental origin is typically required, which can affect travel plans.

Booking accommodations early is recommended, as options can be limited and fill up quickly during peak travel times. Pricing for rentals varies and can be influenced by the duration of the rental and the season of travel.

According to forum posts, many of El Chaltén's trails are suitable for self-guided hikes, with several trails starting right from the village. Websites like elchalten.com provide detailed guides on self-guided treks, making it easy for travelers to plan their hiking routes independently.

For many users, Laguna de los Tres is highly recommended. It is described as fairly straightforward, except for the final stretch, which is uphill with loose rocks. Another popular choice is the hike to Laguna Torre, which can be done in about 4 hours and 50 minutes from La Leona, making it feasible for a half-day trek.

Some travelers have explored multi-day trekking by combining various trails and camping at sites like Camp Poincenot. These camping sites are described as free of charge with basic facilities like latrines, but no other services, allowing for an immersive nature experience.

For those seeking less strenuous options, shorter hikes like the one to Laguna Capri or the viewpoints of Los Cóndores and Las Águilas offer beautiful scenery without the extended exertion, making them ideal for a half-day adventure.

According to forum posts, travelers have noted a range of car rental options at El Calafate. Available models include Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet Cruze, and Toyota Corolla among others, with varying ranges suitable for long-distance travel. However, securing a rental can be challenging due to high demand and occasional shortages.

Some travelers mentioned difficulties in the booking process, such as needing to send personal information via less secure methods like WhatsApp or encountering issues with online bookings. It’s advisable to book through reputable platforms or directly through official company websites to ensure security and availability.

For those planning to cross into Chile, it's essential to notify the rental company in advance. This is necessary for preparing the required documentation and might involve additional fees.