Question 1

What is a rooftop tent and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

It is a tent mounted on the roof of the vehicle. Ours are triangular hard shell tents: they open in seconds, are waterproof and handle wind well. You sleep off the ground, protected from moisture, insects and uneven terrain, on the mattress that comes included.

Question 2

What documents do I need to pick up the vehicle?

Accepted Answer

You need: (1) a valid driver's license (Chilean or international), (2) the identity document (passport or national ID) you registered when booking, and (3) a payment method for the security deposit. Foreign travelers: if your license is not in Spanish, we recommend bringing an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Question 3

How much is the security deposit and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

The security deposit is $1.200.000 for both vehicles. It is left at pickup and fully refunded at the end of the rental, provided the vehicle is returned in the same condition. Separately, the insurance has a $1.500.000 deductible per accident.

Question 4

Can I pick up in one place and return in another?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Osorno (office and airport) has no fee. Puerto Montt (El Tepual Airport) and Puerto Varas charge a fee per leg, which is free for rentals of 7 days or more, and Valdivia charges a fee per leg. You will see each fee when choosing the pickup or return location. Need another city (Pucón, Chiloé, Coyhaique, Punta Arenas, Santiago)? Message us on WhatsApp and we will confirm a fixed price before you book.

Question 5

What is included in the rental?

Accepted Answer

It includes the vehicle with the hard shell rooftop tent and its mattress, a gas stove with the first cartridge, a cooking and dining kit for 2, a table and 2 chairs, a cooler, a water jug, a rechargeable lantern, unlimited mileage, insurance and 2 drivers (must be registered). Bedding and sleeping bags are not included (you can rent sleeping bags as an extra), nor are fuel, tolls, ferries or food.

Question 6

Is the tent waterproof?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hard shell tents are built for rain, wind and low temperatures, which are common in southern Chile. At pickup we show you how to park facing the wind before opening it.

Question 7

Can I drive the Carretera Austral or cross into Argentina?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Carretera Austral is entirely within Chile and needs no extra paperwork (book your ferries in advance). To cross into Argentina you must add the "Permit to cross into Argentina" extra at least 7 days in advance, so we can prepare the exit documents. The most common crossing from Osorno is Cardenal Samoré Pass, towards Bariloche.

Question 8

What insurance coverage does the vehicle have?

Accepted Answer

The rental includes mandatory personal accident insurance (SOAP), third-party liability and damage insurance for the vehicle with a $1.500.000 deductible. Coverage includes the tent and rack, gravel roads, ferries and Argentina (with the permit). See the exclusions on our Insurance & Deposit page.

Question 9

Can I pay just part of the price when booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When booking you pay a 30% deposit to secure your reservation, and the remaining balance at pickup. You can also pay the full amount right away.

Question 10

Can I cancel my booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you cancel more than 30 days before pickup, we refund 100% of the amount paid. If you cancel between 15 and 30 days before, the amount paid is kept as credit for another date within 12 months. With 14 days or less, or if you do not show up, there is no refund.

Question 11

What is the minimum rental period?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the season: from 3 to 5 days, and longer between Christmas and the end of February. Each vehicle page shows the prices and minimum for every season. You also save a percentage on rentals of 7 and 14 days or more.

Question 12

Are the vehicles automatic?

Accepted Answer

No. All our vehicles have manual transmission. If driving stick shift is a problem for you, message us on WhatsApp before booking and we will see if we can find an alternative.

Question 13

Can I drive on gravel roads?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The 4x4 Pickup Camper is ready for gravel and the roads of the Carretera Austral. The Van Camper (front-wheel drive) can also drive on compacted gravel and regular routes, but it is not an off-road vehicle. Neither may be driven on beaches, riverbeds or deep mud.

Question 14

What is the vehicle pickup process like?

Accepted Answer

When you arrive, our operator will receive you, review the vehicle's condition with you, show you how to open and close the tent, sign the rental agreement, take the deposit and hand over the keys. The process takes approximately 30–45 minutes.

Question 15

What do I do if I have a mechanical problem?

Accepted Answer

We have a roadside assistance number available throughout your rental. We'll provide it at pickup.

Question 16

Where can I sleep with the tent?

Accepted Answer

At campsites, designated areas and places where overnight stays are allowed. In national parks and reserves you may only camp in areas authorized by CONAF; sleeping outside them can result in a fine. On private land, ask the owner for permission.

Question 17

Do I need to book the ferries?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and well in advance. If you are heading to the Carretera Austral (Hornopirén, Caleta Gonzalo, Chaitén), vehicle spots in January and February sell out weeks ahead. Book your tickets as soon as your rental is confirmed; their cost is not included.

Question 18

How do fuel and cleaning work?

Accepted Answer

We hand over the vehicle with a full tank and it must come back full; any shortfall is charged at CLP 2,500 per liter. Normal cleaning is included. If the vehicle comes back extraordinarily dirty (mud inside, smoke smell, food remains), an extraordinary cleaning fee of CLP 60,000 applies.

Question 19

Which payment methods do you accept and how do I leave the deposit?

Accepted Answer

You can pay with Webpay (credit and debit cards), Mercado Pago (international cards too) or bank transfer. The $1.200.000 deposit is left when you pick up the vehicle and returned at the end of the rental. If your card is foreign, message us on WhatsApp before your trip to confirm how to leave the deposit.

Question 20

How many people can travel?

Accepted Answer

Our campers are designed for 2 people: the rooftop tent sleeps 2 and the included equipment (dishes, chairs) is for 2 as well. If more people are traveling, message us on WhatsApp before booking to look at alternatives.

Question 21

Is it hard to open and close the tent?

Accepted Answer

No. The hard shell tent opens in seconds: release the latches and the lid lifts on its own with gas struts. To close it, pull it down and secure the latches again. At pickup we show you how, and how to park facing the wind before opening it.

Frequently asked questions