CHILE - SOUTHERN PATAGONIA 6 Days
Patagonia is a sparsely populated region located at the southern end of South America, shared by Argentina and Chile. Remote and far from everything, wind-whipped Chilean Patagonia attracts those travelers with an eye for natural beauty and an eagerness for adventure.
Torres del Paine National Park is known for its world-renowned trek “The W Circuit”, the soaring mountains, bright blue icebergs that sever from glaciers, golden pampas (grasslands) and wildlife such as the puma and llama-like guanacos.
Tips:
Patagonia is the perfect area for a self-drive adventure. This remote region is generally very safe for tourists and with normal safety precautions, you should have no problems navigating the region.
Overview of Chile’s National Parks. <Video>
Car rental is your best option (Punta Arenas airport pickup) for exploring the stunning Patagonia region.
Make sure car rental company has a <Drop Off> location in Puerto Natales if you’re continuing to Argentina.
It's important to consider the logistics. Typically, the most common way to travel from Puerto Natales, Chile to Argentina is by bus. Therefore, you will waste significant time returning the car back to Punta Arenas and backtracking to Puerto Natales to catch the bus.
The driving time between Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales is 3-hours each way.
It's worth noting that renting a car for a one-way trip from Chile to Argentina can be quite expensive.
Driving ALERT: There are NO GAS STATIONS north of Puerto Natales toward Torres del Paine Park.
Fill up your fuel tank in Puerto Natales.
Download the All-Trails app on your smartphone. Essential for any trek in Chile.
Weather conditions can change very quickly in this region.
Patagonia Travel Guides: Moon Patagonia and Lonely Planet Chile and Patagonia Travel Guide.
Torres del Paine Park offers a large range of accommodation to choose from.
From a luxury lodge to a budget hotel you will experience tranqullity and incredible views. For the adventurous, refugios or campsites are available for a fun and traditional trek experience.
DAY 1
Arrive at Punta Arenas airport.
Depending on your flight arrival time:
-transfer to Torres del Paine (5-hr drive) or
-transfer to Puerto Natales (3.5-hr drive).
During peak season, there are flights from Santiago, Chile to Puerto Natales. (Limited service with Latam and Sky Express airlines.)
Despite Punta Arenas being the jumping point of many cruises to Antarctica, there is not much of anything to see for most visitors. It can occasionally feel desolate and forgotten.
Overnight: Torres del Paine (TDP) (3 nights)
—or Puerto Natales (1 night) if unable to transfer to TDP.
The Towers of Torres del Paine. This is a world class 23-km hike beginning at the Hotel las Torres. Rated: difficult.
Map of trails
DAYS 2-4
Explore three (3) days capturing the natural setting of Torres del Paine National Park.
The park, with its iconic granite towers, is one of the most popular destinations in Chile. It is renowned for the W Trek. Take on some of the spectacular hiking trails, kayak around icebergs or horseback ride across windswept pampa.
Activities:
Hiking - Mirador Las Torres - probably the most iconic hike in all of Chile.
Incredible views of the Towers. An awesome hike!
You can park at the Hotel Las Torres, then you will see the trail head right past the hotel, clearly marked. The hike is 23 km (14 mi.) round trip with 914 meters of elevation gain, much of it at the end over rocks. Duration: all day.
The hike is part of the famous W Circuit trek. <Learn more>
You must be in good physical condition.
Condor Lookout - is a 3 km (1.4 mile) lightly trafficked out and back trail. Nice views. Difficulty: easy.
Laguna Azul - It's a gentle walk with good views of the Towers - a great way to get away from the crowds & good area to see guanacos. East side of park.
Lago Nordenskjold - The lake is ideal for walking around it, because of the wonderful colors and the flora and fauna. The outfall of Nordenskjöld Lake consists of a waterfall known as Salto Grande.
Salto Grande - the largest waterfall in the park. Only a 10-minute walk from the parking lot.
Horseback riding - all hotels can arrange rides.
Lago de Grey Glacier cruise - departs from Hotel Lago Grey. An enjoyable cruise.
A valuable app to download on any hike is All Trails.
Road conditions in Torres del Paine. The park roads are mostly gravel. The roads are in good condition and do not throw up huge amounts of dust, or stones, but you cannot drive faster than 60kph/36mph.
PETROL WARNING: Observe your mileage and how much petrol you use as this does become an important factor when driving in the park. There is NO petrol in the Park or north of Puerto Natales.
Some hotels in the park may offer their guests a small amount of emergency gas at a high price, but you cannot count on that.
Extend your stay: Torres del Paine offers many world class trails.You may consider adding extra days.
DAY 5
Depart anytime from Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas.
Next Destination options are: Argentina Patagonia Extension. / Chile Northern Patagonia / Chile Atacama Desert
Overnight: Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, depending on which destination you decide.
Driving distance:
Torres del Paine ---> Puerto Natales bus terminal, 90 min.
Puerto Natales ---> Punta Arenas airport, 3.5 hrs.
DAY 6
If you’re traveling to Argentina Patagonia, transfer to Puerto Natales Bus Terminal. Travel time by bus is five (5) hours.
Arrive at El Carafate Bus Terminal, Argentina and transfer to your hotel.
Bus departs Puerto Natales daily usually at 7 AM.
If you’re traveling to Chile Northern Patagonia / Atacama Desert region, depart from Punta Arenas airport.
Details about traveling between CHILE and ARGENTINA:
Many people travel from Torres Del Paine, Chile ---> to El Calafate, Argentina to view the glaciers and stunning treks. <Map>
There is NO AIR SERVICE, therefore the only practical way is by BUS transport.
Car rentals one-way are extremely expensive.
Puerto Natales is the main departure town to El Calafate, Argentina. The best way to travel is by Bus.
The journey takes 5 to 6 hours, depending on the border crossing procedures. The buses are clean, comfortable and equipped with air conditioning. It's advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
You depart from the Puerto Natales Bus terminal —-> and arrive at the El Carafate Bus terminal.
The distance is about 350 km (210 mi.)
Bus companies serving Puerto Natales <—-> El Calafate route:
Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales, 3.5 hr. Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine, 1.5 hr.
Details for travel between PUERTO NATALES and TORRES del PAINE:
Puerto Natales is about 90 minutes from Torres del Paine.
Car rentals are available in Puerto Natales.
Bus service from Puerto Natales runs twice daily, at 7:30 am and 2:30 pm. (Check times for return trip).
Hotels can arrange shared or private rides to/ from but are usually very expensive.
Petro Alert: There are NO GAS STATIONS north of Puerto Natales.
Closest AIRPORT(s) to Torres del Paine, Chile.
—Punta Arenas airport, 5 hours away. This is where most people arrive.
—Puerto Natales airport - during summer season there is limited service from Santiago.
Details for travel between PUNTA ARENAS and TORRES del PAINE:
Punta Arenas is about 5-hours from Torres del Paine and 3.5-hours from Puerto Natales.
Car rentals are available in Punta Arenas. It’s your best option.
Bus service from Punta Arenas runs daily. Times vary with season.
Hotels can arrange rides to/ from but are usually very expensive.
ADD CHILE NORTHERN PATAGONIA
ADD ARGENTINA PATAGONIA
Search your hotel here
Average cost:
(EXCLUDING AIRFARE)
$$$ USD for two (2) people
Budget: $1,600
Moderate: $1,850
Luxury: $2,500 +
Thinking about Antarctica ?
Climate Guide:
Torres del Paine driest period is October through March.
The warmest months are December through February.
The coolest months are July and August.
May is the wettest month.
November is the driest month.
Sources: wikipedia.org, kimkim.comNo copyright infringement is intended on this website by travelwildnow.comTorres del Paine-hotel recommendations: Hotel Lago Grey, Hotel Las Torres, Hotel Rio Serrano, Explora Patagonia, and Hotel Del Paine.