The remoteness of Patagonia' Torres del Paine allows the park to continue to boast its incredible pristine environment and natural beauty. Because of this remoteness, it is a little adventure in itself just getting to the park. Whether you're coming from Argentina or Chile, we can get you to the park. Here's a little direction on what routes we'll take, and what to expect from your drive to those legendary spines.
Via Chile
From Chile, the most direct route to Torres del Paine is via a flight into Punta Arenas from Santiago; this is about a 4 1/2 hour flight with a stopover in Puerto Montt. Punta Arenas is a good place to spend the night – an active port town. From here, you make the 140 mile (226 km) drive to Puerto Natales (paved road). Once in Puerto Natales, it's another 71 miles (115 km) to the park. Recently, about half of this 71-mile-drive was paved (Route 9 from Puerto Natales to Cerro Castillo near the border). Although, this hasn't really affected the transfer time to the park's entrance – maybe shaving about 10 to 20 minutes off the drive.
Via Argentina
If you're coming from Argentina, your best bet is from El Calafate – about 240 miles + a border crossing. The border crossing can be seamless and quick, or it can cause 2-3 hour delays. Experiences vary. Like the Chile drive, this route is also a combination of paved and unpaved roads. Sometimes flights are more affordable between Buenos Aires and El Calafate (about a three hour flight), than Santiago and Punta Arenas – so definitely keep a look out. And while you're in Argentina, throw in a little Ushuaia, Buenos Aires and Iguazu… now we're talking. And now I'm off track.
Both routes are good options, with similar distances and transfer time (as long as lady-luck is on your side at the border crossing). Most importantly, both reward you with the landscape of Patagonia's Torres del Paine. I'd walk – nay crawl – either of these routes for those incredible spires!
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.