If you’re visiting El Calafate and the Perito Moreno area, you might want to cross the Andes and explore the amazing Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. But how do you get from El Calafate to Torres del Paine?
How to get to Torres del Paine from El Calafate
There are several ways to travel from El Calafate to Torres del Paine, depending on your budget and travel style:
By bus
This is the simplest and most affordable option. Several companies run daily services between El Calafate and Torres del Paine, with a border crossing from Argentina to Chile. The trip usually takes 5 to 6 hours. Operators on this route include Cootra, Bus-Sur, and Turismo Zaahj.
Torres del Paine Tour with National Park from El Calafate
Enjoy a tour of Torres del Paine and the National Park from el Calafate. Wonderful guided tour with transfers and an English-speaking guide included.
By car
Renting a car gives you flexibility and independence. Driving time is typically 4 to 5 hours, with a border crossing on the way. Confirm your rental company’s policies about international crossings and insurance before booking.
By tour
Guided tours include round-trip transportation from El Calafate to the park, plus time for sightseeing and short hikes. This is a convenient choice if you prefer a curated experience.
From El Calafate to Torres del Paine: what the visit is like
If your trip begins in El Calafate, consider crossing into Chile to continue your journey. Many international travelers follow this route. If you are short on time or already have plans after El Calafate, a full-day tour to Torres del Paine is a solid alternative.
Full-day tours usually leave early from your hotel in El Calafate. After crossing the Patagonian steppe from north to south, you reach the Cancha Carrera border post in about 2.5 hours. From there, you continue through southern Chile toward Torres del Paine National Park, arriving roughly 3.5 hours after departing El Calafate. Inside the park, the excursion combines scenic drives with short hikes on well-marked trails.
Typical stops and viewpoints
- Sarmiento de Gamboa Lake viewpoint
- Saltos del Río Paine, with a 30-minute walk along the river
- Cerro Almirante Nieto and Cuernos del Paine upper viewpoint
- Laguna Amarga entrance, with an optional 1.5-hour Fauna Trail to Sarmiento entrance
- Salto Grande viewpoint
- Nordenskjöld Lake and Los Cuernos viewpoint, with a 2-hour trek
- Pehoé Lake
Torres del Paine Tour with National Park from El Calafate
Enjoy a tour of Torres del Paine and the National Park from el Calafate. Wonderful guided tour with transfers and an English-speaking guide included.
Plans inside the park may change or be shortened due to road conditions. Border processing times can vary with traffic. Each traveler must carry the required documents for the international crossing. Return to El Calafate is in the late afternoon.
