If you´re visiting El Calafate and Perito Moreno Area, I´m sure you would like to cross the Andes and visit the amazing Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. But, how to reach Torres del Paine from El Calafate?
How to get to Torres del Paine from El Calafate?
There are a few different options for traveling from El Calafate to Torres del Paine, depending on your preferences and budget:
By Bus: The easiest and most affordable way to get from El Calafate to Torres del Paine is by taking a bus. There are several companies that offer daily bus service between the two destinations. The trip takes about 5-6 hours and includes a border crossing from Argentina to Chile. Some of the bus companies that operate this route include Cootra, Bus-Sur, and Turismo Zaahj.
By Car: If you prefer to have more flexibility and independence, you can also rent a car in El Calafate and drive to Torres del Paine. The drive takes about 4-5 hours, and you’ll need to cross the border from Argentina to Chile. Be sure to check the rental car company’s policies regarding border crossings and insurance.
By Tour: If you want to have a more guided experience, you can also book a tour that includes transportation from El Calafate to Torres del Paine.
From El Calafate to Torres del Paine National Park: the visit
If you’re starting your trip in El Calafate, it’s a good idea to consider crossing over to Chile to continue your travels. This is a popular route for international travelers. However, if you only have a limited amount of time or have organized a different route after El Calafate, a full-day trip to Torres del Paine National Park from El Calafate is a good option.
The excursion will depart early from your hotel in El Calafate and head towards Torres del Paine in Chile. After crossing the Patagonian steppe from north to south, you will arrive at the border post “Cancha Carrera” after a 2.5-hour trip. From there, you will travel through beautiful southern Chile until you reach Torres Del Paine National Park. The trip from El Calafate to the national park takes approximately 3.5 hours. Once in the park, the excursion will combine rides and hikes, as there are many roads and hundreds of hiking paths throughout the park.
During the excursion, you will visit various viewpoints and places, including the Sarmiento de Gamboa Lake viewpoint, Saltos del Rio Paine (a 30-minute walk beside the river), Cerro Almirante Nieto / Cuernos del Paine – superior viewpoint, Laguna Amarga entrance (optional 1.5-hour trek by the Fauna’s footpath to the Sarmiento entrance), Salto Grande viewpoint (Big Fall), Viewpoint Nordenskjold Lake de los Cuernos del Paine (2-hour trek), and Pehoe Lake.
It’s important to note that the journey inside Torres del Paine National Park may be modified or shortened depending on road conditions, and border crossing times may vary depending on traffic. Additionally, each passenger is responsible for carrying the necessary documentation for the border crossing. The return trip is in the late afternoon.
