Description
This is a full-day excursion that may include gentle walks along some of the park’s easiest trails, offering an accessible way to experience the stunning landscapes of Torres del Paine.
The journey begins early in the morning, departing from El Calafate and heading south along the route to the Cancha Carrera – Cerro Castillo border crossing. This first stretch involves two hours of travel across the vast Patagonian plateau, where the arid steppe and endless horizons set the tone for the day.
Upon crossing into Chile, the route continues through a landscape of lakes, forests, and rolling hills, leading to the main entrance of Torres del Paine National Park. The word “Paine” means blue in the Tehuelche language — a fitting name for a place where shades of blue color the lakes, forests, and even the stones. Arrival at the park entrance is scheduled for approximately 10:30 a.m.
Inside the park, the itinerary includes several panoramic viewpoints and iconic sites, such as:
- Sarmiento de Gamboa Lake viewpoint
- Blue Lagoon, offering a scenic view of the Towers
- Paine River Falls, with the option to descend to the river (approx. 30 minutes)
- Superior viewpoint of Almirante Nieto Hill and the Cuernos del Paine
- Amarga Lagoon
- Nordenskjöld Lagoon viewpoint
- Salto Grande viewpoint
- Cuernos del Paine from Nordenskjöld Lagoon
- Pehoé Lake
- The National Park Interpretation Centre, which explains the geological formation of the massif, as well as the area’s flora, fauna, and glacial processes
- Toro Lake viewpoint
If time allows, a brief walk is offered in one of these locations to further immerse visitors in the park’s natural beauty.
The return journey to El Calafate begins around 7:00 p.m., ensuring arrival at the hotels in time for dinner. The distance between El Calafate and Torres del Paine is 130 miles (210 kilometers), with the drive taking approximately three hours each way. Additional time should be considered for customs procedures at the border.
Due to the excursion’s long duration and gravel road sections, it is not recommended for small children, pregnant women, individuals with neck or back issues, heart conditions, reduced mobility, or those prone to dizziness.
