Torres del Paine by car? Yes, you can

If you’re wondering whether you can explore Torres del Paine by car, the answer is yes, but in a 4×4. This has become a very interesting option for enjoying this wonderful landscape from a different perspective. Sometimes, it’s the most comfortable way to reach remote areas such as the other side of Lake Nordensköjld to photograph the Cuernos del Paine.

In total, there are 100 kilometers of roads open to vehicles for touring part of the park, but if you want to do so, there are a lot of things to consider.

We recommend taking the necessary precautions, as there are no gas stations inside the park. You also need to be aware of road and weather conditions, as they are very changeable, with winds reaching speeds of 100 km/h, mainly in spring and summer.

Although it is true that traveling by vehicle in Torres del Paine National Park will not allow you to reach certain points as you would by trekking, you can still access several of its attractions:

Grey Lake and Glacier

18 km from the Administrative Headquarters is the Grey Guard Station, from which you can start a hike that crosses the bridge over the Pingo River and continues to the shore of the lake, where you can see the icebergs. From there, you can also take a boat trip on the lake and enjoy the view of the glacier.

Salto Grande

Located in the Pehoé sector, just 2 km from the main road. From the parking lot, it is a 5-minute walk to the viewpoint. If you want to access the Los Cuernos viewpoint, continue along the marked trail. From there, a walk of approximately one hour begins along the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld, leading to one of the best panoramic views of the Paine Massif.

Paine River Waterfall

Located on the Paine River in the Laguna Amarga sector, along the road that leads to Laguna Azul. From this point, you can see the Torres del Paine (De Agostini, south; Central and Monzino, north), the three granite peaks that gave the park its name.

Lake Pehoé

The shore of this lake is one of the best places to see the Cuernos del Paine, as the turquoise color of its waters adds to the appeal of the mountain range.

Laguna Azul

From the area near the Laguna Azul Nursery, you can get the best view of the Torres del Paine without having to go trekking. This area has an attractive microclimate, reaching temperatures of up to 25º C in summer.

So now you know, if you’ve already done the W and O Circuits, you can get new views of the park by driving through it. If you want to rent a vehicle, there are several agencies in Puerto Natales, but we recommend doing so well in advance because demand is high. If you’re planning a day trip, you’ll need to fill up your tank because there’s no way to get fuel inside the park.

If you haven’t visited Torres del Paine yet, we have several excursions and programs for those who want to go trekking and also for those who want other options to see the park’s main attractions.

Source: Conaf
http://www.parquetorresdelpaine.cl/es