Top 5 Puerto Natales Car Tours: Find Your Perfect Drive
So, you’re dreaming of Patagonia, are you? Good! That southernmost region of South America, shared by both Argentina and Chile, is like another planet, honestly. Very specifically, we’re talking about setting off from Puerto Natales. Now, skipping those giant tour buses, exploring by car gives you a degree of freedom that’s pretty unmatched, as I was saying. That way you are able to really pause where the views grab you and kind of discover those hidden gems. Finding the right car tour, one that gets you hyped, now that is actually what it’s all about! In order to kick it off, that is!
1. The Classic Torres del Paine Circuit Drive
You have probably heard of it, arguably you may have it at the top of your list, The Torres del Paine. And understandably so. What if instead of a crazy long hike, which may be quite difficult, you drove the park circuit, yet? Well, in a way that would mean getting to see all the highlights without necessarily destroying your knees. We are talking viewpoints like Lago Grey (where you can just possibly spot some icebergs), the breathtaking Mirador Pehoé, and all of those photo stops when you’re able to take perfect photographs with the stunning Torres in the background. And so on. Also, there is a bonus: you are able to split up all of those long drives into smaller, less tiring bits, stopping at cosy spots like Hosteria Pehoé. If you are curious for more information you could read our full review:Torres del Paine driving Full Review and Details
Okay, to accomplish this, it usually calls for roughly 3 to 5 days, I mean, it just depends on the depth you would like to go, actually. Ensure your car can take gravel roads—a 4×4 isn’t strictly a must, but arguably a car with some higher clearance is possibly more than helpful. Expect those entrance fees to Torres del Paine National Park, and just be mindful of the park’s opening times and any required reservations, so!
2. To Puerto Bories & the Historic Route
Perhaps you’re in the mood for a bit of history together with some dramatic landscapes, yet? This specific drive that is close to the coast guides you through the historic sites nearby Puerto Natales. I mean, it usually features destinations like the old Frigorífico Bories, and is quite similar to stepping back in time to when it was Patagonia’s big meatpacking plant! You get that look into the region’s industrial history together with these views of the fjords and mountains that is totally spectacular.
Expect just about a half-day to accomplish this tour. This one’s just about chill and relaxed—those roads happen to be mostly paved and easily travelled, seemingly perfect for any car. Keep an eye out for the historic tours there, once you get to Frigorífico Bories. If you are curious for more information you could read our full review: Puerto Bories history Full Review and Details
3. The Off-the-Beaten-Path Route to Cerro Castillo
Do you perhaps fancy leaving behind all of the crowds at Torres del Paine, a bit? You know, Cerro Castillo National Park offers almost equally breathtaking mountain landscapes that are actually without that huge amount of people, surprisingly. Getting to Cerro Castillo from Puerto Natales, specifically that drive is an attraction by itself. Passing through stunning valleys, beside bright blue lakes, means the whole trip turns out to be something special. And so on!
Allow that full day, roughly. Make sure your car is equipped for those gravel paths, as the roads tend to be a bit rougher once you head deeper inside the park, as I was saying. Do not actually forget to get your park entrance ticket— you’re able to either buy it beforehand on the internet or just simply as you enter, so. Pack lots to eat, seemingly because there are actually very few services once you leave Puerto Natales, if you want my opinion! If you are curious for more information you could read our full review:Cerro Castillo hike Full Review and Details
4. Laguna Sofia and Estancia La Peninsula Scenic Loop
For a quick getaway from Puerto Natales, that’s like super full of views, give Laguna Sofia a go, arguably. Now, just about a half-hour’s drive from the city is that serene lagoon. That provides some great photography scenes together with these nice opportunities for birdwatching, which you did not actually expect. Make the experience even more interesting by making the scenic loop down towards Estancia La Peninsula, which actually gives you insights on Patagonia’s rural daily living. Sounds great? Well, that actually is!
Figure on roughly four to six hours for doing that loop. Roads tend to be quite well maintained here, making this just perfect for just about any vehicle, to be honest. Take food, specifically if you are looking into actually spending any time just simply at Laguna Sofia. Maybe keep your eye open for condors: the place tends to be quite a hotspot for seeing these stunning birds flying right overhead, actually! If you are curious for more information you could read our full review: Laguna Sofia Patagonia Full Review and Details
5. Drive to the End of the World: Puerto Consuelo
You want a really unique off-track Patagonia destination that will actually just knock your socks off, is that so? Good! Then consider Puerto Consuelo. It’s settled beside the Eberhard Fjord, this fairly isolated spot provides peace, scenic vistas, and simply that sense of having discovered some sort of Patagonia’s last secret. It’s roughly a beautiful drive, which allows you glimpses directly into Patagonia’s vastness. As a matter of fact, you may even say it’s very unique!
This will certainly be an entire day escapade. As a matter of fact, I do recommend a car with some decent clearance because paths beyond Puerto Natales will possibly be bumpy. Grab sufficient fuel plus lots of things for eating, seeing as facilities can be rather scarce. The views just simply across the fjord are genuinely awesome—watch for that diverse wildlife plus the quiet atmosphere which is just pretty unparalleled! If you are curious for more information you could read our full review: Puerto Consuelo Chile Full Review and Details
