6-Day Self-Drive Torres del Paine: Car, Hotels & Park Adventure

Summary

Patagonia Road Trip: Torres del Paine & Puerto Natales Highlights

If you want real freedom to explore Patagonia’s wild side—from Punta Arenas’ windswept hills to Torres del Paine’s iconic peaks—a self-drive lets you set your own pace. You’ll see hidden corners most tours miss and have time for those spontaneous stops that make travel memorable.

What’s the experience like?

The wind hit us right as we stepped out of the airport in Punta Arenas—sharp and cold, even though the sun was out. We grabbed our rental car (Nissan XTrail, pretty comfy for these roads) and headed straight for Cerro Mirador. The view over the Strait of Magellan is something you just can’t get from a photo—ships look like tiny toys down there. Later, we wandered through the city cemetery; it’s oddly peaceful, with neat rows of cypress trees and old family tombs. Locals say it’s one of the prettiest spots in town. Spent the night at a cozy hotel downtown—slept like a rock after that flight.

The next morning, coffee in hand from Café Tapiz (their medialunas are worth a try), we set off for Puerto Natales. The drive is long but never boring—Patagonia’s landscape keeps changing: flat steppe, then sudden blue lakes. Sheep everywhere. By late afternoon we rolled into town and checked into our hotel near the waterfront. The air smelled faintly of salt and woodsmoke from nearby homes.

We got an early start to visit the Milodon Cave—our guide explained how this giant sloth used to roam here ages ago. There’s even a big replica at the entrance; kids love it, honestly I found it kind of funny too. Then it was on to Torres del Paine National Park itself. Entering the park feels like crossing into another world: jagged peaks ahead, guanacos grazing by the roadside, clouds moving fast overhead.

Staying inside the park meant we could really soak it all in. At Villa Serrano by the river, I tried horseback riding for the first time—my horse kept stopping to munch on grass but eventually got moving! Others in our group went kayaking; they came back soaked but grinning ear to ear. Evenings were quiet except for wind rattling the windows and distant bird calls.

On our way back toward Puerto Natales, we squeezed in another quick ride along the river before hitting the road again. The weather changed every hour—sunny one minute, then a sudden gust would send dust swirling across the road. Back in town for one last night; we found a little place serving king crab stew that warmed us right up.

The final drive to Punta Arenas airport felt bittersweet—one last look at those endless skies before dropping off our trusty rental car and heading home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Punta Arenas

• Visit Cerro Mirador and Cemetery
• Enjoy panoramic views at Cross Hill

Day 2 — Drive to Puerto Natales

• Drive from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales

Day 3 — Milodon Cave and Torres del Paine

• Visit Milodon Cave
• Travel to Torres del Paine National Park

Day 4 — Adventure in Torres del Paine

• Horseback riding or kayaking at Serrano River

Day 5 — Return to Puerto Natales

• Optional horseback riding or kayaking
• Drive back to Puerto Natales

Day 6 — Drive to Punta Arenas Airport

• Drive from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas Airport

Top questions

Do I need an international driver’s license?

Nope! A valid driver’s license from your home country plus your passport is enough to drive in Chile.

Is this trip suitable for families?

Yes—it works well for families or groups of friends. Infant seats are available if you ask ahead.

When’s the best time to visit Torres del Paine?

Most people go December–March when it’s warmest (highs around 15°C), but fall (March–May) is quieter with less wind and great colors for photos.

How tough are the drives? Are roads paved?

Main routes are paved but expect some gravel inside national parks—nothing too tricky with an SUV like what’s included.

What’s included

Your package covers pick-up/drop-off at Punta Arenas around noon, six days’ car rental (SUV class), unlimited kilometers, insurance (CWD, PAI & SACA), free hotel parking, two nights each at comfortable hotels in Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park plus one night in Punta Arenas—all 4-star stays. You’ll also get a detailed itinerary with suggested stops and restaurants, museum hours, activity options like horseback riding or kayaking at Serrano River Villa—and local taxes are already included.