Torres del Paine & Milodon Cave tour private vehicle

Two prehistoric and present-day landmarks in one long day across Patagonia

A private guided tour departing from Punta Arenas takes you 170 miles north to Milodon Cave, where a 1895 discovery of a prehistoric mammal is now on display, then into Torres del Paine National Park to see Nordenskjold Lake, turquoise glacial waters, the Paine Massif peaks and wildlife including guanacos and condors. The tour runs 12 to 14 hours with a private vehicle, English-speaking guide, park entry, lunch and a rest stop at a general store in Cerro Castillo included. Minimum age is 18.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Milodon Cave45m · entry included
2. Torres del Paine National Park5m · entry included
3. Nordenskjold Lake10m

Torres del Paine and Milodon Cave tour

• Pick up in Punta Arenas
• Drive to Puerto Natales
• Visit Milodon Cave
• Drive to Torres del Paine Park entrance
• Walk to Salto Grande waterfall
• See Sarmiento Lake viewpoint and mountains
• Observe local wildlife
• Visit Lake Nordenskjold
• Visit Laguna Amarga
• Stop at Cerro Castillo general store
• Drive back to Punta Arenas

The experience

The drive north from Punta Arenas to Milodon Cave takes up the first stretch of the day. Once you arrive, you'll see the replica of the prehistoric mammal whose remains were found here in 1895 and learn how glacial processes carved the cave itself. From there, the route continues to Torres del Paine National Park, where the landscape shifts to the dramatic peaks and turquoise lakes the region is known for.

Inside the park, you'll see Nordenskjold Lake, fed by meltwater from the Paine Massif and named after a Swedish geologist; Laguna Amarga, which sits beneath the imposing peaks; and Sarmiento Lake from its viewpoint. A 15-minute walk gets you close to Salto Grande, a waterfall within the park. The fauna you're most likely to spot includes guanacos, ñandú and condors, though foxes, hares and pumas inhabit the park as well. The route also passes the distinctive rock formations of the Cuernos del Paine and Cerro Almirante Nieto.

Midway through the day, you'll stop at a rustic general store in Cerro Castillo for coffee, restrooms and a snack before continuing. Lunch is included and served during the tour. The return drive to Punta Arenas takes about five hours, so you'll arrive back at your hotel in the evening.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• a private English-speaking guide.
• Torres del Paine National Park entrance fees.
• lunch.
• bottled water.
• hotel pickup from Punta Arenas.
• a rest stop with coffee and restrooms at a general store in Cerro Castillo.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 28 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Amigos Patagonia

Is this one for you?The 12- to 14-hour commitment means this tour fills your entire day and rules out other activities in Punta Arenas, but it's the only way to see both Milodon Cave and the full depth of Torres del Paine without splitting the experience across two days or rushing through either one.

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Top questions

How far is the drive from Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine?

The drive north to Milodon Cave is 170 miles, then the route continues to the park entrance. The return journey from the park to Punta Arenas takes about five hours.

What animals might I see in Torres del Paine?

Guanacos, ñandú and condors are the most commonly spotted wildlife in the park. Foxes, hares, chincols and pumas also live there but are less frequently observed.

Is there a break during the day?

Yes, you'll stop at a general store in Cerro Castillo where you can have coffee, use clean restrooms and buy a snack. Lunch is included and served during the tour.

What's included in the tour price?

Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a private English-speaking guide, Torres del Paine National Park entrance fees, lunch, bottled water and hotel pickup from Punta Arenas are all included.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. A 15-minute walk inside the park is necessary to get close to Salto Grande, and the day involves long periods in the vehicle due to the distance between Punta Arenas and the park.

Can I book this tour if I'm arriving on a cruise ship?

No, this tour is not suitable for cruise ship travelers due to the extended travel time between Punta Arenas and Torres del Paine, which makes it impossible to return to the ship on schedule.