Ferry Puerto Montt — Puerto Natales

Some hikers list the multi-day ferry trip between Puerto Montt & Puerto Natales as one of the highlights of Patagonia. <Navimag ferry website>

But many more feel it is long & overpriced for what you get. For about the same cost as the cheapest berth you could fly, saving those days for hiking.

On the other hand, the ferry is a great way to meet others to hike Paine as you will all be on the same hiking schedule.

The ferry travels only once a week in each direction so timing transport can be problematic.

Food is nothing special at any fare class. Bring your own water on to the ship to be safe.

Highlights include scenic fjords & inaccessible glaciers. You might see whales, dolphins, seals &, rarely, killer whales.

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Bus

In an empty, flat land like eastern Patagonia in Argentina, the bus is the easiest way to get around. Service is good but not inexpensive by South American standards.

Unfortunately the shortest route to Paine, Argentina Highway 40, is so bad & remote that major bus companies do not offer that service — they take the long way around via Rio Gallegos. If you really must take Highway 40, an expensive backpacker van might take you.

Other options?

A few hardy adventurers (mostly Israelis) with plenty of time travel remote Chilean Highway 7, the Carretera Austral <photos> in central Patagonia. One advantage here is a good hike — Cerro Castillo <photos> — en route.

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Bus El Calafate <> Puerto Natales

The majority of Paine hikers also travel to El Calafate, Argentina where they visit fabulous Moreno Glacier <photos> & perhaps hike Fitz Roy.

It could not be easier to arrange a bus El Calafate <> Puerto Natales. Many bus companies offer fairly equivalent service. (Check if the bathroom door is locked / out-of-service, a typical problem, it seems.)

Border crossing between Chile & Argentina on this route is relatively hassle-free.

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Bus Puerto Natales <> Punta Arenas

There is no particular reason to visit the larger city of Punta Arenas, though many travellers do to connect to Tierra del Fuego.

Certainly, it is easy to get a bus.

Some find Punta Arenas relaxing. Some hikers purchase their food for Paine in P.A. as the supermercados are better stocked than in Puerto Natales.

By the way, Punta Arenas is an Antarctic supply base and port-of-call for cruise ships.

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Bus Puerto Natales <> Paine Park

Almost every hiker passes through tranquil Puerto Natales on the way to Paine.

No worries. It could not be more convenient to get the bus to the Park. A number of companies compete for your business. They even pick you up & drop you off at your door.

Book the bus at your accommodation when you get to Puerto Natales.

Bus fare in 2004 was about US$21 return. No need to book which day you want to exit. Just show up for your bus at any of 3 different pick-up points on the Park highway.

Your bus ticket takes you all the way to the visitor centre at Lago del Toro, if you wish. Most hikers exit earlier at either Laguna Amarga (at the park gates) or at Pudeto (to catch the boat to the start of “the W” trek).

Later you can usually jump on & off that same bus to or from the visitor centre for free with your return ticket. (Most hikers do the Circuit & return to town without going to the visitor centre, though.)

More Transportation links from TorresDelPaine.com

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Bus within the Paine Park

Vans shuttle on important routes for about US$6 / trip.

Most visitors do not pay for these shuttle trips as they are “free” if you stay in pay accommodation. (Be sure to hang on to the shuttle vouchers when you get them.)

The most important shuttle for Circuit hikers is the one between the Park gates & Las Torres, our recommended start. Most Circuit hikers take that shuttle at the beginning and end of their hike.