From El Calafate to the entrance of Torres del Paine National Park it is about 330 km, roughly 5 hours of driving, on RN40 and then Chile's Route 9, crossing at the Río Don Guillermo pass (Cerro Castillo). In high season, add 1 to 2 hours for border formalities. The park entry (CONAF) is sold online only and in advance at pasesparques.cl.
Quick summary
| Distance | About 330 km to the park entrance · 270–341 km to Puerto Natales |
| Time | ~5 h driving (4.5–5 h to Puerto Natales) + 1–2 h at the border in high season |
| Route | RN40 → Río Don Guillermo pass → Chile Route 9, with gravel stretches near the pass |
| Documents | Valid passport · Argentines: card or digital DNI |
| CONAF entry | Online only, in advance, at pasesparques.cl |
| What the transfer includes | Exclusive vehicle, door to door, border crossing together, same car and same driver all the way |
| Private transfer | From USD 1150 per vehicle (up to 4 passengers) · final price confirmed based on passengers and hotel |
| How to book | On WhatsApp, with date, passengers and hotel |
How far is Torres del Paine from El Calafate, and how long does it take?
To the park entrance it is about 330 km and around 5 hours of driving. If you go to Puerto Natales first, the distance is about 270 to 341 km, between 4.5 and 5 hours of driving.
Add the border formalities to that: in high season (September to late March / early April) allow 1 to 2 extra hours.
Which route do you take and where do you cross the border?
You leave El Calafate on RN40 and, on the Chilean side, continue on Route 9. There are gravel stretches near the pass.
The crossing is at the Río Don Guillermo pass (Cerro Castillo), with two separate checkpoints: first Argentina (Gendarmería, Cancha Carrera area) and about 7 km later the Chilean complex at Villa Cerro Castillo (PDI, Customs and SAG). In 2026 the pass is open all year, approx. 08:00 to 20:00 for entering Chile. Hours, documents and SAG control in detail: Río Don Guillermo border crossing (Cerro Castillo).
What documents do I need to enter Chile?
A valid passport (Argentines can use a card or digital DNI instead). Visas, minors, the SAG declaration and requirements for your own car, in detail: Río Don Guillermo crossing: hours, documents and SAG.
How much is Torres del Paine park entry, and where do you buy it?
Since 1 May 2026 the park pass is sold online only and in advance at pasesparques.cl. It is not sold at the border or during the transfer, so buy it before leaving El Calafate.
| CONAF entry (foreign visitors) | Rate |
|---|---|
| Adult · day pass | CLP $32,400 |
| Adult · 2+ day pass | CLP $48,500 |
| Aged 13 to 17 · day pass | CLP $16,600 |
| Aged 13 to 17 · 2+ day pass | See the current rate at pasesparques.cl |
| Under 12 | Free |
Rates in force since 1 May 2026 (CONAF pass system); they are adjusted by season. Source: pasesparques.cl. These are official park fees and are not part of the transfer.
What do I need to bring on the day of the trip?
- Passport or DNI at hand, not in your suitcase.
- If minors are traveling, the travel authorization when required.
- The SAG sworn declaration (mandatory for anyone over 18): online at ingresoachile.cl or on paper at the checkpoint.
- Your CONAF pass, already bought at pasesparques.cl.
- No fresh fruit or vegetables, raw meat or fresh cheese; honey and dairy only if processed and sealed.
- Warm layers at hand: Patagonian weather changes all year round.
How does the private transfer from El Calafate to Torres del Paine work?
It is a full door-to-door transfer: I pick you up at your hotel in El Calafate, we cross the border in the same car with the same driver, and we continue to Torres del Paine National Park or your accommodation in Puerto Natales. It does not leave you at the border.
Groups of more than 4 passengers: contact us. We have a Hyundai H1 (up to 11 passengers) and a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (15 to 19 passengers, depending on the unit); for larger groups we combine vehicles. Full service details: El Calafate to Torres del Paine transfer.
Where can I check the official information?
Border hours: pasosfronterizos.gov.cl · Park entry: pasesparques.cl · Agricultural control and sworn declaration: sag.gob.cl / ingresoachile.cl · Entry to Chile and length of stay: serviciomigraciones.cl · Documents and minors (Argentina): argentina.gob.ar. The data on this page comes from those sources; check them before you travel, as they can change.
Spending a few days in El Calafate? See what to do in El Calafate in 3 days or the airport transfer.
Hi, I'm Daniel. I first came to El Calafate in 2006, fell in love with Patagonia and in 2012 moved here for good. In 2024 I started Transfer El Calafate by Jerez. I do the Torres del Paine crossing in full: I pick you up, we cross the border together and I drop you off at your destination on the Chilean side.
Traveling to Torres del Paine?
Tell me your date, how many people are traveling and your hotels in El Calafate and Chile. I'll confirm the price and we'll plan the crossing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from El Calafate to Torres del Paine?
About 5 hours of driving to the park entrance (around 330 km), plus 1 to 2 hours of border formalities in high season.
Which border crossing do you use?
The Río Don Guillermo pass (Cerro Castillo): first the Argentine checkpoint in the Cancha Carrera area and about 7 km later the Chilean complex at Villa Cerro Castillo.
Can I buy the Torres del Paine entry at the border?
No. The CONAF pass is sold online only and in advance at pasesparques.cl; it is not sold at the border or during the transfer.
How much is the Torres del Paine park entry?
For a foreign adult, CLP $32,400 for a day pass and CLP $48,500 for a pass of 2 or more days; children under 12 enter free. These rates have applied since 1 May 2026 and are adjusted by season.
How far is Puerto Natales from El Calafate?
About 270 to 341 km, between 4.5 and 5 hours of driving, plus the border formalities.
Is the road to Torres del Paine fully paved?
Not entirely: you take RN40 and then Chile Route 9, with gravel stretches near the border pass.