The Río Don Guillermo pass links El Calafate with Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales. It has two separate checkpoints: first Argentina (Gendarmería, Cancha Carrera area) and about 7 km later Chile (Villa Cerro Castillo: PDI, Customs and SAG). In 2026 it is open all year, approx. 08:00 to 20:00 to enter Chile and 08:00 to 21:30 to leave Chile; check the official daily report before you travel.
Quick summary
| Location | Argentine checkpoint in the Cancha Carrera area · Chilean complex at Villa Cerro Castillo, ~7 km later |
| 2026 hours | All year · approx. 08:00–20:00 to enter Chile · 08:00–21:30 to leave Chile |
| Documents | Valid passport · Argentines: card or digital DNI |
| SAG | Sworn declaration mandatory for anyone over 18 (online or on paper) |
| Time at the border | Allow 1–2 h in high season |
| What the transfer includes | Exclusive vehicle, door to door, border crossing together |
| Without driving | Full private transfer from USD 1150 per vehicle (up to 4 passengers) · final price confirmed based on passengers and hotel |
Where is the Río Don Guillermo pass and how does the crossing work?
It is the pass used to travel from El Calafate to Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales. The checkpoints are separate:
- Argentina: Gendarmería Nacional, Squadron 43 "Río Turbio", in the Cancha Carrera area.
- Chile: about 7 km later, the Villa Cerro Castillo complex, with PDI (immigration), Customs and SAG.
There are gravel stretches near the pass. In high season (September to late March / early April) allow 1 to 2 hours for the whole process.
What are the pass opening hours in 2026?
| Direction | Approx. 2026 hours |
|---|---|
| Entering Chile | 08:00 to 20:00, all year |
| Leaving Chile | 08:00 to 21:30, all year |
Source: pasosfronterizos.gov.cl, report of 7 April 2026. Hours can change: check the official daily report before you travel.
Which documents are required at the pass?
- Valid passport. Argentines can use a card or digital DNI instead; handwritten DNIs are no longer accepted.
- Spain, Brazil and the United States: no tourist visa for Chile (Permanencia Transitoria for up to 90 days) and no reciprocity fee.
- Argentine minors traveling without both parents: travel authorization. Minors of other nationalities: check the rules of their country and airline.
What must you declare to SAG, and what can't you bring?
The SAG sworn declaration is mandatory for anyone over 18. You can fill it in online at ingresoachile.cl or on paper at the checkpoint.
- Do not bring: fresh fruit or vegetables, raw meat or fresh cheese.
- Honey and dairy: only if processed and sealed.
What do I need to cross with my own or a rental car?
- The vehicle's green or blue card (cédula verde/azul).
- If you are not the registered owner: form OM-2261 or a power of attorney signed before a notary.
- Insurance valid in Chile (Carta Verde MERCOSUR) plus the Chilean SOAPEX, which is mandatory.
- Rental car: express authorization from the rental company to leave the country.
- Fuel: fill up in Argentina before crossing.
What if I'd rather not drive to Torres del Paine?
You can cross with a full door-to-door private transfer: I pick you up at your hotel in El Calafate, we cross the border in the same car with the same driver, and I drop you at the park or your accommodation in Puerto Natales.
Distances, CONAF entry and what to bring: how to get from El Calafate to Torres del Paine. Service: 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.
Planning the rest of your trip? See how many days to spend in El Calafate.
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.
Crossing into Chile?
Tell me your date and how many people are traveling. I'll pick you up at your hotel and we'll cross together to your destination.
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of the Río Don Guillermo pass?
In 2026 it is open all year, approx. 08:00 to 20:00 to enter Chile and 08:00 to 21:30 to leave Chile. Check the official daily report at pasosfronterizos.gov.cl before you travel.
How many checkpoints are there?
Two, separate: first the Argentine one (Gendarmería, Cancha Carrera area) and about 7 km later the Chilean complex at Villa Cerro Castillo, with PDI, Customs and SAG.
Do I need a visa to enter Chile?
Travelers from Spain, Brazil and the United States do not need a tourist visa (Permanencia Transitoria for up to 90 days) and pay no reciprocity fee. You travel with a valid passport; Argentines can use a card or digital DNI instead.
What can't I bring into Chile?
Fresh fruit or vegetables, raw meat or fresh cheese. Honey and dairy only if processed and sealed. The SAG sworn declaration is mandatory for anyone over 18.
What insurance do I need to drive my car into Chile?
Insurance valid in Chile (Carta Verde MERCOSUR) plus the Chilean SOAPEX, which is mandatory. If you are not the owner, you also need form OM-2261 or a power of attorney signed before a notary.
Should I fill up before crossing?
Yes. If you drive your own or a rental car, fill up in Argentina before reaching the pass.