| Author | Message | ||
     Ed Kearns New member Username: Roscoe Post Number: 3 Registered: 4-2007 |
I know this extends beyond the border, but I'm wondering if it is realistic to try to travel from El Calafate to Torres del Paine round trip in a day. I will be in El Calafate in August. I know the distance is about 270 km, and some (or most) of the roads are unpaved. Adding in a border crossing, about how long would it really take to drive? Thanks. | ||
| elina overstadt New member Username: Agustina Post Number: 8 Registered: 3-2007 |
Your gut is right, not realistic and not all rent a car companies will let you take the car into Chile. I would recommend a trip to el Chaiten, which is only 2 1/2 hours from Calafate but you should spend a night or two. If you are looking for a day excursion from Calafate I would recommend the trip to Estancia Cristina where you take a boat trip up to a remote estancia for an asado and a 4x4 trip to a lookout over the Upsala Glacier which is the most awesome thing I have ever seen. Highly recommend it. | ||
| Ed Kearns New member Username: Roscoe Post Number: 4 Registered: 4-2007 |
Elina, Thanks for the reality check. I looked into the Estancia Cristina excursion, and it looks great. The only problem is that I'll be there in August, and the estancia's website says they don't open for the season until September. Do you know of anyone else who may be available for a similar experience in August? If not, what options might there be as far as private guides? Thanks for your help. And, just because I'm not toally ready to give up on Torres del Paine, are there tour companies that might offer day trips to TdP from Calafate? | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1129 Registered: 12-2004 |
Some -most- estancias close shop for *stay* during the low season but you can still visit them during the day. Email Estancia Cristina and ask them about a day tour on the exact date you will be there just to be certain. I really can't see how anyone may offer a day trip to Torres del Paine from El Calafate. The distance is actually 340km when driving through "El Cerrito" (ruta provincial 11, nacional 40 y Provincial 7). There is a good chunk of bad, nasty pebble -according to recent reports- on the argentine side. The unpaved parts in Chile seem to be much better. Still, if you average 50km/hour (doubt it), it will take you 7 +/- hours to get there. |
