• Chile car rental companies charge an additional airport service fee when the vehicle will be picked up from the airport. This service charge is not included in the published rates. This extra fee has to be paid upon returning the car.

Weather The Chilean Lake District is known for its temperate but wet climate. In that regard, it is somewhat similar to the Pacific Northwest. The Argentinean side of the Andes is much drier, but not any warmer. Southern Patagonia is well-known for its changeable weather conditions. One can experience all kinds of weather all in a single day. It never gets very hot, even at the height of summer, between December and February. Gas in remote areas, gas stations are few and far between. It is highly recommended to ALWAYS fill up on gas whenever you see a gas station so as to avoid running out, somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Torres del Paine National Park Torres del Paine is a National Park of outstanding awesomeness, with a short season and relatively few tourist facilities within the park., and a short season. Accordingly, rates are high, especially during the height of the season. Getting there a little earlier than the crowds or a little later in the season will improve your experience. Also, as there are no real supply stores within the park to speak of, and everything that is available has to come from a long way away, it is a good idea to stock up on anything you might need before you get there, either in El Calafate or in Puerto Natales. The park entrance fee is not included and must be paid at the gate.

Due to the variable weather conditions, it makes sense to pack for all weathers and to think ‘layers’.

• thermal underwear
• fast drying, weatherproof outdoor pants
• warm socks (preferably woollen)
• breathable Shirts (e.g. merino wool)
• wind and weatherproof jacket
• warm hat and scarf and gloves
• sun protection, lip balm, sunglasses
• comfortable, non-slip hiking boots
• day pack
• flashlight and spare batteries

 

Car types

Europcar

cat J3 – Mitsubishi L200 Katana Crt 4×4 (Mt) or similar

Mitta

cat G – Toyota RAV4 or similar

cat J – Mitsubishi L200 4×2 Katana or similar

Please note that car rental companies only reserve a specific category of cars, not a specific type of car within that category.

Please mention at the time of booking if you need a vehicle with automatic transmission.

Rental cars do not come with a GPS system by default. They can be added on at an additional cost, but the cover is not complete in remote areas.

 

Driving License

Foreign nationals must have an international driver’s license in order to be able to drive in Chile.

Hotel Belisario Jara (Standard Room)
Hotel Belisario Jara, which is named after an Argentinian pioneer, is situated in the city centre of Coyhaique, near the main square. The accommodation boasts 8 rooms, each featuring a private bathroom, central heating, Wi-Fi access and TV. Other facilities include a common living and dining room, snack bar, laundry service and parking lots.

Mirador Playa Guadal (Superior Cabin)
El Mirador de Guadal is situated on the shores of General Carrera Lake and features six cosy cabins with a capacity for up to 10 people. Each accommodation offers lake views, is equipped with a kitchen, private bathroom, TV, heating, and barbecue area with grill. The cabins are built with local Cypres and Lenga wood, which makes them warm and comfortable, inspired by the simplicity and beauty of the native forests. In addition, there are two family suites available, which can accommodate up to four people.

Rio Tarde Casa Patagonia (Standard Room)
Situated in the remote location of Lago Posadas, this hotel is one of the very few options available in this lonely region of Argentina. It is a simple and basic hotel, which is not easy to find in this remote location. It is not very convenient, but the best available choice for breaking the journey on the long way south, through the Argentinean pampa.

Estancia Lunajuim (Standard Room)
Lunajuim is located in downtown El Chaltén and offers travellers a privileged view of Mount Fitz Roy and Mount Torre. Featuring 26 comfortable rooms, each includes a private bathroom with a bathtub, individual heating and a safe deposit box. Passengers can start their adventurous day with a rich breakfast buffet or enjoy the regional cuisine for lunch in the hotel’s own restaurant. Other facilities include a large living room with library and fireplace, Wi-Fi in the common areas, room and laundry service.

Hotel Sierra Nevada (Standard Room)
Situated on the main street in El Calafate, this hotel is conveniently located and offers views of Bahia Redonda and the Glaciers National Park. Rooms include a TV, and free Wi-Fi is available.
Each bright rooms is designed with contemporary décor. All of them feature a seating area and a balcony overlooking the garden and the Andes Mountain Range.
A continental breakfast with a variety of local and international ingredients is served at the hotel´s restaurant.

Hostería Mirador del Paine (Standard Room)
Mirador del Paine is part of a cattle farm dated from the late XIX Century, situated outside the park at 52 km / 32 mi distance from the Sarmiento National Park entrance. It offers wonderful views of the Laguna Verde and Paine mountains. This hostería was built in the style of the old estancia, respecting the Patagonian architecture. It is equipped with 20 simple but comfortable guest rooms, all of them with private bathroom and central heating. General facilities include a dining room connected to the living room with chimney and bar in the main house, parking, laundry service and safe deposit box upon request.

Hotel Cabo de Hornos (Standard Room)
Cabo de Hornos is located in the centre of Punta Arenas, next to the Plaza Muñoz Gamero. The accommodation features 110 modern rooms including free Wi-Fi, TV, a private bathroom and laundry service. From each room, passengers have an amazing view of the Strait of Magellan or the historical town of Punta Arenas. In addition, guests can enjoy exquisite cuisine at the gourmet restaurant and end the day with a premium Chilean wine in front of the fireplace. The combination of the hotel’s central location in town and the closeness to nature will make the traveller’s stay unforgettable.