Car Rental in Puerto Natales

Where to drive

• Torres del Paine National Park: The main draw, about 110 km (≈1.5-2 hours drive) from Puerto Natales. Drive the scenic loop, stopping at various viewpoints like Mirador Lago Pehoe or Salto Grande.
• Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument: Just 25 km (≈30 minutes drive) north of Puerto Natales, explore the caves where prehistoric Mylodon remains were found.
• Serrano Glacier and Balmaceda Glacier boat tours: Drive to Puerto Bories (≈5 km) to catch boat tours, or venture further to other departure points for different perspectives.
• El Calafate, Argentina: For a cross-border adventure to see the Perito Moreno Glacier, it's about 360 km (≈5-6 hours drive) each way. Ensure your rental agreement permits international travel.
• Estancia La Peninsula: A working Patagonian ranch accessible by a scenic drive, offering horseback riding and cultural experiences. Distance varies depending on the route, but typically within 50-70 km.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Chile, you'll generally need a valid passport, a driver's license from your home country, and an International Driving Permit (IDP). While some smaller local agencies might accept just a foreign license, an IDP is legally required for non-resident drivers and highly recommended to avoid issues. The minimum driving age is typically 21, with some companies requiring drivers to be 23 or 25 and have held their license for at least 1-2 years.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Puerto Natales vary significantly by season and vehicle class. Economy cars can start from around $40-$50 USD per day during the low season. SUVs, recommended for many Patagonian roads, typically range from $70-$120 USD daily. Premium vehicles will naturally be higher. Expect prices to surge by 50-100% or more during the peak summer months (December-February) due to high demand.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Chile, speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on highways, unless otherwise posted. The legal blood alcohol limit for driving is very low, approximately 0.03 g/dL, and zero tolerance is often applied. Headlights must be on at all times when driving outside urban areas. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 12 must ride in the back seat, with appropriate child safety seats required for those under 9 years old or shorter than 135 cm.

Parking

In Puerto Natales, parking is generally free and readily available on most streets, especially outside the peak summer season. The central blocks might have more limited spaces, but it's rare to find paid parking meters. Always ensure you are not blocking driveways or designated no-parking zones. When visiting national parks like Torres del Paine, parking is usually free at designated viewpoints and trailheads.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are available in Puerto Natales, offering gasoline (bencina) and diesel (petróleo). Prices are regulated and generally higher than in Santiago, often around $1.30-$1.50 USD per liter for gasoline. It's crucial to fill up in Puerto Natales before heading to Torres del Paine, as there are no fuel stations within the park. Payment can typically be made with cash or major credit cards, but having some Chilean pesos for smaller purchases is always wise.

Which car to choose

For exploring the Patagonian region around Puerto Natales, an SUV or a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended. Many roads, especially within Torres del Paine and leading to more remote areas, are gravel (ripio) and can be rough. While a compact car can manage paved sections, an SUV offers better ground clearance, durability, and comfort for long drives on varied terrain. Manual transmission cars are common, so if you prefer automatic, book well in advance.

Frequently asked questions