Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Turismo Comapa
(
414300;
www.comapa.com
;
Manuel Bulnes 541;
9am-1pm & 3-7pm
Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm Sat)
Navimag ferry and airline bookings.
Refugios Grey and Paine Grande in Torres del Paine.
Getting There & Away
AIR
Puerto Natales' small airport currently does not offer commercial flights but this situ-
ation may change.
BOAT
For many travelers, a journey through Chile's spectacular fjords aboard the
Navimag
parting every Tuesday from Puerto Natales, this four-day and three-night northbound
voyage on the
Amadeo I
has become so popular it should be booked well in advance.
You can also try your luck. To confirm when the ferry is due, contact Turismo Comapa
a couple of days before your estimated arrival date. The ferry transports cars and passen-
gers. It leaves Puerto Natales and stops in Puerto Edén (or the advancing Glaciar Pía XI
on southbound sailings) en route to Puerto Montt. Schedules vary according to weather
conditions and tides. Disembarking passengers must stay on board while cargo is trans-
ported; those embarking have to spend the night on board.
Accommodations are in six-bunk cabins with private bathrooms. Fares include all
meals (including veggie options if requested while booking, but bring water, snacks and
drinks anyway) and interpretive talks. The per-person fare is US$500. Check online for
current schedules, and an additional ferry that's planned for 2015.
BUS
Puerto Natales recently added a bus terminal,
Rodoviario
(Bus Terminal; Av España 1455)
,
though companies continue to have offices in the center for ticket purchases.
A second road has been opened to Torres del Paine and, although it's gravel, it is much
more direct than the alternative. Several tour operators use it. This alternative entrance
goes alongside Lago del Toro to the Administración (park headquarters).
Buses leave for Torres del Paine two to three times daily at around 7am, 8am and
2:30pm. If you are headed to Mountain Lodge Paine Grande in the low season, take the
morning bus to meet the catamaran (one way CH$12,000, two hours). Tickets may also
