Traveling from El Chaltén to Torres del Paine, which is 135 miles (217 km) south and across the border in Chile usually involves going through El Calafate, which is the departure point for buses and most tours.
If you're interested in making the most of your time in Patagonia, this 15-day itinerary includes a cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas, as well as hiking in El Chaltén and Torres del Paine, with a stop at the jaw-dropping ice cliff of the Perito Moreno Glacier. If you're more of a trekking aficionado, this 13-day itinerary includes hikes through the fantastic landscapes of Torres del Paine and El Chaltén, plus tours of Lago Argentino and the Perito Moreno Glacier.
By Full-Day Tour
Duration: 3.5 hours to El Calafate, plus full day to/from Torres del Paine
Tours from Argentina to Torres del Paine leave from El Calafate, so the first step is traveling there from El Chaltén. Options include taking a bus, renting a car, or getting a private transfer. Tours to Torres del Paine usually leave very early in the morning and come back late at night, so your best bet is to spend the night in El Calafate and join a tour leaving the next morning.
By Private Transfer
Duration: 6 hours, plus border control
Private transfers that take you from El Chaltén to Torres del Paine are available, though less common than transfers departing from El Calafate. The journey takes about 6 hours, and there can be additional delays at the Argentine/Chilean border.
By Car
Duration: 6 hours, plus border control
Some car rental companies allow you to cross the border without issues, but in many cases you will need explicit permission, so it's always better to check. Drive on Route 23 along Lake Viedma, then make a right onto RN 40. From there you can continue south on RN 40 until you reach the border with Chile. There aren't many places to stop along the road, so make sure to bring snacks and leave with a full tank. Once you're in Chile, you can follow the Ruta 9 to the Torres del Paine National Park.
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