El Calafate to Torres del Paine: Complete Fuel Planning Guide
Plan your fuel stops for the El Calafate to Torres del Paine route. Border crossing tips, station locations, and how to avoid running empty.
The Route Overview
The El Calafate to Torres del Paine drive is one of Patagonia's most scenic road trips. It's also one that requires careful fuel planning - there are remarkably few gas stations on this 300+ kilometer journey that crosses from Argentina into Chile.
Route summary:
- Total distance: 280-320 km (depending on route)
- Driving time: 5-6 hours (including border)
- Gas stations on route: 2 only (El Calafate + Puerto Natales)
- Longest stretch without fuel: ~300 km (El Calafate to Puerto Natales)
Fuel Stations Along the Route
Station 1: El Calafate (Start Point)
El Calafate has multiple reliable gas stations. This is your primary fueling point.
| Station | Location | Hours | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| YPF Centro | Av. Libertador | 6 AM - 11 PM | Cards + Cash |
| Shell | Av. del Libertador 1302 | 24 hours | Cards + Cash |
| Axion | Route 11 exit | 7 AM - 10 PM | Cards + Cash |
Recommendation: Fill up completely at one of the 24-hour stations. Don't assume you'll find fuel later.
Cerro Castillo (Chile) - NO FUEL AVAILABLE
Important: The old gas station in Cerro Castillo village no longer exists. Only the abandoned signs remain - the fuel tanks were removed years ago. Do not count on finding fuel here.
Distance from border: ~5 km Fuel available: None
After crossing into Chile, you must continue to Puerto Natales for fuel.
Station 2: Puerto Natales (Destination Area)
Puerto Natales has full-service gas stations with reliable supply.
| Station | Location | Hours | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| COPEC | Av. Bulnes | 24 hours | Cards + Cash |
| Petrobras | Av. Prat | 7 AM - 10 PM | Cards + Cash |
| Shell | Downtown | 7 AM - 10 PM | Cards + Cash |
Distance from Cerro Castillo: ~65 km Distance from TDP park entrance: Additional ~112 km
Route Options and Distances
Option A: Direct Route via Cerro Castillo
El Calafate → Border (Cancha Carrera) → Cerro Castillo → Puerto Natales
| Segment | Distance | Fuel Available |
|---|---|---|
| El Calafate to Border | 65 km | None |
| Border to Cerro Castillo | 5 km | None (station closed) |
| Cerro Castillo to Puerto Natales | 65 km | None |
| Puerto Natales to TDP | 112 km | None in park |
Total to Puerto Natales: ~135 km from El Calafate Total to TDP park gate: ~247 km
Option B: Via Rio Turbio (Longer)
El Calafate → Rio Turbio → Border (Dorotea) → Puerto Natales
| Segment | Distance | Fuel Available |
|---|---|---|
| El Calafate to Rio Turbio | 280 km | YPF in Rio Turbio |
| Rio Turbio to Border | 10 km | None |
| Border to Puerto Natales | 30 km | Full service |
Total to Puerto Natales: ~320 km Advantage: Extra fuel stop in Rio Turbio
The Math: Do You Have Enough Fuel?
Typical Rental Vehicle Consumption
| Vehicle Type | Highway (L/100km) | Gravel (L/100km) | Mixed Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact sedan | 7-8 | 9-10 | ~8.5 |
| SUV/Crossover | 9-11 | 11-13 | ~11 |
| 4x4 Pickup | 11-13 | 13-16 | ~14 |
Sample Calculation: El Calafate to TDP & Return
Scenario: SUV with 55L tank
- El Calafate to Puerto Natales: 135 km
- Puerto Natales to TDP park: 112 km
- Inside TDP (day exploring): 100 km
- Return TDP to Puerto Natales: 112 km
- One-way total: ~460 km
Fuel needed at 11 L/100km: 50.6 liters
Verdict: Just barely possible on one tank, but risky. Plan to refuel in Puerto Natales.
Border Crossing Fuel Tips
Argentina Side (Cancha Carrera)
The Argentine border post has:
- No fuel
- No services
- Just immigration and customs
Last Argentine fuel: El Calafate (65 km before border)
Chile Side (Cerro Castillo)
The Chilean border post (5 km from Argentine post) has:
- Immigration/customs in Cerro Castillo village
- No fuel available (old station permanently closed)
Fuel Price Reality
Fuel is significantly cheaper in Argentina than Chile (often 30-50% cheaper).
| Fuel Type | Argentina (ARS/L) | Chile (CLP/L) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline 95 | ~800 ARS | ~1,200 CLP | Chile ~40% more |
| Diesel | ~750 ARS | ~1,100 CLP | Chile ~35% more |
Prices fluctuate. As of late 2024.
Strategy: Fill up completely in El Calafate. Your Argentine fuel will get you to Puerto Natales.
The Smart Fuel Plan
Before Leaving El Calafate
- Fill tank completely (premium if available)
- Check tire pressure (affects fuel efficiency)
- Reset trip meter to track distance
- Know your tank size (check rental paperwork)
- Bring Chilean pesos for emergency fuel
During the Drive
- Drive smoothly - aggressive driving wastes 10-15% more fuel
- Monitor consumption - most cars show real-time usage
- Avoid excessive idling at viewpoints
- Keep windows up at highway speeds
In Puerto Natales
- Refuel immediately upon arrival
- Fill completely before entering TDP
- Consider refueling before return to El Calafate
What If You Miscalculate?
Signs You're Running Low
- Fuel warning light on
- Less than 1/4 tank before Puerto Natales
- Trip meter showing more km than expected
Emergency Options
On the Chile side:
- Cerro Castillo - No fuel available (station permanently closed)
- Ask at estancias - Some ranches sell emergency fuel
- Flag down other travelers - Many carry reserves
Roadside assistance:
- Chilean emergency: 133 (Carabineros)
- Most rental companies have 24/7 lines
- AAA equivalents exist but response is slow
Worst Case: Running Empty
If you run out of fuel on this route:
- Pull completely off the road
- Turn on hazard lights
- Stay with your vehicle
- Call your rental company first
- Tow from remote Patagonia costs $200-500 USD
Seasonal Considerations
Summer (December-February)
- Longer daylight for driving
- More traffic (easier to get help if needed)
- Higher fuel demand = occasional shortages in Puerto Natales
Shoulder Season (October-November, March-April)
- Less traffic on the route
- Weather can affect driving (higher consumption)
- More conservative fuel planning needed
- Fewer travelers to help if you run low
Winter (May-September)
- Many services closed along the route
- Very few other travelers if you need help
- Snow/ice = higher fuel consumption
- Essential to fill completely in El Calafate
Your Pre-Trip Checklist
In El Calafate (morning of departure):
- Full tank of fuel
- Know your vehicle's tank capacity
- Trip meter reset to zero
- Chilean pesos for backup (50,000 CLP minimum)
- Rental company emergency number saved
- Offline maps downloaded
Crossing the border:
- Note remaining fuel level
- Calculate remaining range
Arriving in Puerto Natales:
- Refuel immediately
- Fill completely before TDP
The Bottom Line
The El Calafate to Torres del Paine route is spectacular but fuel-sparse. The golden rule: Fill your tank in El Calafate and don't count on anything until Puerto Natales.
With a full tank in El Calafate and smart driving, most vehicles can reach Puerto Natales comfortably. But "comfortably" isn't the same as "easily" - respect the distances and plan accordingly.
Sources & References
- YPF Argentina - Argentine fuel station network
- COPEC Chile - Chilean fuel station network
- Dirección Nacional de Migraciones Argentina - Argentine border crossing information
- SAG Chile - Chilean agricultural service (border regulations)
Ready to drive this epic route? Check our car rental options with partners who know these roads and will brief you on fuel planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is El Calafate from Torres del Paine?
The drive is approximately 280-320 km depending on your route, taking 5-6 hours including the border crossing. There are limited fuel stops along the way.
Should I fill up in Argentina or Chile?
Fill up completely in El Calafate (Argentina). Fuel is significantly cheaper in Argentina than Chile. The next reliable fuel after El Calafate is Puerto Natales, Chile - over 300km away.
Is there fuel at the Chile-Argentina border?
No. There is no gas station at the Cerro Castillo/Cancha Carrera border crossing. The old Cerro Castillo gas station closed years ago. The nearest fuel on the Chilean side is Puerto Natales, about 65 km from the border.
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