Complete Patagonia Gas Station Guide: Where to Fill Up
The essential fuel planning guide for Patagonia road trips. Find every gas station location, learn about fuel types, and avoid running empty in this remote region.
Why Fuel Planning Matters in Patagonia
Patagonia is one of the most remote and sparsely populated regions on Earth. What makes it so beautiful - vast wilderness, empty roads, untouched nature - also makes fuel planning critical.
The hard truth:
- Torres del Paine National Park has zero gas stations
- Some stretches have no fuel for 200+ kilometers
- Remote stations are often cash-only
- Running out of fuel means expensive towing or rescue
This guide covers every gas station in Chilean and Argentine Patagonia, with tips on fuel types, prices, and the quirks of each location.
Understanding Patagonian Fuel
Fuel Types in Chile
| Fuel Type | Octane | Spanish Name | Use For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | 93 | Bencina 93 | Economy cars (if allowed) |
| Premium | 95 | Bencina 95 | Most rental cars |
| Premium Plus | 97 | Bencina 97 | High-performance vehicles |
| Diesel | - | Petroleo Diesel | Diesel vehicles only |
Important: Most rental cars in Patagonia require 95 octane minimum. Check your rental contract - using the wrong fuel voids insurance.
Fuel Types in Argentina
| Fuel Type | Octane | Spanish Name | Use For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | 85 | Nafta Super | Economy cars |
| Premium | 95+ | Nafta Premium/Infinia | Most vehicles |
| Diesel | - | Gasoil/Diesel | Diesel vehicles |
Current Fuel Prices (2024)
Fuel prices vary significantly between Chile and Argentina, and by region:
| Location | 95 Octane (per liter) | Diesel (per liter) |
|---|---|---|
| Punta Arenas | ~1,100 CLP ($1.20 USD) | ~950 CLP ($1.05 USD) |
| Puerto Natales | ~1,150 CLP ($1.25 USD) | ~1,000 CLP ($1.10 USD) |
| El Calafate | ~900 ARS ($0.95 USD) | ~750 ARS ($0.80 USD) |
| El Chalten | ~1,000 ARS ($1.05 USD) | ~850 ARS ($0.90 USD) |
Prices fluctuate with exchange rates and seasonal demand
Major Fuel Station Chains
In Chile
COPEC - The largest chain in Chile with reliable stations throughout Patagonia. Cards accepted at most locations.
PETROBRAS - Good coverage along main routes. Often has convenience stores.
SHELL - Found in larger towns. Premium fuel options available.
In Argentina
YPF - State-owned, found everywhere. Quality varies by location.
SHELL - Higher prices but consistent quality.
AXION - Growing network, competitive prices.
Gas Stations by Region
Punta Arenas Area
The gateway to Chilean Patagonia has excellent fuel availability:
- Airport Road COPEC - 24 hours, full service
- Zona Franca COPEC - Large station near the free trade zone
- Downtown Petrobras - Central location, cards accepted
- Route 9 North COPEC - Last major station heading to Puerto Natales
Pro Tip: Fill up at the Route 9 COPEC before heading north - it's the last major station for 250km.
Puerto Natales
Your last fuel stop before Torres del Paine:
- COPEC Main - On the main avenue, 24 hours
- Petrobras Central - Good prices, can be busy
- Shell Downtown - Accepts international cards
Critical Warning: There is NO fuel between Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine (112km), and NONE inside the park. A round trip through the park can easily exceed 300km.
Cerro Castillo
A tiny village with one crucial gas station:
- Small COPEC - Last fuel before Torres del Paine from the east
- Cash preferred, cards sometimes work
- Limited hours (closes early evening)
Torres del Paine National Park
There are NO gas stations inside Torres del Paine.
Some hotels sell emergency fuel at 3-4x normal prices:
- Hotel Las Torres (limited supply, very expensive)
- Hosteria Lago Grey (emergency only)
Never rely on this - always enter with a full tank.
El Calafate
Main hub for Argentine Patagonia:
- YPF Centro - Central, 24 hours
- Shell Libertador - Main avenue, cards accepted
- YPF Route 40 South - Good for continuing south
El Chalten
Remote mountain town with limited options:
- YPF El Chalten - CASH ONLY, long queues in high season
- Opens at 8am, often has lines by 7:30am
- Can run out of fuel during peak season
Essential Tip: Fill up in El Calafate before the 220km drive to El Chalten. The YPF station here should be backup only.
Route-by-Route Fuel Planning
Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine
| Segment | Distance | Fuel Stops |
|---|---|---|
| Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales | 250 km | COPEC at km 50, Puerto Natales |
| Puerto Natales to Park Gate | 112 km | NONE |
| Inside Park Circuit | 150+ km | NONE |
Recommendation: Full tank in Puerto Natales. Most vehicles can complete the park circuit on one tank.
El Calafate to El Chalten
| Segment | Distance | Fuel Stops |
|---|---|---|
| El Calafate to El Chalten | 220 km | NONE (one way) |
| Round trip | 440 km | YPF El Chalten (cash only) |
Recommendation: Full tank in El Calafate. Return to El Calafate for reliable refueling.
Carretera Austral
The Carretera Austral is the most challenging route for fuel:
- Stations can be 150-200km apart
- Many are cash-only
- Stock may run out in peak season
- Carry a fuel can if possible
Emergency Fuel Tips
If You're Running Low
- Reduce speed - Driving at 60-70 km/h uses significantly less fuel than 100 km/h
- Coast downhill - Use gravity, avoid unnecessary acceleration
- Turn off AC - Air conditioning increases fuel consumption by 10-15%
- Check with hotels - Some sell emergency fuel at premium prices
- Ask locals - Farmers sometimes sell fuel privately
If You Run Out
- Stay with your vehicle - Patagonia is vast and remote
- Flag down other motorists - Travelers often carry extra fuel
- Call your rental company - Most have roadside assistance
- Emergency numbers:
- Chile: 133 (Carabineros)
- Argentina: 107 (Civil Defense)
Money and Payment Tips
What to Carry
- Chilean Pesos - For all Chilean stations
- Argentine Pesos - For all Argentine stations
- Credit Card - Major stations accept Visa/Mastercard
- Debit Card - Sometimes works, not reliable
ATM Locations
ATMs are scarce in remote areas. Get cash in:
- Punta Arenas (multiple banks)
- Puerto Natales (2-3 ATMs, can run out)
- El Calafate (several options)
- El Chalten (one ATM, often empty)
Seasonal Considerations
High Season (December - February)
- Popular stations have long queues
- El Chalten YPF can run out
- Prices may be slightly higher
- Fill up whenever possible
Low Season (May - September)
- Some remote stations close or reduce hours
- Weather delays can extend trips
- Keep tank above half full
- Carry emergency fuel for longer routes
Your Pre-Trip Fuel Checklist
- Note all fuel stops on your route
- Calculate total distance and fuel needed
- Carry local currency for cash-only stations
- Know your vehicle's fuel type requirement
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Consider a small fuel can for remote routes
- Download offline maps (signal is unreliable)
Sources & References
- YPF Argentina - Official YPF station locator and fuel prices
- COPEC Chile - Chilean fuel company with station finder
- ENAP Chile - Chilean national petroleum company
- CONAF - Chilean forestry service (Torres del Paine park information)
- Vialidad Nacional Argentina - Argentine road network information
- Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG) - Chile-Argentina border crossing regulations
Planning Your Road Trip
Need a reliable vehicle for your Patagonia adventure? Browse our car rentals from trusted local partners who know these roads.
Every PatagoniaHub rental includes:
- Full tank policy (return full)
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Detailed route guidance
- Emergency fuel contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there gas stations inside Torres del Paine National Park?
No. Torres del Paine has ZERO gas stations inside the park. The nearest fuel is in Cerro Castillo (65km from the park entrance) or Puerto Natales (112km). Always fill up before entering.
Can I pay with credit card at Patagonian gas stations?
Most major stations accept credit cards, but some remote locations are cash-only. Always carry Chilean pesos or Argentine pesos as backup. The YPF in El Chalten, for example, only accepts cash.
What type of fuel should I use in Patagonia?
Most rental cars use 'Bencina 95' (95 octane) in Chile or 'Super' in Argentina. Diesel vehicles use 'Petroleo Diesel' or 'Diesel'. Never use 93 octane if your vehicle requires 95 - it can cause engine damage at high altitudes.
How far apart are gas stations in Patagonia?
In the most remote areas, gas stations can be 200-300km apart. On main routes like the Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales highway (Route 9), stations are every 50-80km. Always plan ahead and fill up when you can.
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Related Guides in This Series
Tapi Aike Gas Station: Is It Open? Current Status Guide
Essential guide to Tapi Aike gas station on Ruta 40. Current operating status, alternatives, and fuel planning for this critical but unreliable stop in remote Patagonia.
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.
El Chalten Gas Station: The Remote YPF You Need to Know
Everything about fueling up in El Chalten, Argentina. Learn about the single YPF station, payment issues, long queues, and why you should fill up in El Calafate first.
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Complete Guide to Renting a Car in Patagonia
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