Torres del Paine Has No Gas Stations: What You Need to Know
Critical fuel planning for Torres del Paine National Park. Learn why there are no gas stations inside the park and exactly how to plan your fuel stops.
The Most Important Rule
Torres del Paine National Park has ZERO gas stations. None at the entrances. None inside the park. None at any of the major lookout points.
This catches many travelers off guard. Torres del Paine is Chile's most famous national park, visited by over 250,000 people annually, yet there is not a single fuel pump within its 227,000 hectares.
Understanding the Distances
From Puerto Natales (Main Access)
Most visitors enter from Puerto Natales:
| Route | Distance | Road Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Natales to Park Gate | 112 km | Paved |
| Park Gate to Hotel Las Torres | 37 km | Gravel |
| Park Gate to Administration | 15 km | Paved/Gravel |
| Full park circuit | 150-180 km | Mixed |
Total typical driving: 350-400 km round trip from Puerto Natales
From El Calafate (Argentina Side)
Some visitors cross from Argentina:
| Route | Distance | Road Condition |
|---|---|---|
| El Calafate to Cerro Castillo | 280 km | Mostly paved |
| Cerro Castillo to Park (Laguna Amarga) | 65 km | Gravel |
Note: The Cerro Castillo gas station is small and sometimes has limited hours.
Where to Fill Up
Last Fuel Stop: Puerto Natales
Fill your tank completely at one of these stations:
- COPEC (Main Avenue) - 24 hours, most reliable
- Petrobras (Central) - Good prices, cards accepted
- Shell (Downtown) - International cards work well
Alternative: Cerro Castillo
If approaching from Argentina or the east:
- Small COPEC station
- Cash preferred
- Closes in early evening
- Limited supply - don't count on it being open
Fuel Consumption Planning
What You'll Use
A typical rental SUV (2.0L engine) consumes approximately:
- Highway driving: 8-10 L/100km
- Gravel roads: 10-12 L/100km
- Stop-and-go sightseeing: 12-15 L/100km
Sample Calculations
Day Trip from Puerto Natales:
- Round trip: ~350 km
- Estimated consumption: 35-45 liters
- Standard tank (55-60L): Comfortable margin
Multi-Day Stay:
- Base distance: 350 km
- Daily exploration: +50-80 km/day
- 3-day trip: ~500-600 km total
- May need to return to Puerto Natales to refuel
Emergency Fuel Options
Hotel Emergency Fuel
Some accommodations sell emergency fuel, but:
- Prices are 3-4x normal (up to $5 USD/liter)
- Quantities are limited (often 10-20L max)
- Availability is not guaranteed
- This is truly for emergencies only
Hotels that sometimes offer this:
- Hotel Las Torres
- Hosteria Lago Grey
- Explora Patagonia (guests only)
What If You Run Out?
- Stay calm and stay with your vehicle
- Flag down other visitors - Many carry extra fuel
- Call your rental company - Most have 24/7 assistance
- Contact CONAF rangers - Park administration can sometimes help
- Emergency: 133 (Chilean Carabineros)
Towing from inside the park is expensive: $300-500 USD minimum.
Pro Tips from Locals
Before Entering
- Fill up in Puerto Natales the morning you enter
- Check your fuel gauge and trip meter
- Know your vehicle's tank size and consumption
Inside the Park
- Drive smoothly - aggressive acceleration wastes fuel
- Avoid unnecessary idling while taking photos
- Keep windows up at highway speed (less drag)
- Turn off AC when not needed
Planning Multi-Day Visits
If staying multiple nights inside the park:
- Consider a mid-trip fuel run to Puerto Natales
- Or enter with a completely full tank and drive efficiently
- Ask your hotel about their emergency fuel policy
The Bottom Line
Torres del Paine's lack of fuel infrastructure is both a blessing and a planning challenge. It keeps the park pristine and undeveloped, but requires visitors to think ahead.
Your pre-park checklist:
- Full tank in Puerto Natales
- Calculate your expected driving distance
- Know your vehicle's consumption rate
- Have emergency contacts saved offline
- Carry Chilean pesos for any emergency
Sources & References
- CONAF Torres del Paine - Official park information
- COPEC Chile - Chilean fuel station network
- Carabineros de Chile - Chilean police emergency services
Ready to explore? Check our car rental options with vehicles perfect for Torres del Paine - and rental partners who'll brief you on fuel planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a gas station at the Torres del Paine entrance?
No. The nearest gas station to any park entrance is in Cerro Castillo (65km from Laguna Amarga entrance) or Puerto Natales (112km from the main entrance). Plan accordingly.
How much fuel do I need for Torres del Paine?
A full circuit of the main roads in Torres del Paine is approximately 150-180km. Most vehicles with a 50-60L tank can complete this easily. However, if you're doing multiple days with detours, plan for 250-300km of driving.
Can I buy emergency fuel in Torres del Paine?
Some hotels like Hotel Las Torres and Hosteria Lago Grey occasionally sell emergency fuel, but at 3-4x normal prices and limited quantities. Never rely on this - always enter with a full tank.
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