Today marks the second day of our self-driving adventure in Torres del Paine, and I must say, the road conditions both inside and around the park are a real challenge. First, let me acknowledge that the scenery is absolutely breathtaking! But—here’s the catch: 90% of the roads in the park are unpaved, covered in gravel and dust.
Every passing vehicle stirs up a thick cloud of dust! Even with the car windows tightly shut, stepping out to capture the stunning roadside views leaves you with a face full of dust from oncoming cars 🤦. Add to that the occasional deep potholes🕳️ (check out pic 4️⃣) and large rocks🪨, not to mention the sudden appearance of bulldozers🚜 (see pic 5️⃣) 💥, and you have a recipe for a bumpy and nerve-wracking drive.
You need to be 100% focused on the road, constantly worrying about flat tires, which really detracts from enjoying the beautiful surroundings. It’s a wonder why a national park can’t offer better road conditions.
⚠️ For those planning a self-drive trip, here’s a bit of advice: it’s highly recommended to rent a more robust vehicle to slightly enhance the driving experience, and be mentally prepared for the journey. Allow plenty of time, as the actual driving time will likely exceed the navigation estimates!
