After coming out of Torres del Paine and having nothing to do on the last day in Puerto Natales, those who can’t sit still still want to head into the mountains. So, at the last minute, I wanted to rent a car for the afternoon, drive a loop, see the horn peaks, the lakes, and maybe catch a glimpse of pumas, condors, and guanacos crossing the road with their families.
Then, I started asking around again. I asked all the car rental companies in the area shown in the second picture, but none of them had cars available for the day or wouldn’t rent for just one day. Very few spoke English, and some were really shady, operating out of dark, run-down buildings.
Two good ones: Natales Rentals was quite professional and friendly. When they didn’t have any cars, they recommended Recarsur to me. In the end, I got a brand new Suzuki hybrid from Recarsur at 2 PM, which had only 1000 kilometers on it, and it was very easy to drive.
The process at Recarsur was smooth and professional. Passport, driver’s license, insurance, deposit, signing the contract, inspecting the car, and picking it up – everything went smoothly. It was rare to find someone who spoke English so clearly, and we could chat, joke, and talk about anything, which was really comfortable 😂.
After chatting, they said for my convenience, I could return the car at the airport the next day. Although they don’t have a location there, they would come to meet me. The service from the guy was really top-notch. Returning the car was also smooth, with inspection, handover, and signing off.
The loop I drove had breathtaking scenery, with lakes of all sizes, horn peaks in the distance, right in front of you, and by your side. It also passed through areas where condors are often seen, places where pumas frequently appear, and other wildlife observation points, with tourists squatting with their cameras.
Guanacos really love crossing the road, not at all cautious, and once they decide to cross, they just go, and after crossing, they even chase each other, as if there were no cars. The road was decent, and the off-road sections were not too challenging. I completed the loop in just over four hours (no speed cameras spotted 🤫).
A relaxed day in Torres del Paine without tiring my legs came to an end.
Car Rental Companies:
📍Recasur Rent A Car
Carlos Bories 100, 6161109 Puerto Natales, Chile
📍Natales Rentals
Blanco Encalada 574, 6160866 Natales, Chile
Gas Station (went to another one that was out of fuel, if you need to refuel at night, come directly here, it’s bigger and more reliable):
📍Copec
Manuel Bulnes N° 239, Puerto Natales, Chile
