Cash is still king for many things in Torres del Paine and the surrounding area. You can find ATMs in Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas and, if you opt for an extension to your trip, in El Calafate and El Chaltén.

Note: ATMs in El Chaltén are not reliable, and you should bring cash for grocery shopping, as credit cards are not accepted.

Cash is no longer accepted as payment for the entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park. Payment with credit card is possible but unreliable. The best method is to buy your tickets online, which you can do via the button below.

For those taking the bus back to Puerto Natales or transferring to El Calafate, you’ll need to take the shuttle from the Torres del Paine Welcome Center to Laguna Amarga. This is another cash purchase of CLP 12,000 per person, paid on the shuttle.

Catamaran

The catamaran on Lago Pehoé, which was mentioned in an early email, is USD $35. In case of a cancellation due to wind on Lago Grey, you will be diverted to this catamaran. Payment to be made in situ. 

Food & Drink

If you will be buying snacks, expect them to be more expensive due to the remote nature of the area. For reference, a bottle of Chilean wine will be around CLP 20,000 at the refugios in the park, or around USD $35. That's a hefty increase of what it would normally cost in Puerto Natales (around CLP 7,000 to 10,000). 

Tips

Tipping is voluntary, but certainly appreciated for good service. In general, the guideline is to tip 10% of the price for the service. In the case of porters, for example, a tip of USD $100-$120 per program is recommended. There is no recommended tip amount for guides and drivers; in this case, use your best judgment.