Bus transfers in Argentina/Chile
 

Hi,

We're traveling to Argentina and Torres Del Paine this month. Do we need to book our bus transfers from El Calafate to Puerto Natales in advance or can we just go to the bus terminal the day of? There is a 5:30pm bus from calafate to natales I would like to take but spoke with the bus company (turismo zaahj) and they told me they don't take reservations. I'm a little nervous about not having reservations though. If anyone can offer any advice, I'd appreciate it.

Amy

You should book your bus for the next the day as soon as you arrive. By the afternoon the next day's bus can be fully booked. If it concerns you, google around for a travel agent in El Calafate or Puerto Natales and get them to book it. There will be a surcharge (maybe 20%, ask how much it would be) but you might feel it is worth it for peace of mind.

Thanks for the info. At this point, I'm late in the planning game. I spoke to an agent last week and they told me reservations take over 2 weeks to process which doesn't work for me. I may just have to play it safe and take the bus the next morning.

I don't know how you are arriving (air?) but I would go straight to the bus station and see what you can get. You might find seats for the same day.

Yes, we're arriving at calafate at 11:30am by air. Hoping to leave for Natales that afternoon. But to be safe, will probably wait til the following morning.