ruta 9

This scenic drive links Punta Arenas with Puerto Natale's and Torres del Paine. We enjoyed the scenic drive up through southern Patagonia. There aren't many places to stop for coffee etc. It is very exposed in places and vulnerable to strong winds. Petrol can be bought in Puerto Natale's, so top up before you leave PA.

You can travel to Puerto Natales using this route. Really good condition, good signs and the view during those 3 hours was awesome! They have parking spaces where you can stop to rest or take pictures.

take your time, go slowly, enjoy the view, do not rush, stop for pics.take water, food, good clothes, and drive away.even where there is ripio, it's fine, don't need a 4wd car, unless u intend to cross rivers or get into some trails.an empty road, not frequently gas station, but an incredible road to cross with joy!

Good view, heavy lateral winds, no gas for long distances, some check points but all good and interesting.

This was a nice drive and I saw Guanaco,Rhea, Fox, Flamingo, Condor, Hawks and many other birds. Not many cars on when I went.

The newly done parts are a dream, cement roads that are like driving on a baby's bum… The still to be completed portions of ruta 9 however are more like a heavy rash!!! Hope this review was helpful!

We drove part of Ruta 9 on the way North from Punta Arenas to Otway Sound. The road was paved and except for semi trucks traffic was at a minimum so the going was good until turning onto the long, long gravel road to Otway!After exiting the city we passed through some rather monotonous flat areas of farmland and rugged barren terrain. It would be much prettier if you drive south hugging the Strait of Magellan to road’s end at Fuerte Bulnes - part of it is also gravel.If a comfortable drive is your aim then take advantage of this highway because all others seem to be meant for four wheel drives - it didn't deter the mini buses from overtaking us though! Music would have been great as our rental car didn’t pick up any radio stations so bear that in mind in this remote area of Patagonia - also top up the tank before heading out.Enjoy your experience!

Part of this route was not smooth at all and the ride was quite bumpy. The part which was good was great to drive on.

Rent bikes from an outfitter in town (they likely wont be of high quality) and ask to borrow a patch kit and some spare tubes. Then head south as far as you like. Traffic drops off quickly on the edge of town and you'll have gorgeous views of the strait and old farmhouses. Stop for lunch on the side of the road and you'll likely see dolphins (my group saw at least 3!)

From Punta Arenas to Cerro Castillo the paved route is excellent although there are some minus interruptions (from Punta Arenas to the airport). There will be two ways soon, that's why. Although there are no gas stations between main cities you can find one near the crossroad to Monte Aymond (crossing border).

We enjoyed our trip down Ruta (Route) 9 from Punta Arenas to Fort (Fuerte) Bulnes. It is paved about 2/3 of the way, then becomes well-packed gravel to the fort. It is a dramatic drive, running along the shore of the Strait of Magellan with Tierra del Fuego in the distance. There are ports with fishing boats, fishing boats beached, some abandoned, all colourful. There are also many sea birds but they tend to be smaller, like brown-hooded gulls, so it is worth a stop along the side of the road and a walk over to the beach for a closer look. There are also fields of lupines along the way which add colour to an often grey setting. One of the interesting stops on Ruta 9 is the Aonni bottling plant, a small operation established in mid-decade that bottles pure Andean water in dramatic bottles for the premium water market. Aonni sells to restaurants in North America, Europe and Asia. Aonni's building is unmistakable: an angular metal building set back from the road with several sections that end, irregularly, in angled points. It was designed by Santiago architect David Saxton. The employees are happy to give a tour, explain how their water has no additives and is purified with ultraviolet light. A bottle of the water can be purchased at La Luna restaurant in Punta Arenas and the bottle is a most attractive souvenir.

excelente local y sandwich solo a $1.500 SON GIGANTES. se puede encontrar desde una bebida hasta un clavo... muy completo

Es una ruta de una via por sentido, un poco peligrosa si se atraviesa algun animal, harto viento, pero hermosa.!!! cada vez que avanzas te encuentras con paisajes extraordinarios!!!

La ruta que recorrimos partiendo desde punta arenas hasta cerro castillo se encuentra en perfecto estado, sin fisuras en el pavimento y perfectamente señalizada. Es precioso como los paisajes van cambiando, pasando por la pampa, pequeños bosques, lagos... Un espectáculo increíble.

Linda estrada em ótimo estado de conservação (janeiro/2015). Um opção excelente para ir de Punta Arenas a Puerto Natales e, de lá, ao Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, um dos lugares mais lindos do mundo!