Originally Posted by virtualtroy

Not sure about El Calafete but the Paine is magnificent. You need to fly to Punta Arenas (served by LAN) and then it's about a 5-6 hour drive from there. It might not look far on the map, but the road (as in a smooth Tarmac-type surface) runs out as you enter the national park. Hence, try and hire a 4WD car if you can, rather than a normal rental car.

Don't let that put you off, it's one of the most beautiful places I've had the privilege of visiting on the planet. Enjoy...