A calm port town in Patagonia, gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Fishing boats dot the waterfront while hikers prepare for mountain treks at local gear shops.
Puerto Natales sits in Chilean Patagonia between snow-capped mountains and the Última Esperanza Sound. From here, you can hike to the three granite towers of Torres del Paine National Park, sail past the Serrano and Balmaceda glaciers, or explore the Cueva del Milodón where prehistoric tribes once lived. The city's small downtown area spans just a few blocks, with restaurants serving fresh seafood and Patagonian lamb along the waterfront.
Getting to Puerto Natales
Sky Airline operates flights from Santiago to Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport three times weekly. You can also fly to Punta Arenas (247 km away) and take a three-hour bus ride north. The Navimag ferry travels from Puerto Montt through the Patagonian channels over four days, with sleeping cabins and meals included.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
The city has cool summers and cold, wet winters, with an average of 161 rainy days per year. Visit between October and April when daylight lasts more than 16 hours and rain is less frequent. Bring waterproof and windproof clothing - the weather can change quickly at any time of year.
Exploring Torres del Paine National Park
Buses take 90 minutes to reach the park, located 70 miles north of Puerto Natales. The entrance fee for international visitors costs 45,220 CLP (approximately $49 USD). You'll find granite towers reaching 2,800 meters high, hundreds of bird species, and views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Several shops in Puerto Natales rent hiking and camping equipment.
Local Activities
Walk along La Costanera waterfront to see the Última Esperanza Sound and mountain ranges. The Municipal History Museum displays artifacts and photographs of the indigenous Kawésqar and Tehuelche peoples. Visit the Last Hope Distillery Wednesday through Sunday for free tours in English and Spanish. The Pueblo Artesanal Etherh Aike indoor market sells locally made crafts and textiles.
Food Scene
Try Patagonian lamb and seafood caught in nearby waters at restaurants around town. Aldea Restaurant prepares local ingredients in a stone-and-wood dining room, while Afrigonia creates dishes mixing African and Patagonian ingredients. Find most restaurants and cafes around Plaza de Armas and along Eberhard, Bulnes, and Baquedano streets.
Nearby Natural Attractions
Walk through the Cueva del Milodón caves 24 kilometers from town, where scientists found remains of an extinct giant ground sloth in 1895. Book boat trips from the town pier to see icebergs and glaciers in the Patagonian fjords. The 800-meter Cerro Dorotea trail leads to viewpoints where condors nest on cliff faces.
