Puerto Natales, Chile: Top things to do in Chilean Patagonia
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Discover how to get there, when to visit, and what to do in Puerto Natales—plus, find tips for practicing responsible tourism in Chilean Patagonia!
Known as the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, Puerto Natales blends a welcoming atmosphere with efficient tourist infrastructure. This charming town will surprise you with the abundance of attractions and experiences right on its doorstep, surrounded by fjords, mountains, and breathtaking Patagonian landscapes.
Honest Fox Disclosure: This stunning trip took place in October 2025 and was hosted at the invitation of the ATTA – Adventure Travel Trade Association.
Full transparency: all opinions shared here are 100% my own and genuinely reflect my personal experience.
In this post you will find:
About Puerto Natales
Founded in 1911, Puerto Natales started as a gritty little trading post fueled by livestock and the meatpacking boom, sparked by European pioneers in Chile’s remote Patagonia. Over the years, this Patagonian gem has reinvented itself as a traveler’s paradise, luring adventurers from every corner of the globe.
Walking along the quiet streets by the Ultima Esperança Fjord is an invitation to silence and contemplation, in a setting where time seems to slow down. Puerto Natales’ weather holds a special magic, blending unpredictability with poetry. Fierce winds, ever-shifting clouds, and Patagonia’s unique light make rainbows a frequent visitor, painting vivid colors across the stark vastness of the scenery and making this place even more unforgettable.
Magallanes Culture
As you venture into Puerto Natales, you’ll spot the flag of the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Region waving from nearly every corner.
This happens because the locals here don’t feel 100% Chilean, as they’re isolated by vast wilderness from the rest of the country and often cross into Argentine territory. But they’re not Argentine at heart either. They proudly identify as Magallanes, a unique people, flying their flag more prominently than Chile’s national flag itself.
Where is Puerto Natales located
Puerto Natales is nestled in Chile’s Magallanes and Antarctica Region, deep in the wilds of southern Patagonia.
Approximate driving distances:
Take a look at where Puerto Natales is located on the map:
How to get to Puerto Natales and get around the region
Typically, you’ll fly into Santiago, Chile’s capital (SCL), then catch a domestic flight to Puerto Natales (PNT). Hunting for the best flight deals? Skyscanner‘s your go-to partner on this adventure!
Fox’s Insider Tips
- Here is an excellent tip in case your flight has a layover in São Paulo, Brazil. To fully appreciate the majestic Andes, choose a right-side window seat on your flight from São Paulo (GRU) to Santiago (SCL).
- On the SCL to Puerto Natales (PNT) leg, I landed in seat 15A, on the left side of a Sky Airline aircraft—right over the wing. Next time, I’d pick something behind row 17 or ahead of row 11. This route flies past Mt. Fitzroy and Torres del Paine. My day was crystal clear, and the vistas were nothing short of spectacular.
To get around the city you can opt for public transport or Uber. I find Uber much more practical since the town is small and the rates are quite affordable. To explore the wider region, your best bets are renting a car at the airport or booking transfer services through agencies, which typically include transportation with their tours.
When to visit Puerto Natales, Chilean Patagonia?
Puerto Natales is situated in a region characterized by a cold and dry climate. Despite year-round weather instabilities, every season offers something special, depending on your preferred style of travel.
For wildlife enthusiasts dreaming of glimpsing pumas (mountain lions) in Torres del Paine, the best time is late autumn through winter, especially April to August. With fewer tourists around, these elusive cats roam more freely during daylight hours in search of food, boosting your chances of a sighting. Remember, though, pumas are wild animals with remarkable stealth, so encounters aren’t guaranteed. When they happen, the moment is pure magic.
What to do in Puerto Natales, Chile
Admire the monuments along the waterfront
The best way to begin your journey to Puerto Natales is by strolling along its waterfront. Monuments scattered along the shores of Ultima Esperanza Fjord, accompanied by the sound of lapping water, a gentle chill on your face, and the rapidly shifting light on the horizon, transform a simple walk into a unique, almost meditative moment. In addition to the Milodón monument—dedicated to the prehistoric mammal that roamed Patagonia thousands of years ago—one highlight is the Monument to the Wind, its forms seeming to converse with the relentless Patagonian winds.
Historical Museum of Puerto Natales
Housed in an early 20th-century mansion, the Municipal Historical Museum of Puerto Natales is an essential stop for anyone eager to uncover the city’s origins and unique identity. The collection features photographs, historical documents, everyday objects, and exhibits that trace the narrative from Patagonia’s indigenous people to the economic cycles driven primarily by livestock farming and the region’s vast estancias. Visiting the museum reveals how this remote and rugged territory was gradually settled and transformed over the decades.
The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Admission for tourists is 2,000* Chilean pesos (around USD 2,25*).
Chapuzón de los Fiordos
Would you dare to plunge into a freezing sea? The Chapuzón de Los Fiordos is a traditional celebration that blends courage, good humor, and community spirit.
Every spring, between September and October, this annual event heralds the start of the tourist season with a splash. Locals and visitors unite, braving a collective plunge into the icy waters of the Señoret Canal. Creative costumes, lively music, and infectious energy transform it into a spectacular celebration of community spirit.
I was fortunate to be in Puerto Natales on this very day. The infectious energy turns even soul-freezing temperatures into moments of hearty laughter. As I said in this Instagram video: “We only live once,” so dive into this adventure!
Fox’s Insider Tip
- Wear your swimsuit underneath your clothes, bring a towel, and slip on water shoes before entering the water—those tiny pebbles can really hurt your bare feet!
Pueblo Artesanal
Want to pick up souvenirs while supporting the local economy? Pueblo Artesanal is a dedicated space celebrating local culture and creativity, featuring small shops where visitors can buy handmade pieces like wool crafts, woodwork, and ceramics. Every item vividly captures the unique identity of Puerto Natales.
Walk by the city
This charming little town is an absolute delight to explore on foot. Stroll through the main square, admire the church, and pop into the array of shops, ice cream parlors, and quaint markets. You’ll find unbeatable deals on jams, vinegars, and other goodies made of calafate, the signature fruit of Patagonia.
Things to do near Puerto Natales, Chile
Torres del Paine National Park
Photos of Torres del Paine National Park already hint at its grandeur, but only when you set foot there you realize that this connection runs deeper than the eyes can see—it touches the heart. Spanning more than 227,000 hectares, epic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and imposing granite peaks stand ready to surprise and inspire.
The park offers trails accessible to hikers of all skill levels, but many adventurers are irresistibly drawn to the challenging W and O circuits. The landscape dazzles with panoramic viewpoints, cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife: pumas, guanacos, condors, huemul deer, rheas, and foxes.
On my 17-day trip through Puerto Natales, I dedicated seven full days to the park and never grew tired for even a second. The unpredictable weather transforms the landscape every day, making each sunrise a unique spectacle. I arrived on the opening day of ATWS 2025—the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s global adventure tourism summit—which invited me as a journalist to cover the event alongside other content creators. Next, I joined a two-day tour with Vertice Travel dedicated to puma sightings, spotting four of these majestic felines each day. I wrapped up with four days (three nights) at EcoCamp Patagonia, exploring light and moderate trails across different sectors of the park.
Before venturing into one of the world’s most incredible destinations, be aware that:
Important information!
- Safety first: We recommend hiring experienced guides to accompany you, especially on advanced trails.
- Respect the park rules:
- Fire prevention: Smoking on trails, building campfires in the park, and cooking in restricted areas is strictly prohibited. Fires spread rapidly through this vegetation, and firefighting infrastructure is limited. Unfortunately, the majority of park fires have been caused by human negligence.
- Stick to the speed limit: Not only does this keep you safe from collisions with other vehicles, but it also protects local wildlife from tragic road encounters.
- Respect Wildlife: Please do not feed, touch, or chase wild animals.
- Swimming in the lagoons is prohibited.
- Pets are not allowed: Pets can put the local habitat’s wildlife at risk.
Grey Glacier
Another stunning attraction within Torres del Paine National Park is the majestic Grey Glacier. To get up close to the glacier, hop on a ferry—an excursion that’s an adventure in itself. For thrill-seekers, Big Foot offers exclusive kayak tours or exhilarating ice treks, as the only authorized operator in the area.
I took on the ice trekking tour, and more than a physical and athletic challenge, it was a contemplative sensory experience. The silence is broken only by the crack of the ice. I’ll never forget those shades of blue that no photo or video can capture. The tour is accompanied by expert guides, and visitors must be equipped with crampons—metal structures attached under the boots that ensure traction, stability, and safety on the walk.
Along the trail, you can observe deep crevasses, intensely blue glacial melt lagoons, and formations sculpted by wind and time. The biting wind and vast white expanse create an almost surreal atmosphere. This is yet another scene that lays bare the grandeur of nature, with these ancient ice giants that have shaped the landscape of Chilean Patagonia for thousands of years.
Ice trekking costs 265,000* CLP per person (around USD 297*), while kayaking is 195,000* CLP (about USD 218*).
Fox’s Insider Tip
- These tours sell out fast, so book ahead of time.
Cerro Benítez
If you, like me, are passionate about condors and beautiful landscapes, this excursion is for you! In the valleys and mountains around Cerro Benítez, about 18 miles from Puerto Natales, you can spot many of these birds that symbolize Chile.
I didn’t think much of this trail at first, but it completely won my heart. It’s a 1,8 mile trek to the top, with gorgeous views of the beautiful Laguna Sofía accompanying much of the way. Vertice Travel organized everything with such care, even providing trekking poles. Another highlight was our guide, Francisco Vidal, a living encyclopedia who shared his deep knowledge of Chile’s history along with fascinating Patagonia trivia.
Price: $97,000* Chilean pesos, approximately USD 105*.
Responsible tourism
- Secure your tissues and snack wrappers in a zippered pocket to prevent them from blowing away in strong winds.
Cueva del Milodón
Although I didn’t have time to visit the Cueva del Milodón in person on this trip, I’ve already noted it down as an essential must-do in Puerto Natales for my next visit (Yes! I can’t wait to return to this incredible destination!).
This remarkable natural and archaeological monument, nestled in the same area as Cerro Benítez, features a stunning complex of vast caves. The star attraction is a magnificent grotto stretching over 150 meters in length, with equally imposing heights. Late in the 19th century, remarkably well-preserved remains of the prehistoric mylodon—a giant ground sloth—were unearthed here, offering profound insights into the region’s ancient history. The accessible trail is perfect for visitors eager to uncover the area’s natural heritage.
Photo: Sernatur Chile
Rural tourism at Estância Mercedes
For travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the authentic essence of Patagonia, day trips to Estancia Mercedes departing from Puerto Natales are an exceptional choice.
Dive into a world where rural culture thrives untouched by time. Spend the day engaging in classic farm activities like sheep herding, hands-on shearing lessons, and scenic horseback rides across open landscapes, with majestic mountains rising in the distance and vast plains stretching endlessly before you. Daily tours are priced at USD 440*.
You can also stay here. I spent four days with Grissel, Sebastián, and Naitiry, and I can guarantee there’s nothing quite like learning from the native people the wisdom passed down from generation to generation. See what my full experience at Estância Mercedes was like, and through this Instagram video, feel the serenity of this place!
Where to eat and drink in Puerto Natales
- Holaste!: Named one of the 100 best cafés in the world, Holaste delights with filtered coffees, espressos, artisanal sweets, and light brunch or snack options at moderate prices. There, I had some Rwandan coffee.
- La Guanaca: Blending rustic-modern charm with authentic Chilean cuisine, this spot shines with its fire-grilled meats—succulent lamb, premium beef cuts, and tantalizing smoked dishes that capture the essence of Chilean grilling traditions. Moderate to upscale prices perfectly match the gourmet quality and generous portions.
- Yume: Japanese cuisine with inventive fusion twists, featuring sushi, ramen, poke bowls, gyoza, and hearty hot dishes. Prices are fair, perfectly suited to the exceptional quality of the experience.
- Vita: A modern and cozy cafeteria offering brunch and healthy eats. Ideal for a tranquil breakfast or a break after your sightseeing adventures. Moderate prices with excellent value.
What to do in Puerto Natales at night
- Slowly Bar: a bar and restaurant offering refreshing drinks, snacks and burgers. Catch electrifying metal and rock shows that draw a lively, diverse crowd of locals and tourists. With moderate, accessible prices, it’s the perfect spot to unwind.
- Destilería Last Hope: Discover this artisanal distillery and bar, where regional ingredients shine in an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. You can even get into the hands-on experience of crafting your own spirit. Prices range from moderate to high, especially for the signature drinks.
Responsible tourism in Patagonia
Three reasons to venture beyond Torres del Paine National Park
1) Beat the crowds
Torres del Paine National Park is one of Chile’s premier tourist attractions and can get overwhelmed by overtourism during peak season. Diversify your itinerary to sidestep the congestion, safeguard the park’s fragile ecosystem, and empower local families by supporting their alternative tourism ventures.
2) Cultural immersion
Focusing your vacation days solely on stunning landscapes and wildlife encounters risks overlooking the rich cultural dimension, which is essential for a truly complete ‘end of the world’ experience. Enrich your Puerto Natales trip by immersing yourself in the gaucho traditions, indigenous heritage, and the fascinating archaeology of the region.
3) Preserving the land
Supporting rural tourism is a vital way to safeguard vast ranches and the region’s rich cultural heritage. The gaúchos embody a deep sense of stewardship, knowing their duty to care for the land and future generations.
Room for improvement
I thought that the hotels and tour operators in the region, who depend so heavily on nature to keep their businesses running, would adopt more good sustainability practices. It is clear that we need more public policies to protect the territory and its glaciers, resolving the urgent issue of the landfill and enabling recycling initiatives. On the other hand, I felt a lack of a greater sense of shared responsibility from a large part of the region’s tourism industry.
I recommend
Let me spotlight two standout companies that demonstrate genuine commitment to environmental stewardship and local culture: Estancia Mercedes, pioneers in low-impact and regenerative tourism, and EcoCamp Patagonia, whose innovative infrastructure is designed from the outset to minimize ecological footprints—they even transport recyclable waste to Punta Arenas to ensure proper disposal.
Where to stay in Puerto Natales
During my time in the city, I stayed at two hotels. The Hotel Martín Gusinde is very well located, right in the heart of the city, while the Remota Patagonia Lodge—as its name suggests—is a bit more remote but more sophisticated. Find below more hotels in Puerto Natales:
What to pack for Patagonia
Here’s a list of what to pack for your trip to Puerto Natales, Chile.
- Baselayer
- Fleece
- Puffer Jacket
- Windproof and waterproof jacket
- Waterproof pants
- Waterproof boots
- Waterproof gloves
- Warm socks suitable for hiking
- Glangarry
- Waterproof hydration pack
- Warm cloth for sleeping
- Sleep-on shoes (something easy to put on and that doesn’t require stepping on cold floors)
- Flashlight
- Camera
- Chargers for the electronics
- Microphone (for content creators)
- Daily medications
- Reusable water bottle
- Electrolytes to ensure body hydration
- Protein bars and gels for those that will be doing sports activities
- Vitamin C can help prevent problems
- Biodegradable hygiene products
- Menstrual panties, menstrual cup, or biodegradable pads
Frequently asked questions
WHAT TO DO IN PUERTO NATALES, CHILE
Extra tips
1) Stay connected
We always need the internet for using maps or even requesting a ride via an app, right? With Airalo’s international eSIM, you’ll have access to data the moment you arrive in Chile.
Haven’t heard of this technology yet? We explain in this article what an eSIM is and how it works .
2) Don’t forget to get a travel insurance
Currently, I use SafetyWing travel insurance because of its competitive price and excellent coverage, including for adventure sports and theft of electronic equipment.
The savvy fox alerts 🦊: Be sure to read the insurance policy thoroughly to prevent any surprises. Tailor your coverage to meet your individual needs for a worry-free journey.
3) Customized itinerary
Need help putting together the perfect itinerary? Send an email to [email protected] requesting a quote and including your name, WhatsApp contact number, planned travel dates, number of travelers, and a summary of what you hope to see and experience in Puerto Natales.
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🦊 Disclaimer:
* All prices reported in this article were collected in May 2026 and may be subject to additional taxes and changes at any time.
** The photos shown in this post that are not credited were taken by Elaine Villatoro.
