Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales Chile
Hiroki Ogawa, Wikimedia Commons

Puerto Natales, nestled on the Señoret Channel with a dramatic backdrop of fjords, glaciers, and mountains, serves as Chilean Patagonia's primary hub for outdoor adventures and a relaxed base for exploration. It draws those seeking to embark on world-renowned treks within Torres del Paine National Park, while also offering diverse activities like kayaking, horseback riding, and glacier tours.

The town features a compact and walkable center with various options for socializing. A vibrant nightlife has emerged, offering bars and nightclubs with live music, local drinks such as pisco sours and craft beers, and a welcoming atmosphere where travelers and locals can mingle. Notable areas include the waterfront with establishments offering views, and various pubs and breweries in the town center.

Top 5 Things to do in Puerto Natales

Activities in Puerto Natales primarily involve venturing into the breathtaking Patagonian landscapes, including glaciers, fjords, and national parks, alongside opportunities to engage with local culture.

1. Full-Day Torres del Paine National Park Tour

Embark on a comprehensive full-day tour to Torres del Paine National Park, a highlight for many visitors to Patagonia. This excursion provides panoramic views of the park's distinctive granite peaks, glittering lakes, and glaciers. Along the way, observe native wildlife such as guanacos and condors. The tour typically includes stops at iconic viewpoints like Lake Sarmiento, Laguna Amarga, and Mirador Nordenskjöld, often combined with a visit to the Mylodon Cave. This is an ideal option for experiencing the park's highlights without committing to multi-day trekking.

Cost: A group full-day tour to Torres del Paine, often including Mylodon Cave, typically costs around CLP $49,000 per person. The Torres del Paine National Park entrance fee for non-residents is approximately CLP $32,400 for stays less than 3 days. For independent travel, a bus ticket from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine ranges from $15 to $27 USD for a one-way trip, with multiple daily departures. Note that park entrance fees must be purchased online in advance.

Transport: Tours include hotel pickup and transportation from Puerto Natales. For self-serve, direct buses depart hourly from Puerto Natales' Terminal Rodoviario to various park entrances like Laguna Amarga, with a journey time of approximately 3 hours.

2. Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Boat Trip

Navigate the Ultima Esperanza Fjord on a full-day boat tour to witness the stunning Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers within Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. The journey offers opportunities to observe marine wildlife like sea lions and cormorants, as well as waterfalls and Patagonian birds. The tour includes views of the impressive Balmaceda Glacier from the vessel, followed by a short hike to the base of the Serrano Glacier. Enjoying a whiskey with ancient glacier ice onboard is a memorable part of the experience, often complemented by a traditional Patagonian barbecue lunch at a local estancia.

Cost: The price for this boat tour varies seasonally, typically costing around CLP $164,000 to CLP $179,000 per person. This usually includes transportation, the boat tour, professional guide, beverages on board (like whiskey with glacier ice), and a Patagonian barbecue lunch.

Transport: Tours generally include pick-up at your accommodation or a designated meeting point in Puerto Natales, followed by boat departure from the pier.

3. Mylodon Cave Natural Monument

Explore the historic Mylodon Cave Natural Monument, located a short distance north of Puerto Natales. This protected area consists of several caves where remains of a prehistoric giant ground sloth, the Mylodon, were discovered. Visitors can walk along marked trails, including the Cueva Grande (Big Cave), learning about the area's geological and paleontological significance and the early human presence. It offers a glimpse into ancient Patagonia and provides a pleasant outdoor activity.

Cost: The entrance fee for non-residents is CLP $11,400 per person. The site is often included in full-day tours to Torres del Paine, or can be visited independently.

Transport: The monument is about 24 km from Puerto Natales. A taxi ride takes approximately 27 minutes and costs $8-$10 USD. Some tour operators offer direct transfers or include it as part of a larger tour.

4. Horseback Riding at a Patagonian Estancia

Experience the Patagonian landscape from a different perspective with a horseback riding excursion at a local estancia (ranch) near Puerto Natales. These tours often take you through rolling hills and open fields, offering scenic views and a chance to connect with the region's gaucho culture. Many experiences cater to riders of all levels, providing well-trained horses and guides. Some full-day tours might include a traditional Patagonian barbecue lunch and demonstrations of sheepdog or shearing practices.

Cost: Half-day horseback riding experiences can cost around $150 USD per person. Full-day tours, which often include transfers, lunch, and cultural demonstrations, may range from $154,700 CLP (approximately $260 USD) to $320 USD per person.

Transport: Most horseback riding tours include hotel pick-up and transport from Puerto Natales to the estancia, which can be about 10 minutes to 25 minutes drive from town.

5. Kayaking in Eberhard Fjord

Paddle through the serene waters of Eberhard Fjord, a historically significant area near Puerto Natales. This kayaking experience offers a peaceful way to immerse oneself in the Patagonian scenery, surrounded by views of mountains and opportunities for birdwatching, including black-necked swans and flamingos. Tours are designed for beginners, providing all necessary equipment and a safety briefing. It often includes a stop for a short walk and a hot beverage with local snacks.

Cost: A half-day kayaking tour in Eberhard Fjord typically costs around CLP $130,000 to CLP $140,000 per person, or approximately $144 to $156 USD. This usually covers transportation, certified guide, equipment (dry suit, lifejacket, boots), and a light meal or brunch.

Transport: Tours generally include pick-up from your accommodation in Puerto Natales, with a short drive (about 30 minutes) to Puerto Prat, where the kayaking begins.

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