South America
Welcome Kit
Chile
Puerto Natales
Highlights
The main highlight of Puerto Natales in Southern Patagonia is its location-the small town serves as a hub to the Torres del Paine National Park, glaciers, and fjords and is a launching point for cruises, sailing trips, and kayaking.
Torres del Paine National Park
Named the 8th Wonder of the World in 2013, Torres del Paine National Park is a wilderness mecca for outdoor travelers worldwide. The park’s soaring peaks, majestic glaciers, mirrored lagoons, and winding rivers are legendary-discovering the landscapes and exploring the different areas are a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Patagonia.
Trips to the park from Puerto Natales include a two-day catamaran option. The first day is spent at sea sailing to fjords and glaciers, and the second is an exciting zodiac trip upriver into the park.
Adventures on the water inside the park by kayak travel down the Serrano River into the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. The trip visits glaciers not accessible by land, stops at far off camping spots, and finishes with a catamaran ride to Puerto Natales.
General Facts
Puerto Natales is the capital and port of the province of Ultima Esperanza, on the banks of the Señoret Canal, in the Magallanes Region. It is a small city although tourism adapts to the little unrest of this town of colorful houses and serene streets. It is located 247 km north of Punta Arenas, its most populous neighbor. The nearest Argentine city is Río Turbio, 30 km away by the Dorotea border crossing.
Map Location
Documentation
A valid Passport.
Most countries in America and
Western Europe do not require a visa.
Insurance information.
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Best Time to Go
The best months in Puerto Natales are January, February, March and December, the rainiest months are January, April, May, June, July, August and December
Clothing
Because of the unpredictability of the weather, it is recommended in winter and summer to wear several layers of clothing to protect you from the wind that especially exists in the area throughout the year.
- A thick, wind-resistant jacket.
- Walking or trekking shoes and plenty of socks.
- Gloves, a hat, and/or earmuffs to protect your ears from the wind.
- Jeans or joggers.
- Sweaters and/or hoodies.
- Sunscreen, a cap for sun protection, lip balm, and sunglasses.
- A small bag or backpack to carry essentials during excursions.
Healthcare
Packing
Chilean flights allow, as their restrictions are limited to 50 pounds (23 kg) per person.
Currency
Peso Chileno.
Major credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity
Chile: 220 V – 60 Hz.
Plugs Type C / I
Local Taxes
Foodie
Puerto Natales is known for its Patagonian gastronomy, with preparations including seafood, especially crab, which occupies a leading place in different dishes.
Preparing meats, like lamb Magallanico that is consumed roasted over an open fire, and accompanied by fresh vegetables from the area. The salmon Magallanico, fresh pastas and pizzas are another must in Puerto Natales.
On the waterfront opposite the Señoret Channel you can find many restaurants for all tastes, with traditional and international cuisine, cafes, bars and sweets shops, and even vegetarian food.
The artisanal beer and wine can accompany any delicious food to enjoy.
Within the Torres del Paine National Park, you can eat inside in the hostels or shelters, where traditional and energetic dishes are prepared, to refuel and continue the journey through forests and trails.
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Activities
City Tour: You can stroll through Plaza de Armas, located in the city’s central hub. Here, you’ll find the town’s chapel, surrounded by hostels, restaurants, and various establishments. The Costanera Pedro Montt, running along Puerto Natales’ port area, is another place where locals spend their free time, weather permitting. It’s worth a walk to visit the monument dedicated to the wind and take in views of the fjords hidden on the horizon. The historic pier is a nostalgic and evocative place, with only a weathered wooden skeleton bearing witness to its existence. There is also a small Local History Museum.
Torres del Paine National Park: Considered one of the most beautiful natural environments on our planet, it was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and in 2013 was considered the eighth wonder of the world. Its extensions are covered by lenga and ñirre forests, filled with marked trails and rest areas that allow for hikes of varying difficulty. Options range from multi-day treks that require camping in the park, such as the W and O circuits, to day trips or simple walks that allow you to enjoy beautiful waterfalls, glaciers, and turquoise lakes.
Trek to the Base of the Torres del Paine: Arguably the most spectacular spot in the park is the Base of the Torres del Paine viewpoint, overlooking its beautiful turquoise lagoon and the famous 2,000-meter-high granite pillars. To reach them, you’ll need to complete an 18-kilometer hike (round trip) that takes about 8 hours. The difficulty level is demanding, but the landscapes you’ll enjoy along the way, and especially from the viewpoint, are simply marvelous.
Cerro Dorotea Hike: A relatively easy 3-hour hike (round trip) that takes you through a lenga forest on the private land of the Paredes family, ascending to the summit of Cerro Dorotea. The estate is tended to by a very welcoming family who will guide you along the way.
Visit the Cueva del Milodon: Discovered by the German explorer Hermann Eberhard in 1895, it is one of the most famous natural monuments, consisting of three caves located 25 kilometers from Puerto Natales. During the cave’s exploration, experts found skin, bones, and other remains from
the Milodon, a large extinct mammal that lived around 10,000 years ago, at the end of the Pleistocene.
Cruise to the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers: The Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers are located in the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, the largest in all of Chile. They can be visited by sailing through the fjords to their bases. The boats depart early in the morning from the Puerto Natales pier and sail through the waters of Última Esperanza for about three hours to reach the Balmaceda Glacier, which is visibly receding. Afterward, the boats continue to the Puerto Toro pier. In this place, you are allowed to disembark and walk along the small lagoon located beneath the glacier.
Cerro Benítez: The route, sometimes marked by local guides, can be completed in about 30 minutes, depending on the stops you need to make. There are ideal spots to lay out a blanket and have a snack while listening to condors or eagles, typical of the region. These birds fly very close to the hill, and you can often spot them without any problems. Many tourists take the opportunity to take photographs and learn more about the interaction of these birds with the environment.