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Puerto Natales
A small Patagonian harbour town on a fjord, the base for trips to Torres del Paine
A small Patagonian harbour town on a fjord, the base for trips to Torres del Paine
A promenade along the fjord with views of the mountains, black-necked swans and the town’s much-photographed sculptures.
Sunset over the fjord is often spectacular.
Photo: Deensel, CC BY 2.0
A huge cave about 25km north of town where remains of the extinct giant ground sloth (mylodon) were found. A life-size replica stands at the entrance.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0
The drive north to the national park passes lakes, steppe and guanaco herds, with the Paine massif growing on the horizon.
Photo: Evelyn Proimos, CC BY 2.0
Try Patagonian lamb, king crab (centolla), local craft beer and calafate berry sours.
Puerto Natales has a surprisingly good range of restaurants and cafés for its size.
Puerto Natales has a small airport with seasonal flights from Santiago. Otherwise fly to Punta Arenas (PUQ), about 3 hours away by bus. Buses run from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine (about 2 hours) and to El Calafate in Argentina.
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada and many other countries can visit Chile visa-free for up to 90 days; a digital tourist card is issued on arrival. Check current rules for your nationality before you travel.
Prices are high in peak season (December to February). Chile uses the peso (CLP). Card payment is widespread. Foreign tourists who pay for hotel rooms in US dollars or by foreign card can often avoid the 19% VAT (IVA); ask when booking.
Town, cave and park.
Walk the waterfront, rent gear and buy supplies for the park.
Visit the Milodón Cave and the historic Puerto Bories cold-storage plant.
Take a full-day tour or bus into Torres del Paine National Park.
Patagonian winds are strong; bring a windproof jacket.
Book buses to the park and to El Calafate in advance in high season.
Weather changes quickly; carry layers even in summer.
Gear rental shops in town rent tents, sleeping bags and poles.
Quick answers for planning time in Puerto Natales.
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada and many other countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
About 2 hours by road to the main park entrances.
Fly to Puerto Natales in season, or fly to Punta Arenas and take a 3-hour bus.
A large cave where remains of an extinct giant ground sloth were found, about 25km from town.
Yes, buses cross the border to El Calafate in Argentina in about 5 to 6 hours.
Offline maps are essential in the desert, Patagonia and on Easter Island, where signal is limited.
Free
Spanish is the language, spoken fast and with local slang; English is limited outside tourist services.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Chile travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.