What to Do in Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales is a city in southern Chile, right on the shore of the sea in Patagonia. It is known as the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, a world-famous destination with mountains, glaciers, and fjords. The place has a special charm with its colorful houses, wooden piers, and a waterfront where you can walk with snow-capped mountains in the background.
Favorite Activities in Puerto Natales
Best season
The best time to visit Puerto Natales is between October and April, when conditions are ideal for trekking in Torres del Paine. The high season is between December and March.
Weather
Puerto Natales has a cold, wet subpolar climate with strong winds. In summer, maximum temperatures reach 15°C, while in winter, minimum temperatures can drop to -2°C.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do or see on my first visit to Puerto Natales?
According to tourists who visited Puerto Natales, the must-do activities on a first visit are: 1. Visit Torres del Paine National Park, an iconic national park known for its granite peaks, glaciers, and wildlife. It can be accessed via guided tour or by personal vehicle from Puerto Natales, which is 80 km (2 hours away). 2. Explore the Milodon Cave, a natural monument that houses a cave where remains of a prehistoric giant sloth were found. It can be accessed by personal vehicle or tour from Puerto Natales, located about 25 km north of the city. 3. Stroll along the Pedro Montt Waterfront, a promenade with spectacular views of the Última Esperanza Sound and the Patagonian Andes. It can be accessed on foot from the center of Puerto Natales. 4. Hike to Cerro Dorotea, a hill near Puerto Natales that offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. It can be accessed by vehicle or on foot from Puerto Natales.
What are the best activities to do in Puerto Natales?
The top-rated activities by tourists in Puerto Natales are: 1. Explore Torres del Paine National Park, engaging in hiking, landscape photography, and wildlife observation. It offers trekking routes for all levels and it's recommended to dedicate 1 to 3 days. 2. Navigate the Última Esperanza Fjord on a catamaran tour to admire glaciers, waterfalls, and colonies of seabirds. The navigation lasts approximately 5 hours and includes short hikes and often a toast with whisky over ancient ice. 3. Taste the local cuisine by trying Patagonian lamb and king crab. The experience lasts between 2 and 3 hours, and many restaurants offer views of the Última Esperanza Sound. 4. Hiking at Cerro Dorotea, an accessible hike with panoramic views of Puerto Natales and the fjord. The activity lasts between 3 and 4 hours and offers spectacular views of the Última Esperanza Sound and the Patagonian Andes. 5. Visit the Milodon Natural Monument, exploring the cave where remains of a prehistoric giant sloth were found. The visit lasts between 2 and 3 hours.
What day trips can be taken from Puerto Natales?
The following day trips can be taken from Puerto Natales: 1. Torres del Paine National Park: 80 km away, with a travel time of 2 hours. It is recommended for adventurers and nature lovers, and can be reached via guided tour or personal vehicle. 2. Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers: with a 5-hour navigation. It is recommended for nature and glacier landscape lovers, and can be accessed by catamaran from Bories dock. 3. Punta Arenas: 250 km away, with a travel time of 3 hours. It is ideal for travelers interested in regional history and culture, and can be reached by intercity bus or personal vehicle. 4. Milodon Cave: about 25 km away, with a travel time of approximately 30 minutes. It is a recommended visit for those seeking history and geology, and can be accessed by personal vehicle or tour.
How many days are recommended to visit Puerto Natales?
To visit the main attractions of Puerto Natales, it is recommended to spend between 3 and 5 days. Three days allow you to see key points like Torres del Paine and the Milodon Cave. Five days allow for a more relaxed exploration and to add activities like navigation or hiking. A week allows for a complete immersion and exploration of the surrounding region. The suggested itinerary is: Day 1: Arrival and exploration of Puerto Natales (Waterfront, downtown). Day 2: Full-day excursion to Torres del Paine National Park. Day 3: Visit to the Milodon Cave and Cerro Dorotea. Additional days: Navigation to glaciers, trekking, or an excursion to Argentina. Factors to consider include the distance and travel time to the main attractions, unpredictable weather that may require flexibility, the variety of available activities, and the desired travel pace.
What is the best time to visit Puerto Natales in terms of prices and weather?
The high season is from December to February (Southern Hemisphere summer), with maximum temperatures of 18°C and minimums of 8°C. It is the most expensive time, with prices potentially doubling. The low season is from May to September, with minimum temperatures of -5°C and maximums of 5°C, and prices with discounts of 30-50%. The ideal season for a good balance between pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and moderate prices is from October to November and from March to April, with temperatures between 5°C and 15°C, and discounts of 15-25%.
Is it expensive to travel to Puerto Natales?
Puerto Natales has a moderate to high cost level. The daily budget for a backpacker ranges from 50 to 80 USD, including hostel accommodation, budget meals, and limited public transportation. For a mid-budget traveler, the daily cost is between 100 and 200 USD, covering accommodation in a 3-star hotel, meals in average restaurants, and full-day tours. A comfort-budget traveler will spend between 250 and 400 USD daily, including high-end accommodation, meals in top-tier restaurants, and private tours. Reference costs are: average restaurant meal between 21 and 37 USD; budget meal between 8 and 16 USD; public transportation between 1 and 3 USD per trip; average attraction entry (Torres del Paine Park) between 10 and 37 USD; budget accommodation per night between 42 and 74 USD; and mid-range accommodation per night between 158 and 316 USD. An example budget for 5 days is between 500 and 1000 USD. Puerto Natales may be more expensive than other Chilean cities due to its remote location.
What budget-friendly tours can be done in Puerto Natales?
Free attractions in Puerto Natales include the Pedro Montt Waterfront, the Plaza de Armas, and the base of the Cerro Dorotea viewpoint. For low-cost tours, you can find: 1. Full-day tour to Torres del Paine (shared): from 75 USD, includes transportation and stops at key viewpoints. 2. Excursion to the Milodon Cave: from 35 USD, includes transportation and a guide. 3. City Tour of Puerto Natales: from 18 USD, a guided tour of the city's points of interest. 4. Visit to Laguna Sofia: from 25 USD, includes transportation to the lagoon, ideal for wildlife observation. For guided tours, Tur.com highlights: Tour de día completo a Torres del Paine (compartido) from USD 75, Excursión a la Cueva del Milodón from USD 35, City Tour por Puerto Natales from USD 18, Visita a la Laguna Sofia from USD 25.
