Puerto Natales: the practical guide

Updated July 2026 · Written from Puerto Varas by Patagonia SimRacing

Puerto Natales is the gateway to Torres del Paine and the base for almost everyone who visits the park, but it has enough on its own to justify an extra day: Milodón Cave, the former Puerto Bories meat-processing plant, and boat trips on Última Esperanza Sound out to the glaciers. This guide sorts out what to see, how many days to stay, and how to get there.

What to see in and from Puerto Natales

1. Torres del Paine (full-day tour or W Trek base)

The reason most people show up: buses and tour vans leave every morning for the park (~1.5 h away) to cover the viewpoints in a day or to drop you at the trailhead for the Base Torres hike. If you're doing the W or O Trek, Puerto Natales is where you buy last-minute supplies, pick up refugio bookings, and catch the bus into the park.

2. Milodón Cave (half a day)

25 km from town, this CONAF-managed Natural Monument is a giant cavern (30 m tall at the mouth) where in 1895 a German settler found skin and bone remains of a milodón, a ground sloth that went extinct over 10,000 years ago. There's a life-size replica of the animal inside the cave and short trails to nearby caves. Reachable by organized tour or rental car.

3. Puerto Bories (1-2 hours)

4 km from downtown, the former Bories meat-processing plant (1913) was once one of the largest in Patagonia and is now a National Monument. Part of the complex operates as a hotel-museum (The Singular Patagonia), with guided tours of the original industrial machinery even if you're not staying there. Walkable or bikeable from the Puerto Natales waterfront.

4. Boat trips on Última Esperanza Sound

Catamaran or boat excursions from the Puerto Natales pier sail the fjord to Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, with a stop to walk to the face of Serrano Glacier. It's a good alternative for anyone not hiking the classic park trails, with a solid chance of spotting Peale's dolphins, condors, and sea lions along the way.

5. The town itself

An unhurried walk along the waterfront overlooking the fjord is worth it, along with the Plaza de Armas and its murals, and the Patagonian lamb and king crab restaurants clustered near downtown. Puerto Natales has a good supply of trekking gear for last-minute rental or purchase before heading into the park.

How many days do you need

One full day covers the town and Milodón Cave. With 2-3 days you can add a full-day tour to Torres del Paine or a boat trip on Última Esperanza Sound. If you're coming to do the W or O Trek, plan at least one night before entering the park (to pick up bookings and buy supplies) and another after leaving.

How to get there

• Bus from Punta Arenas: the most common route, ~3 h along Route 9, with several daily departures.
• Fly + bus: fly into Punta Arenas (PUQ), the region's best-connected airport, then continue by bus.
• Direct flights to Natales: Teniente Julio Gallardo airport (PNT) has seasonal flights from Santiago in high season, with limited frequencies.
• From Argentina: travelers coming from El Calafate cross the land border via Cerro Castillo or El Turbio, with direct bus service available in season.

Approximate costs (2026, per person)

Essential logistics

• The town's role: it's the operations base for Torres del Paine — nearly every tour, park-bound bus, and gear rental starts here.
• Wind and weather: just like inside the park, strong gusts are normal in summer; pack real layers even if the forecast says sun.
• Cash: there are ATMs downtown, but withdraw cash before entering the park, where cards barely work.
• Lodging: book ahead in high season (December–February), when W-Trek demand fills up downtown hostels.
• Trekking gear: several downtown shops rent or sell poles, camp stoves, and technical clothing last-minute.

FAQ

Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links. If you book through them this site may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.