Puerto Natales
THE QUICK VERDICT
Choose Puerto Natales if You want the launching pad for Torres del Paine — outfitter row, Navimag fjord ferry arrivals, and a brewpub town with the W trek three hours up the road..
- Best for
- W and O trek staging, Navimag fjord ferry arrivals, Baguales brewpub, Mylodon Cave fossils
- Best months
- Nov–Mar
- Budget anchor
- $150/day mid-range
- Skip if
- you rely on public transit
The Chilean Patagonia gateway to Torres del Paine, set on the milky-blue Última Esperanza Sound, three hours south of the park entrance by paved road. Once a wool-export port, Puerto Natales now turns over almost entirely on the W trek, the O circuit, and the Navimag four-day fjord ferry that arrives from Puerto Montt twice a week. Eberhard Avenue and Calle Bories make up the compact restaurant and brewpub strip, with Baguales microbrewery, Kau Lodge fireplaces, and outfitters renting tents and stoves on every block. Mylodon Cave 24 kilometres north preserves the giant ground sloth fossil that gave Bruce Chatwin his trip-opening pretext for In Patagonia.
Tours & Experiences
Bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Puerto Natales
Where to Stay
Compare hotels and rentals in Puerto Natales
📍 Points of Interest
At a Glance
- Pop.
- 21K (city)
- Timezone
- Punta Arenas
- Dial
- +56
- Emergency
- 133 / 131
Puerto Natales is the gateway town to Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most famous trekking destinations on Earth — 95 percent of trekkers begin and end their W or O circuit here
The town sits on the milky-blue Última Esperanza ("Last Hope") Sound, named by 16th-century Spanish navigator Juan Ladrillero who searched the sound as his last hope of finding the Strait of Magellan from the north
Puerto Natales is the southern terminus of the Navimag fjord ferry — a four-day, three-night cargo-and-passenger crossing from Puerto Montt that threads through the Chilean fjords twice a week in summer
The town's population of 21,000 essentially doubles in trekking season as guides, outfitter staff, and seasonal hospitality workers arrive for the November-March W trek surge
The Mylodon Cave 24 km north of town preserved the giant ground sloth fossil that gave Bruce Chatwin his trip-opening pretext for the 1977 travel classic In Patagonia
Puerto Natales' Eberhard Avenue waterfront is named after Hermann Eberhard, the German colonist who founded the town's first sheep estancia in 1893 and discovered the Mylodon cave
Top Sights
Torres del Paine National Park
📌A 1,800 sq km wilderness of granite towers, glacial lakes, and ice fields three hours north of Puerto Natales by paved road. The W trek (4-5 days) and O Circuit (8-9 days) are the headline hikes; day trips from town are also possible to the Base Torres viewpoint and Grey Glacier.
Eberhard Avenue Waterfront
📌Puerto Natales' main lakefront promenade, lined with the iconic mano (giant hand) sculpture, the milky waters of Última Esperanza Sound, and the silhouettes of the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers on the horizon. Best at sunset.
Cueva del Milodón
📌A 200-metre limestone cave 24 km north where 19th-century explorers found the preserved skin and bones of a giant Mylodon sloth, extinct 10,000 years. A small museum interprets the find. The cave gave Bruce Chatwin his Patagonia obsession.
Calle Bories & Eberhard Restaurant Row
📌The compact restaurant and outfitter strip that runs from Calle Bories onto Eberhard Avenue — Cangrejo Rojo for crab, Mesita Grande for pizza, La Mesita for set lunches, and Baguales microbrewery anchor the scene.
Last Hope Sound Boat Trips
📌Half- and full-day boat trips up Última Esperanza Sound to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, with the option to continue by zodiac up the Río Serrano into Torres del Paine. Departures from Puerto Natales harbour daily in season.
Plaza de Armas
📌The small main square three blocks back from the waterfront, with a 1909 Catholic church and a statue of Captain Ladrillero. The Sernatur tourist office on the corner has the most current trail and weather info for Torres del Paine.
Museo Histórico Municipal
🏛️A small but excellent municipal museum on Calle Bulnes covering the Tehuelche Indigenous history of southern Patagonia, the German and Croatian sheep-estancia colonisation, and the Mylodon discovery. Two hours is plenty.
Cerro Dorotea
📌A flat-topped mesa just east of town with a 4-5 hour return hike to the summit (850 m). Free, well-marked, and the best free panorama of Puerto Natales, the sound, and the Torres del Paine massif on a clear day.
Off the Beaten Path
Baguales Microbrewery
A working brewpub on Calle Bories that brews five styles on the premises and serves Patagonian beef and lamb burgers to wash them down. The unofficial gathering point for guides and outfitter staff.
It is where you debrief after the W trek with your hiking group over a crisp Pilsen Patagónica — a tradition that has been going since the brewery opened in 2009.
Cangrejo Rojo (Red Crab)
A snug seafood restaurant on Calle Santiago Bueras that serves the Patagonian centolla (king crab) at half the price of restaurants elsewhere in the region. The crab cazuela (stew) is the standout.
King crab is Patagonia's signature seafood and Cangrejo Rojo serves it fresh from local waters at proper local prices — a much better experience than the tourist-traps in town.
Last Hope Distillery
A small craft distillery on Calle Bories making gin, vodka, and Patagonian-botanical liqueurs from local calafate berries, rose hips, and ñire bark. Free tastings every afternoon.
You taste pure Patagonia in distilled form — the calafate gin in particular is unmistakable, and the bottles travel well as gifts.
The Singing Lamb Hostel Sundeck
A cosy hostel on Calle Arauco with one of the best wood-fired hot tubs in town and a sunset deck looking over the Última Esperanza Sound. Open to non-guests by booking.
After 5 days on the W trek, soaking in a wood-fired hot tub at sunset over the sound — with a craft beer in hand — is the perfect reward.
The Iceberg-Shaped Cigarette-Smoke Sculpture
A startling 7-metre stainless steel sculpture by Chilean artist Andrés Vallejos on Eberhard Avenue depicting the famous mano (hand) emerging from the lake. The town's most photographed landmark.
A simple but unforgettable image — the giant hand reaching out of the milky-blue sound has become the unofficial symbol of Puerto Natales and is on every souvenir in town.
Climate & Best Time to Go
Puerto Natales has a cool, windy, oceanic Patagonian climate. Summer (November-March) is mild with long daylight (up to 17 hours in December). Winter is cold, dark, and snowy. Wind is constant year-round — sustained 60-100 km/h gusts are routine in spring (October-November). Rain is possible any day; bring waterproofs even at the height of summer.
Austral Summer (Trekking Season)
November - March39-59°F
4-15°C
The trekking season. Long daylight, mild temperatures, and the only practical window for the W trek and O circuit. December and January are warmest and busiest. February often has the most stable weather.
Autumn
April - May32-48°F
0-9°C
Cooler, calmer, with stunning autumn colours as the lenga forests turn red. Fewer hikers, lower prices, but some refugios in Torres del Paine begin closing in mid-April.
Winter
June - August27-39°F
-3 to 4°C
Cold, snowy, with very short daylight (8-9 hours). Most refugios close, the W trek is closed, and only a handful of winter outfitters offer snowshoeing day trips. Many shops cut hours.
Spring
September - October32-50°F
0-10°C
Wind is at its worst — sustained 80-100 km/h gusts are routine. Trails reopen in late October. Cold and unpredictable but a quiet, low-cost shoulder window for fit hikers willing to gamble on weather.
Best Time to Visit
November through March is the trekking season. December and January are warmest and busiest — book accommodation and refugios 4-6 months ahead. February often has the most stable weather and slightly lighter crowds. April brings autumn colours and thinning crowds. May-September is winter: most refugios close and the W trek shuts down.
Peak Summer (December - January)
Crowds: Very high — peak seasonThe busiest months. Long daylight (sunrise 5am, sunset 10pm in December), mildest temperatures, and the most reliable weather. Refugios and campsites in Torres del Paine sell out 6 months ahead.
Pros
- + Longest daylight hours
- + Mildest temperatures
- + All refugios open
- + Best ranger and rescue coverage
- + All boat tours running
Cons
- − Highest accommodation prices
- − Refugios sell out 6 months ahead
- − Trails are crowded
- − Restaurants need reservations
Late Summer (February - March)
Crowds: High but manageableOften the most stable weather of the year. Days are slightly shorter but still long. Crowds thin from mid-February. The sweet spot for repeat visitors.
Pros
- + Most stable weather
- + Slightly fewer crowds
- + All services still open
- + Better last-minute availability
Cons
- − Cooler nights start to bite
- − Some refugios begin reducing services in late March
Shoulder (November & April)
Crowds: Moderate to lowNovember is windy and unpredictable but quieter. April delivers stunning autumn colours as lenga forests turn red, with calm cool weather. Some refugios begin closing in mid-April.
Pros
- + Lower prices
- + Stunning autumn colours in April
- + Fewer hikers
- + Easier last-minute bookings
Cons
- − April: shorter daylight
- − November: peak Patagonian wind
- − Some refugios closed
Winter (May - September)
Crowds: Very low — winter shutdownCold, snowy, with very short daylight (8-9 hours). Most refugios close, the W trek is closed, and only winter outfitters offer snowshoeing day trips. Many shops cut hours.
Pros
- + Almost no other visitors
- + Snow-covered Towers
- + Winter activities (snowshoeing, day skiing)
- + Lowest prices
Cons
- − W trek closed
- − 8-9 hours of daylight only
- − Most refugios closed
- − Many restaurants closed or with reduced hours
🎉 Festivals & Events
Aniversario de Puerto Natales
May 31The town's founding anniversary in 1911 — small civic parades, traditional Patagonian music, asados (barbecues), and folk dance on the waterfront.
Fiestas Patrias
September 18-19Chile's national independence celebrations. Empanada and chicha stalls fill Plaza de Armas, with cueca (Chilean folk dance) demonstrations and asados.
Festival Costumbrista
February (varies)A summer Patagonian-traditions festival with sheep-shearing demonstrations, gaucho horse skills, and lamb roast (cordero al palo). Held on a weekend in February at a working estancia near town.
Centolla (King Crab) Festival
July 1-15The local king-crab fishing season opens July 1 with a small festival at the harbour — fresh crab plates at half the summer price, and a chance to see the working fishery.
Safety Breakdown
Very Safe
out of 100
Puerto Natales is one of the safest places in Chile — and Chile is one of the safest countries in South America. Crime is essentially limited to the occasional opportunistic theft from a hostel locker. The real risks are weather, terrain, and underestimating the W trek and O circuit. CONAF (the park authority) restricts the number of hikers and enforces overnight bookings strictly.
Things to Know
- •Book all Torres del Paine campsites and refugios in advance through Vertice and Las Torres — independent walk-up overnighting is no longer permitted
- •Check the daily weather and trail-condition board at the CONAF office in town and at the park entrance
- •Bring layers and proper waterproofs even on sunny days — Patagonian weather changes fast and the Base Torres approach is exposed
- •Carry sufficient water and food for the full day — running out has caused several rescues
- •Watch for puma sightings in the southern sections of Torres del Paine (rare but increasing) — make noise and travel in groups at dawn and dusk
Natural Hazards
Emergency Numbers
Police (Carabineros)
133
Medical Emergency
131
Fire
132
CONAF Park Rangers
+56 61 269-1931
Tourist Police (Sernatur)
+56 61 241-2125
Costs & Currency
Where the money goes
USD per dayBackpacker = hostel dorm + street food + public transit. Mid-range = 3-star hotel + neighbourhood restaurants + transit cards. Luxury = 4/5-star + fine dining + taxis. How we calibrate these numbers →
Quick cost estimate
Customize per category →Estimates based on regional averages. Flight prices vary by season and airline.
budget
$50-90
Hostel dorm, supermarket food, public buses, walking, free hikes (Cerro Dorotea, Mylodon), beer at Baguales
mid-range
$120-200
Mid-range guesthouse, restaurant meals, day trips into Torres del Paine, boat tour to Balmaceda Glacier
luxury
$400+
Hotel Singular Patagonia or The Singing Lamb premium room, all-inclusive Torres del Paine refugio packages, private guides, full-day boat charters
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed | CLP 18,000-30,000 | $19-32 |
| AccommodationMid-range guesthouse double | CLP 70,000-130,000 | $74-137 |
| AccommodationBoutique 4-star double | CLP 200,000-400,000 | $210-420 |
| FoodSet lunch (almuerzo) at La Mesita | CLP 8,000-12,000 | $8-13 |
| FoodRestaurant dinner (mid-range) | CLP 18,000-35,000 | $19-37 |
| FoodKing crab at Cangrejo Rojo | CLP 25,000-50,000 | $26-53 |
| FoodCraft beer at Baguales | CLP 4,000-6,000 | $4-6 |
| FoodSupermarket trail food (one day) | CLP 8,000-15,000 | $8-16 |
| TransportBus to Torres del Paine round trip | CLP 25,000-40,000 | $25-40 |
| TransportBus to Punta Arenas | CLP 12,000-18,000 | $12-18 |
| TransportBus to El Calafate (Argentina) | CLP 35,000-55,000 | $35-55 |
| ActivitiesTorres del Paine entry fee (foreigners) | CLP 32,000 | $32 |
| ActivitiesTent rental per day | CLP 8,000-15,000 | $8-16 |
| ActivitiesBalmaceda Glacier boat tour | CLP 100,000-150,000 | $105-160 |
| ActivitiesRefugio dorm bed (Torres del Paine) | CLP 70,000-110,000 | $74-115 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Bring USD or Argentine Pesos to exchange on the street rather than relying on Chilean ATMs alone
- •Cook trail meals at your hostel — most have communal kitchens and supermarket food is much cheaper than restaurants
- •Stock up on W trek food in Puerto Natales, not at the refugios — supermarket prices are 50-70% cheaper
- •Take public Bus Sur or Buses Fernandez shuttles to Torres del Paine rather than door-to-door private transfers
- •The free hikes (Cerro Dorotea, Mylodon area, town waterfront) are excellent and need no budget
- •Refugios in Torres del Paine require advance booking and sell out — book 4-6 months ahead for cabin or even camping spots in peak season
- •Carry your own tent and sleeping bag and use the cheap CLP 8,000-12,000 campsite-only option in the park rather than refugio cabins
- •Drink the local craft beer (Baguales, Austral) rather than imported bottles — half the price and much better
Chilean Peso
Code: CLP
Chile uses the Chilean Peso (CLP), with around 950 CLP per USD as of early 2026. Several ATMs in central Puerto Natales accept Visa and Mastercard. Per-withdrawal limits are CLP 200,000-400,000 ($210-420). Cash is needed for buses, the park entry fee, and Torres del Paine camping. US Dollars and Argentine Pesos can be changed at cambios on Eberhard Avenue.
Payment Methods
Cards work at most hotels, restaurants, and outfitter shops in central Puerto Natales. Cash is essential for the Torres del Paine entry fee (CLP 32,000 / $32 for foreigners), bus tickets, and the refugios in the park. ATMs (Banco Estado, Santander, Banco de Chile) are clustered around Plaza de Armas. Withdraw what you need before heading into the park — there are no ATMs inside Torres del Paine.
Tipping Guide
Tip 10% — most restaurants automatically suggest a "propina" of 10% on the bill that you can accept or decline. Almost universally accepted.
CLP 10,000-20,000 ($10-20) per person for a full-day Torres del Paine guided tour. CLP 5,000-10,000 for a half-day boat trip.
CLP 5,000-10,000 ($5-10) per night to refugio cooks and cleaning staff is standard and appreciated.
CLP 2,000-5,000 ($2-5) to housekeeping per day. CLP 2,000-3,000 to porters per bag.
Round up to the nearest CLP 1,000. Not strictly expected but appreciated.
How to Get There
✈️ Airports
Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport(PNT)
7 km north of Puerto NatalesA small regional airport with seasonal LATAM and JetSmart flights from Santiago (3.5 hours direct, mostly Dec-Mar). Outside summer, most travellers fly into Punta Arenas (PUQ) instead and take the 3-hour bus. Airport taxi to town is CLP 8,000-15,000 ($8-15).
✈️ Search flights to PNTPresidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport (Punta Arenas)(PUQ)
250 km southeast of Puerto NatalesThe main regional airport with year-round daily LATAM, JetSmart, and SKY Airline flights from Santiago (3.5 hours, $80-200). Bus Sur and Buses Fernandez run multiple daily services between Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales (3 hours, CLP 12,000-18,000 / $12-18).
✈️ Search flights to PUQ🚌 Bus Terminals
Rodoviario Puerto Natales
A modern bus terminal at the south end of town. Bus Sur, Buses Fernandez, JBA, and TAQSA cover the routes to Punta Arenas (3h), Torres del Paine (3h), El Calafate (5-6h), and El Chaltén (8-10h). Tickets at the terminal or at downtown agencies.
Getting Around
Puerto Natales is small enough to walk end to end in 20 minutes. Most travellers arrive by bus from Punta Arenas (3 hours), El Calafate (5-6 hours), or by Navimag ferry from Puerto Montt (4 days). Onward to Torres del Paine is by daily Bus Sur or Buses Fernandez shuttles (3 hours). There is no need for a rental car unless you are touring multiple parks.
Walking
FreeThe default. From the bus terminal at the south to the harbour at the north is a 20-minute walk. The waterfront, Plaza de Armas, restaurant strip, and most hostels and outfitters are within a 10-minute radius of each other.
Best for: Everything within town
Torres del Paine Shuttles
CLP 25,000-40,000 (~$25-40) round tripBus Sur, Buses Fernandez, and Buses JBA all run morning departures (around 7am) to the park entrances at Laguna Amarga, Pudeto, and Pingo, with afternoon returns. Same operators run the inter-park shuttles between trailheads.
Best for: Reaching Torres del Paine for day trips or W/O treks
Local Taxis
CLP 2,500-4,000 ($2.50-4) within townA handful of taxis serve the town. Used mainly for early-morning bus terminal trips with luggage or late-night returns. Fares within town are CLP 2,500-4,000 (~$2.50-4).
Best for: Early-morning trips with luggage to the bus terminal
Rental Cars
CLP 60,000-120,000 (~$60-120) per daySeveral rental agencies (Hertz, Europcar, Punta Cars) operate in town. Useful only if you plan to drive into Torres del Paine independently or continue to El Calafate by car.
Best for: Independent driving across multiple parks; otherwise unnecessary
Walkability
Excellent. The town is small, flat, and the entire grid is walkable. The waterfront promenade is the natural axis. The 20-30 minute walk between bus terminal, harbour, and the main restaurant strip is the longest you will need to make on foot.
Travel Connections
Entry Requirements
Chile is visa-free for citizens of most Western countries (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore) for stays up to 90 days. Entry is straightforward at any airport including Santiago, Punta Arenas, or Puerto Natales. The Cerro Castillo (to El Calafate) and Río Turbio (to El Chaltén) land borders to Argentina are open year-round.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free entry. Chile previously charged a "reciprocity fee" but this has been suspended for US travellers since 2014. Passport must be valid for the duration of stay. |
| UK Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free entry. Passport valid for the duration of stay. Stays can be extended once for an additional 90 days at a Migrations office. |
| EU Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free entry for all EU passports plus Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland. |
| Australian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free entry. The reciprocity fee was suspended in 2019. |
| Canadian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free entry. Standard passport requirements. |
| Japanese & Singaporean Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free entry. Standard passport validity and proof of return ticket may be requested. |
Visa-Free Entry
Tips
- •No visa is needed for most Western nationalities — a 90-day entry stamp is granted on arrival
- •Cerro Castillo border to Argentina (the El Calafate route) is open year-round but check for snow closures in winter
- •The PDI Chilean border requires you to declare any fresh fruit, meat, or dairy — even a banana can mean a fine
- •Travel medical insurance is recommended but not required — be aware that Chilean private healthcare costs are moderate by South American standards
- •Stays can be extended once for an additional 90 days at a Migrations office in Punta Arenas
Shopping
Shopping in Puerto Natales is functional rather than fashionable. Outfitters dominate, alongside a few craft galleries selling Tehuelche-influenced art, calafate-berry products, and Patagonian wool. The town's supermarkets are stocked for trekkers — buy everything for the W trek here rather than in the park.
Outfitter Shops on Eberhard & Bories
outdoor gearA dozen outfitters along the waterfront and Calle Bories rent or sell tents, sleeping bags, stoves, gas canisters, and waterproofs. Yaganhouse and Vertice are reliable. Quality varies — inspect before renting.
Known for: Tent and sleeping bag rentals, gas canisters, stoves, waterproofs, hiking poles
Unimarc & Lider Express Supermarkets
supermarketThe main groceries for trekkers stocking the W trek — pasta, dehydrated soups, bread, cheese, salami, chocolate, nuts. Prices are reasonable. Buy here rather than the limited refugio shops.
Known for: W trek food, dehydrated meals, snacks, alfajores, pisco, beer
Last Hope Distillery & Calafate Gift Shops
speciality shopsSeveral small shops sell Patagonian-themed gifts including calafate-berry jam and liqueurs, hand-knitted Magallanes wool items, and Tehuelche-influenced artwork. Last Hope Distillery on Bories is the standout.
Known for: Calafate-berry products, Patagonian wool, Tehuelche art, craft gin
Mercado Artesanal Etherh Aike
craft marketA small permanent indoor craft market on Calle Bulnes selling Patagonian wool sweaters, leather mate gourds, and silver Mapuche-style jewellery. Prices are reasonable and quality is good.
Known for: Magallanes wool jumpers, leather mate gourds, silver jewellery
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Last Hope Distillery calafate gin or Patagonian-botanical liqueur
- •A jar of calafate-berry jam — traditional Patagonian preserve
- •A handknit Magallanes-wool jumper or scarf
- •Patagonian craft beer (Baguales Pilsen, Cerveza Austral)
- •Mate gourd and bombilla set from the artisan market
- •A signed mountain photography print of Torres del Paine
- •Centolla (king crab) tinned for travel
- •Tehuelche-influenced silver jewellery from Mercado Etherh Aike
Language & Phrases
Chilean Spanish is famously fast and rich in slang ("po", "weón", "cachai") that even other Spanish speakers struggle with. English is widely spoken in tourist-facing businesses in Puerto Natales but minimal effort with Spanish is appreciated.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola | OH-lah |
| Good morning | Buenos días | BWEN-ohs DEE-ahs |
| Thank you | Gracias | GRAH-see-ahs |
| Please | Por favor | por fah-VOR |
| Yes / No | Sí / No | see / no |
| How much? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? | KWAN-toh KWES-tah |
| Where is the bus to Torres del Paine? | ¿Dónde está el bus a Torres del Paine? | DON-deh es-TAH el boos ah TOR-rehs del PIE-neh |
| I don't understand | No entiendo | no en-tee-EN-doh |
| The check, please | La cuenta, por favor | lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR |
| Cool / Awesome (Chilean) | Bacán | bah-KAHN |
| Beer | Cerveza | ser-VEH-sah |
| King crab | Centolla | sen-TOH-yah |
| Lamb | Cordero | kor-DEH-roh |
| Mountain hut / refuge | Refugio | reh-FOO-hee-oh |
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