Marjolein Dilven
What’s so special about this former port town that attracts over 200,000 visitors yearly? Going beyond being a springboard to the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park, let us discover the underrated charms of this city of Puerto Natales, Chile.
Founded in 1911, Puerto Natales, the capital of the Natales Commune and the Ultima Esperanza Province, is located in southern Patagonia on Chile’s side. It is a small city of roughly 22,000 inhabitants engaged in livestock production, farming, fisheries, and tourism-related activities.
Travelers can now fly non-stop from Santiago to the Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT) in Puerto Natales, with a flight time of approximately 3 hours. From the airport, guests can take a brief 10-minute taxi ride to the downtown area, where most hotels and accommodations in Natales are situated.
12 Best Things to Do in Puerto Natales Chile
Puerto Natales, Chile, can offer memorable experiences and exciting adventures that make your trip well worth it.
Here are the 12 must activities to do when visiting this important destination.
1. Hiking Torres del Paine National Park
Located around 93 mi (150 km) north of Puerto Natales, the Torres del Paine National Park is the biggest reason to travel to the city. Be sure to explore the many wonders of Chile’s most renowned park and one of South America’s most beautiful nature havens.
When going to Torres del Paine, you can hike the 5-day W-trek, the 8-11 day O-trek, or do day hikes to see all that Torres del Paine offers.
2. Sunset Stroll Along the Waterfront (Atardecer de la Costanera)
Walk leisurely or ride a bike along this walkway of the Seno Ultima Esperanza Bay (Last Hope Sound) in Puerto Natales, Chile.
You will delight in the best views of the azure waters, snow-capped mountains, beautiful fjords, and various bird species.
3. Visit El Galpon Lab
After being restored by 3 female entrepreneurs, an abandoned warehouse, El Galpon Lab, was transformed into a coworking space that houses startups and promotes Chile’s culture and economy.
It is the perfect place to witness community events, art shows, and various interdisciplinary collaborations.
4. See the Eberhard Fjord
The Eberhard fjord is named after Hermann Eberhard, the first European to explore the northern Patagonian interior, who used the fjord to find significant archaeological discoveries at the Cueva del Milodón.
Kayaking, paddling, and bird watching are the best Eberhard Fjord activities you shouldn’t miss.
5. Municipal Historic Museum
A trip to the Municipal Historic Museum will leave you in awe as you learn more about the fascinating history of Puerto Natales and Chilean Patagonia, seen through artifacts and special archaeological finds.
Historic photographs and other exhibits also record the port city’s past as a fishing center.
6. Pueblo Artesanal
For those looking to discover local art and buy woodcraft, ceramics, textiles, and even chocolate products, a trip to Pueblo Artesanal Etherh Aike is a must.
This crafts market is located along Baquedano y Angamos in the center of Puerto Natales.
7. Visiting Laguna Sofia
Located 30 minutes outside Puerto Natales, Laguna (lake), Sofia offers many fun activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing.
The hiking trail’s pristine and wild nature offers spectacular views with its dense forests, blue lagoon, and soaring condors.
8. Taking the City Bike Tour
Take the 3-hour city bike tour along the coast, town, and plazas to soak in the beauty and heritage of this town through various streets, avenues, murals, and monuments that Puerto Natales offers.
In a small group of 8 people, you will see the new Waterfront, go to Braun Blanchard pier and visit the craft village of Ether Aike and Arturo Prat main square.
9. Enjoying a Local Estancia
Your Chile trip isn’t complete unless you have tried something exquisite and native to South America.
Be sure to drop by at one of the many estancias (cattle ranches) in Puerto Natales for trekking, a 4WD tour of the rancho, a horseback ride gaucho-style, and an authentic Patagonian barbecue + Chilean wine meal.
10. Last Hope Distillery
Tour the Last Hope Distillery, run by 2 Australian expats, and taste their distinctive gins made from Calafate berries and other plants endemic to Patagonia.
They offer free distillery tours when the adjacent bar is open from 5:30 p.m. and donations of 500 Chilean pesos (0.61 US dollars) to the Torres del Paine Park Legacy Fund for every bottle sold.
11. Drinks from The Blend
With its Asian, contemporary, and Japanese fusion cuisine, The Blend is a recent addition to the Puerto Natales dining scene, but it has already made waves with astonishing offerings like ceviche, sushi, noodles, signature cocktails, and Chilean wine.
Make sure to make a pit stop there.
12. Drinking Craft Beer
If you’re not a gin fan, try craft beer in one of the numerous cervecerías in Puerto Natales, Chile, such as Cervecería Vertiente or Cerveceria Baguales, Patagonia’s first brewpub.
The quality of ingredients is so good that it makes their brews taste better than any other beer.
How To Get to Puerto Natales Chile
There are multiple ways to get to Puerto Natales, Chile, since the city has multiple entrance points from Patagonia, making it easier for travelers to get there.
By Car
When visiting Puerto Natales, it is practical to rent a car since it makes traveling to Torres del Paine easy.
However, getting the car depends on your planning for a visit. For instance, if you are there to stay for a 5-day W Trek, there Is no need to rent a car for this long – taking the bus would be a better option.
By Bus
Traveling by bus when visiting Puerto Natales, Chile, is comfortable and easy. The bus departs and arrives in the town from Terminal Rodoviário.
The bus terminals are hygienic and organized. You can use bus services such as Buses Fernandez, Bus-Sur, or Buses Pacheco to travel around and into Puerto Natales, Chile.
The trip duration to Puerto Natales via bus is under 3 hours and may cost around 7,500 CLP ($9.10). You can easily book your bus in advance by visiting recorrido.cl or booking when you arrive in Puerto Natales. We recommend you book your tickets a couple of days in advance, especially in the high season (December-February).
Through Private Transfers
Choose private transfers if you have money and want to travel quickly on your Puerto Natales, Chile trip. Private transfers are the quickest and most hassle-free way to travel around and into Puerto Natales.
Ferries
As Puerto Natales is a port town, you can also take a ferry service to get into the town. The Navimag ferry departs for Puerto Natales, Chile, every Saturday and returns from the destination by Wednesday.
Taking a ferry will allow you to do sightseeing on your journey, including fjords, volcanoes, cliffs, and glaciers. In short, if you don’t mind slow travel, the ferry is the best way of traveling. We do recommend booking in advance, as spots can fill up quickly.
Where To Stay in Puerto Natales Chile
The hotels in Puerto Natales, Chile, may come off as costly. However, they provide a good service to make your stay there convenient.
Here are the 3 best options for you to consider when looking for places to stay in Puerto Natales, Chile:
Budget-Friendly: Hostal Andes Patagonicos
If you are making the trip on a budget or don’t want to spend much on living expenses on your Puerto Natales, Chile trip, Hostal Andes Patagonicos is the ideal location.
Expect to find comfortable and hygienic rooms, friendly management and staff, and a quiet location for enjoying your stay peacefully. While you may find cheaper options in terms of accommodation, travelers and locals consider Hostal Andes Patagonicos to be one of the best hotels in the city.
Mid-Range: Kau Lodge
You may find nice, modern, and stylish accommodation at Kau Lodge if you can afford to spend a moderate amount.
Kau Lodge has rooms with heating and other necessary features. However, the beautiful sea view from its room windows makes Kau Lodge better than the other options. The stay at this hotel also includes a complimentary buffet breakfast.
Luxury: Hotel Simple Patagonia
The tourists and locals consider Hotel Simple Patagonia one of the best hotels in Puerto Natales, Chile.
Simple Patagonia offers scenic views from its rooms, comfortable beds, free private parking, a buffet breakfast, and an on-site restaurant, with the ideal location outside the town to enjoy your stay peacefully.
The stay at Simple Patagonia is luxurious, but so are the prices for reserving the stay there. If you don’t mind spending money to enjoy Puerto Natales at its best, this hotel is for you.
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
Important Tips to Enjoy Puerto Natales Chile
Follow these tips to have an enjoyable time when you visit Puerto Natales, Chile:
• No Plastic Bags
The City of Puerto Natales, Chile, is a plastic-bag-free city. If you visit a supermarket there, you will need to go with a backpack to be able to carry your things there and when cashing out.
• ATM Limits
While there are many available machines in Puerto Natales, they come with limitations. The highest amount you can withdraw is 200,000 CLP ($226). The ATMs will charge you when withdrawing money. If you withdraw 200K CLP, you will pay around $6.80 as a fee.
• US Dollar Works
In Puerto Natales, Chile, you can use US dollars to pay for many different things. Hence, don’t stop at a currency exchange if you’re just coming for a short holiday. For example, we were able to pay for our rental gear for the W-trek in USD with no problem.
However, CLP is the more accepted currency, and there are some cases where the dollar may not be acceptable. So, if you stay in Puerto Natales for a while, carry some Chilean currency with you.
• Credit or Debit Cards
Whether it be debit, travel money, or credit cards, it’s possible to pay by card at most places in Puerto Natales. It’s good to have some cash just in case, but it’s unnecessary. We had no problems paying with Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards.
• No Safety and Health Concerns
The people of Puerto Natales, Chile, have made a conscious effort to keep their town clean, resulting in a much cleaner environment.
Regarding safety, Puerto Natales is one of the safest cities in Chile. Expect your stay to be free of political problems or safety concerns as the country highly focuses on strengthening its tourism industry.
Tips To Stay Safe In Puerto Natales?
When visiting Puerto Natales, it’s crucial to prepare for the unpredictable Patagonian weather by dressing in layers and carrying waterproof clothing.
Stick to well-marked trails and follow local guidelines, especially when exploring the nearby Torres del Paine National Park. Always inform someone of your travel plans before embarking on hikes or excursions, and consider using the services of local guides for a safer experience.
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay.
Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Puerto Natales Chile
How Many Days Do You Need in Puerto Natales?
At the minimum, you will need 2 days to enjoy everything in Puerto Natales, Chile.
Set apart a day for touring the city. Set another day for preparing for your Torres del Paine hiking experience by doing groceries and renting gear if you are going to do a multi-day hike without a guide.
Is Puerto Natales in Chile or Argentina?
Puerto Natales is a town in Chile.
While Puerto Natales is also a part of Patagonia, it is not in Argentina.
Can You Drink Tap Water in Puerto Natales, Chile?
Although rated safe and healthy by the local government, you may want to avoid tap water in Puerto Natales, Chile.
Just to be on the safe side, we brought our filter bottles for our entire travels and also used them in Puerto Natales.
How Safe Is Puerto Natales?
Puerto Natales, Chile, is a small, friendly town with no security or crime issues that may concern international travelers.
What Is Puerto Natales Known for?
Puerto Natales, Chile is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and is famous for being a stop for travelers before they head out to the national park.
Conclusion – Puerto Natales Chile
Annual visitors to Torres del Paine are estimated to reach 300,000 by 2025, and Puerto Natales intends to make itself more accessible to travelers. Airport facilities are in place. Hotels, bars, restaurants, and other establishments are gearing up to meet the demand.
These developments, coupled with Puerto Natales’ natural attractions, may finally mark this Patagonian hidden gem’s time to shine on its own merits.
Visiting Puerto Natales in Chile – Best Booking Resources
I use a couple of favorite companies every time I travel. They have the best prices, great value, and customer service you can wish for. They’re much better than the competition, and I use them a lot. Every time I travel, these are the companies I go for:
Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my go-to platform for booking flights. It’s so easy to use. Skyscanner also searches the smaller websites and airlines that are often skipped, which means more savings in your pocket. They are hands down the number one place I book my flights.
Booking.com – Looking for the cheapest and lowest rates? Booking.com is the best platform out there. They have the widest selection and availability worldwide, ideal for travelers on a budget. I book 90% of my travels through Booking.com because they always have the lowest rates
Hostelworld – If you’re into hostels, Hostelworld is the best site to compare hostel accommodation. It’s easy to use, has many options, and has the best availability.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is an online marketplace where you can book tours and excursions. They have tour options worldwide, with any experience you wish for. This includes walking tours, cooking classes, street art lessons, and more unique experiences.
12Go Asia – This platform is my ultimate travel companion in Asia, offering the best budget service platform for seamless booking of trains, buses, ferries, and flights. The platform is easy to use and I have used it extensively when I traveled through Southeast Asia.
Rome2Rio – Rome2Rio is a convenient website where you can see how to get to your destination the quickest and cheapest. It gives you options for train, bus, plane, or even boat routes and tells you exactly how often they operate and how expensive they are.
SafetyWing – If you’re looking for affordable travel insurance, Safety Wing has you covered. It’s ideal if you’re traveling often or for the long term. I never travel anywhere without travel insurance, and I’ve used it often while on the road. So, I can recommend you look into Safety Wing. They have good monthly prices, the best customer service, and a convenient, easy-to-use process to make claims on the road.
LifeStraw – I love LifeStraw, and it’s been my go-to reusable water bottle with built-in filters for 10 years now. With their bottles, you make sure your drinking water is always clean and safe. I’ve used it everywhere, from South America to Southeast Asia, and I’ve always been perfectly safe drinking the local tap water.
Related reads:
- The Ultimate Patagonia Hiking Guide: Explore the Best Trails and Landscapes
- 14 Best Things To Do In Pumalin Park – A Patagonia Travel Guide
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.