Top Things to Do in Puerto Natales: 2026/27 Travel Guide
Puerto Natales is far more than a logistical pitstop; it is a high-latitude frontier town where the rugged charm of Chilean Patagonia is on full display. While most travelers arrive with their eyes fixed on the granite towers of Torres del Paine, spending two to three days exploring the town’s waterfront, local trails, and historical sites provides a deeper understanding of the Magallanes region.
Whether you are arriving in town via Punta Arenas or El Calafate to begin a trek or looking for a base to explore the fjords of Last Hope Province, Puerto Natales offers a mix of adventure and world-class gastronomy. The town is highly walkable, centered around a grid that slopes down toward the Señoret Channel, where the Andes rise abruptly from the water.
Puerto Natales at a Glance
- Best Time to Visit: November to March for long daylight hours and peak activity.
- Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP); ATMs are widely available in the town center.
- Distance to Torres del Paine: Approximately 80km to the Laguna Amarga entrance (1.5 to 2 hours by bus).
- Major Gateway: Primary hub for the W Trek and O Circuit in Torres del Paine.
- Must-Try Food: King Crab (Centolla) and Patagonian Lamb (Cordero).
The Costanera: Puerto Natales’ Iconic Waterfront
The best thing to do in Puerto Natales is walk the Costanera at sunset – a 5km paved path that offers front-row seats to the dramatic weather and shifting light of the Señoret Channel. This waterfront serves as the town’s social and scenic heart, where the “Blue Hour” turns the distant peaks of the Almirante Nieto mountain range into deep silhouettes against the water.
The walk typically begins at the “Fisherman’s Pier” (Muelle de Pescadores) and continues toward the Muelle Histórico – the skeletal remains of a Victorian-era pier that is now the most photographed landmark in town. Along the way, you will pass several significant monuments, including the Monumento al Viento (Wind Monument), which features two bronze figures suspended in the air, and the Monumento de la Mano (Hand Monument), where giant fingers emerge from the ground.
For nature enthusiasts, the Costanera is a prime birdwatching spot. The shoreline is frequently dotted with black-necked swans, Chilean flamingos, and upland geese. Unlike the more skittish wildlife in the National Park, these birds are well-accustomed to the town’s presence, allowing for excellent photography from the paved path.
The wind on the Costanera can be significantly stronger than in the town center. Even on a sunny day, the “wind chill” from the channel is biting – wear a windproof shell even for a casual evening stroll.
Hiking Cerro Dorotea for the Best View of Town
Cerro Dorotea is the most rewarding local hike for those who want a panoramic view of Puerto Natales and the surrounding fjords without traveling to the national park. Located just 10km from the town center, this 800-meter-high ridge provides a 360-degree perspective of the Señoret Channel, the town grid, and the distant peaks of Torres del Paine on a clear day.
The hike is a moderate ascent that takes roughly two to three hours round-trip. The trail crosses private land, and part of the unique appeal is the hospitality of the local families who manage the access. It is a long-standing tradition for hikers to be greeted with hot tea and fresh sopaipillas (fried pumpkin bread) at the farmhouse after finishing their descent. As of the 2026/27 season, the entry fee is approximately $5,000 CLP for foreigners, payable in cash to the family at the trailhead.
- Time Added: 1.5–2 hours of flat, unshaded road walking along the highway each way (Walking)
- Time Added: 15 minutes; drops you directly at the farmhouse gate (Taxi)
- Cost: Free (Walking)
- Cost: Roughly $7,000–$10,000 CLP (Taxi)
- Effort: Tedious unless training for a long-distance trek — save your energy for the ridge (Walking)
- Effort: Minimal — preserves your legs for the actual ascent (Taxi)
Take a taxi to save your legs for the actual ascent.
For more detailed trail maps and logistics for this and other local trails like the viewpoint at Cerro Benitez, see our full guide to the best hikes in Puerto Natales.
Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument
The Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument is the region’s most important archaeological site, marking the spot where German explorer Hermann Eberhard discovered the skin and bones of a giant ground sloth (Mylodon) in 1895. This prehistoric herbivore, which stood nearly three meters tall, became an icon of Patagonian history and is now immortalized by a life-sized statue at the entrance of the main cave.
The monument consists of three distinct caves. The Cueva Grande (Large Cave) is the most impressive, reaching a depth of 200 meters and a height of 30 meters. The cavernous interior is cold and damp, preserving the atmosphere that allowed ancient remains to stay intact for millennia.
Transport
Take a Bus Sur departure from the Terminal Rodoviario or rent a bicycle for the 25km ride from town.
Registration
Purchase your ticket in advance via the official pasesparques.cl platform. For the 2026/27 season, the entrance fee for adult foreigners is $11,400 CLP. The monument is typically open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM during the high season (October–April).
The Circuit
Follow the well-marked gravel paths to the Large, Medium, and Small caves, which take about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore fully.
Many travelers visit Cueva del Milodón as a half-day trip from Natales or as a quick stop on the way into Torres del Paine. If you choose to cycle, be prepared for significant headwinds on the return journey to town.
Boat Excursions: Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers
Navigation through the Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope) Fjord to see the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers is the premier water-based activity in the region. This full-day excursion is the best way to see Patagonia’s ice fields if you aren’t planning to trek the O Circuit, as it brings you within meters of ancient, blue-tinted ice walls that are inaccessible by road.
The journey begins early in the morning, with major operators like Turismo 21 de Mayo typically requiring check-in at 7:00 AM for an 8:00 AM departure from the Puerto Bories pier. As the boat moves north, you will pass waterfalls, cormorant colonies, and sea lion haul-outs. The first major sight is the hanging Balmaceda glacier, which drapes over the side of the mountain like a frozen river.
The boat then docks at Puerto Toro, where a short, flat walk through a lush cold-temperate rainforest leads to the base of the Serrano glacier. Here, you can watch icebergs calve into a proglacial lagoon.
Local Guide, Puerto NatalesThe Serrano glacier is one of the few places where you can truly hear the ice. Between the cracks and the thundering sound of calving, it feels like a living thing.
Most tours conclude with a “Whisky with Glacier Ice” – using 10,000-year-old ice harvested from the lagoon – followed by a traditional Patagonian lunch at a remote estancia within Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. Before booking, ensure you are checking the local forecast as heavy swells can occasionally delay departures.
Day Trips to Torres del Paine (The “Full Paine” Tour)
While we generally recommend staying inside the park for trekking, Puerto Natales is a viable base for day trips into Torres del Paine for travelers on a budget or those with limited time. The most popular option is the “Full Paine” bus tour, which covers the park’s scenic highlights in a single 10-to-12-hour day.
These tours typically depart from the Terminal Rodoviario or offer hotel pickups between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM. You will visit the Salto Grande waterfall, the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoé, and the viewpoint for Lago Grey, where you can see massive icebergs floating near the shore.
For the physically fit, it is also possible to do the Base Torres Day Hike from Natales. This requires taking the 6:30 AM or 7:00 AM bus, completing the 18km round-trip hike with 800m of elevation gain, and catching the final return bus around 7:00 PM. It is a grueling 14-hour day, but it allows you to see the park’s most famous landmark without the high cost of park accommodation.
Estancia Experiences: Patagonian Ranch Culture
To understand the soul of the Magallanes region, you must look toward its ranching history. Before tourism, Puerto Natales was a hub for the wool and meat industries, and many active ranches (estancias) near town now offer cultural tours that provide a window into this way of life.
At places like Estancia Consuelo or Estancia La Península (accessible by boat), you can participate in horseback riding tours that follow the shoreline of the fjord, often led by authentic baqueanos (Patagonian cowboys). These experiences usually culminate in a traditional “Asado al Palo” – a whole lamb slow-roasted over an open fire for several hours.
These visits often include sheep-shearing demonstrations and a history of the region’s pioneer families. It is a slower-paced, culturally rich “thing to do” that provides a necessary counterpoint to the high-adrenaline hiking found elsewhere.
Continuing North: The Road to Aysén
Puerto Natales serves as a major logistical hub for travelers planning a trek to Cerro Castillo or exploring the Aysén region further north. Often called the “new Torres del Paine,” the Cerro Castillo trek offers similar jagged basalt spires and hanging glaciers but with a fraction of the crowds.
If you are heading north, you will likely spend a day in Natales organizing your transport (often via the Navimag ferry or long-distance buses) and supplies. The treks in Aysén are significantly more rugged and less developed than the W Trek, making the gear shops and supermarkets of Puerto Natales your last reliable resource for specialized equipment and high-calorie supplies before moving into more remote territory.
Food & Drink: The Natales Culinary Scene
After a long day of exploring, diving into the town’s burgeoning culinary scene is a highlight in its own right. Puerto Natales has evolved from a town of basic canteens into a gastronomic destination that highlights the extreme ingredients of the southern hemisphere. [Link to /destinations/puerto-natales/restaurants/].
The two non-negotiable regional specialties are Centolla (King Crab) and Cordero (Patagonian Lamb). You will find these featured in everything from fine-dining preparations to local empanadas. The town also has a vibrant craft beer culture, with several local breweries producing ales using pure Patagonian water.
The “Calafate Sour” is the regional twist on the Pisco Sour, made with the dark purple Calafate berry. Legend says that anyone who eats a Calafate berry is destined to return to Patagonia.
Essential Pre-Trek Preparation in Puerto Natales
For many, the most important “thing to do” in Puerto Natales is the final logistical push before heading into the backcountry. Spending a dedicated day on preparation ensures you don’t realize you’re missing a critical piece of gear when you’re 20km from the nearest road.
Gear Rental: The town center is packed with reputable rental shops like Rental Natales and Erratic Rock. You can find everything from high-altitude tents and -10°C sleeping bags to trekking poles and waterproof layers. It is always better to rent in town than to pay the premium prices for gear at the refugios inside the park.
Fuel Logistics: This is the most common pre-trek hurdle. You cannot fly with camping gas, so you must buy it in town. Isobutane canisters are available at most gear shops and even some smaller supermarkets. If you are using a liquid fuel stove, you will need to head to a “ferretería” (hardware store) to buy bencina blanca (white gas), which is widely available in 1-liter containers.
Grocery Shopping: The Unimarc on Manuel Bulnes is the primary hub for trek food, but for high-quality trail mixes, dried fruits, and specialized energy snacks, look for the smaller “frutos secos” shops scattered around the town center.
FAQ
Is Puerto Natales worth visiting if I’m not hiking?
Yes, Puerto Natales is worth visiting for its stunning fjord views, world-class Patagonian gastronomy, and boat excursions to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers that require very little walking. The town’s atmosphere and waterfront are ideal for those looking to experience Patagonia’s scale without the physical demand of trekking.
How many days should I spend in Puerto Natales?
Most travelers should spend 2 to 3 days in Puerto Natales – one day for trek preparation or the Costanera, one day for a glacier boat tour, and one day for a local hike like Cerro Dorotea. If you are using the town as a base for day trips to Torres del Paine, you may want to extend your stay to 4 or 5 days.
Can you see Torres del Paine from Puerto Natales?
While you can see the distant peaks of the Andes from the Puerto Natales waterfront, the iconic “Towers” themselves are hidden; you must travel approximately 80km into the national park for a clear view. On a very clear day, you can see the Almirante Nieto massif, which is part of the same mountain group.
Where can I rent hiking gear in Puerto Natales?
There are several reputable gear rental shops near the town center and the bus station, such as Rental Natales and Erratic Rock, offering everything from sleeping bags to camping stoves. It is recommended to visit these shops a day before your trek to ensure the right fit and availability.
Is the water in Puerto Natales safe to drink?
Yes, the tap water in Puerto Natales is safe to drink and of very high quality. The water comes directly from glacial sources and is among the cleanest in Chile. However, hikers should still use filters when drawing water from rivers near town to avoid agricultural runoff.
What is the best way to get to Cueva del Milodón from Puerto Natales?
The best way to reach Cueva del Milodón is by taking a local bus (Bus Sur), renting a bicycle for a scenic 25km ride, or hiring a taxi for a half-day excursion. Many travelers also include it as a stop on a private transfer or “Full Paine” tour heading into Torres del Paine. Remember to book your entrance ticket online in advance.