Puerto Natales

🇨🇱 Chile
Experience the Beauty of Nature in Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales - Vacation Briefing

Located in southern Chile, nestled between towering mountains and pristine fjords, Puerto Natales is a destination renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures. With stunning landscapes that include glaciers, lakes, and national parks, this charming town attracts nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers from around the world. Explore the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park, where you can hike amidst towering peaks and crystal-clear lakes. Discover the awe-inspiring Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers on a boat tour through the fjords. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the charming colonial buildings and enjoying traditional Patagonian cuisine.

Popular Sights in Puerto Natales

Things to do during your Puerto Natales vacation

Puerto Natales is a charming town located in the Chilean Patagonia. It serves as the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park, attracting adventurous travelers from all around the world. In addition to its stunning natural landscapes, Puerto Natales offers a variety of exciting activities and cultural experiences for visitors to enjoy.

  • Visit Torres del Paine National Park: Explore the breathtaking landscapes, towering mountains, and spectacular glaciers of this renowned national park.
  • Take a boat tour to Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers: Embark on a boat excursion to witness the beauty of these impressive glaciers, surrounded by pristine fjords.
  • Hike the W Trek: Embark on a multi-day trek through Torres del Paine National Park, following the iconic W-shaped trail and enjoying magnificent views.
  • Discover Milodon Cave: Explore the prehistoric Milodon Cave and learn about the ancient giant sloths that once inhabited the area.
  • Go horseback riding in the Patagonian steppe: Take a horseback ride across the vast Patagonian plains, enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.
  • Visit the Municipal History Museum: Learn about the history and culture of Puerto Natales through fascinating exhibits and artifacts at this local museum.
  • Try traditional Patagonian cuisine: Indulge in delicious regional dishes, such as grilled lamb, king crab, and calafate berry desserts.
  • Take a scenic flight over the fjords: Experience the stunning beauty of the Patagonian fjords from above on a thrilling scenic flight.
  • Explore Puerto Natales' craft breweries: Sample a variety of locally brewed beers and learn about the brewing process at the town's craft breweries.
  • Go birdwatching in the wetlands: Discover the diverse bird species that inhabit the wetlands surrounding Puerto Natales, including flamingos, swans, and ducks.
  • Visit the Nao Victoria Museum: Step aboard life-sized replicas of historic ships and learn about the maritime history of the region.

Why you should visit Puerto Natales

Overall
6.6

Puerto Natales, Chile is a moderately desirable destination with some noteworthy attractions.

Safety
5.5

In terms of safety, Puerto Natales, Chile has some concerns. While it is generally safe, there have been occasional reports of petty theft and pickpocketing. It is always advisable to be cautious and take necessary precautions.

Culture
6.5

Puerto Natales, Chile offers a decent cultural experience. It has some museums and historical sites that showcase the region's history and heritage. Additionally, the local cuisine offers a taste of traditional Chilean flavors.

Nightlife
4

Puerto Natales, Chile does not have a vibrant nightlife scene. The options for nighttime entertainment are limited, and the city tends to be quieter in the evenings.

Adventure
9

Adventure enthusiasts will find Puerto Natales, Chile to be a paradise. With its proximity to Torres del Paine National Park and surrounding wilderness areas, there are ample opportunities for hiking, camping, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.

Relaxation
8

For those seeking relaxation, Puerto Natales, Chile is a great destination. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the iconic Torres del Paine National Park, visitors can enjoy peaceful hikes, tranquil lakes, and breathtaking landscapes.

Best time to visit Puerto Natales

The best time to travel to Puerto Natales, Chile is from December to February. This is the peak summer season, offering pleasant weather for outdoor activities and incredible opportunities to explore the stunning Patagonian landscapes. However, be prepared for higher prices and larger crowds.

Jan
Great weather but crowded
9°C - 18°C
Feb
Ideal weather for outdoor activities
11°C - 20°C
Mar
Milder temperatures with fewer crowds
6°C - 16°C
Apr
Transitioning towards autumn
3°C - 13°C
May
Cool and quiet
1°C - 9°C
Jun
Winter begins, fewer tourists
-1°C - 6°C
Jul
Coldest month but least crowded
-2°C - 5°C
Aug
Chilly but fewer tourists
-1°C - 7°C
Sep
Spring blossoms, fewer crowds
2°C - 11°C
Oct
Ideal weather for hiking, fewer tourists
4°C - 13°C
Nov
Pleasant temperatures, pre-peak season
6°C - 16°C
Dec
Peak summer season, best weather
9°C - 19°C

A guide To your first day of Puerto Natales vacation

morning

  • Visit Torres del Paine National Park and hike to the iconic Torres del Paine peaks to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Take a boat tour to explore the beautiful glaciers and fjords in the area, such as Balmaceda and Serrano Glacier.

afternoon

  • Explore the charming town of Puerto Natales and stroll along the waterfront to enjoy the views of Ultima Esperanza Sound.
  • Visit the Municipal Historical Museum to learn about the history and culture of Puerto Natales and its surroundings.

evening

  • Indulge in the local cuisine by trying delicious seafood dishes at one of the many seafood restaurants in Puerto Natales.
  • Enjoy a relaxing evening walk along the town's streets, taking in the unique atmosphere and admiring the colorful houses.

night

  • Go stargazing in the clear skies of Puerto Natales and marvel at the beauty of the southern constellations.
  • Experience the vibrant nightlife of Puerto Natales by visiting one of the cozy bars or pubs in town.

How to get to Puerto Natales

By Plane

The most convenient international airport for reaching Puerto Natales, Chile is Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago. Santiago has excellent global connections and is well-connected to Puerto Natales via domestic flights. Travelers can easily reach Puerto Natales by taking a domestic flight from Santiago, offering a convenient and seamless journey.

By other means

Puerto Natales is easily accessible by bus and ferry. Buses provide a convenient mode of transport from major cities like Punta Arenas and Puerto Montt. Travelers can also take ferries from Puerto Montt, offering a scenic and memorable journey through the fjords and channels of Patagonia. Both options provide a great opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of southern Chile.

Tips for Booking Your Trip

Planning a trip can get tricky, right? Don't worry, we've got some solid advice to make your life easier. Here's how you can find flights and accommodations without a hitch.

Flights: How to Score the Best Deal

First things first, check out Google Flights. Their price calendar and nearby airport options are really useful. Found a good deal? Great, but hang on a sec—make sure you compare it with prices on Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. A little research can go a long way.

Accommodation: Find Your Ideal Spot

For places to stay, start by scanning Booking.com and Airbnb to get an idea of what's out there. Then, level up your search by looking at Hostelworld and Agoda. Oh, and a quick tip: the hotel's own website might have some special offers, so give that a look too.

Ready to make some moves? The links you need are right below. Happy booking!

Flights

Accommodation

Best for travelers who are ...

Nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and outdoor lovers

How long to stay in Puerto Natales?

To fully experience Puerto Natales, we recommend staying for at least 5-7 days to allow time for hiking, exploring the national park, and taking in the natural wonders of the region.

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