Puerto Natales

Soak in a spa at a remote luxury hotel, gaze upon views of the Last Hope Sound from your boutique hotel bedroom, meet fellow travellers at a lodge that doubles as a community hub, or immerse yourself in gaucho culture on an estancia. Puerto Natales has it all, and we've put together a selection of our favourites to help you to find the accommodation that suits you. 

The hiking, fishing, horse riding, condor spotting and kayaking opportunities in this area are outstanding. Experience the full choice of activities with daily excursions from one of Puerto Natales's luxury all-inclusive spa hotels.

In 1896, remains of a giant ground sloth were found in a cave just outside Puerto Natales. The Milodon Cave is now a popular tourist attraction, and you can explore some of the 30 metre high, 200 metre deep cave on a day trip from the town.

Explore some of the off-the-beaten-track wilderness with a boat trip to Peninsula Antonio Varas, where plenty of trails, forests, beaches and glaciers offer spectacular hiking and wildlife watching opportunities.

Experience traditional gaucho culture by spending a few days living and riding from a local estancia, where families have lived off the land for generations.

Buses operate from Puerto Natales town centre to Torres del Paine, taking 2.5 hours. Book well in advance as availability can be tight.

If you'd like a like a little more flexibility you can take a private transfer, however these are considerably more expensive. By far the most adventurous option is taking a boat from the Last Hope Sound up the Serrano river, straight into the heart of the national park.

Almost all guided trips and tour itineraries include the journey from Puerto Natales. If you're staying at a hotel or luxury lodge in the national park, it's likely you'll enter the park on one of their shared transfers from Punta Arenas or El Calafate which often stop at Puerto Natales for lunch.