Population
~20,000
Region
Magallanes
Highlights
Parque Nacional Torres del Paine
Cueva del Milodón
Última Esperanza Sound
Puerto Natales is a city in Chile's Magallanes Region and a base camp for exploring nearby Parque Nacional Torres del Paine. Located at the opening of the Última Esperanza Sound, the Puerto Natales area was first navigated by Europeans in 1557 when Juan Ladrilleros declared the sound his "last hope" of finding the Strait of Magellan. The Spaniard was unsuccessful (the sound doesn't connect with the Strait) and the area wasn't explored by Europeans again until 1830 when the HMS Beagle (feat. Charles Darwin) sailed the sound.
Puerto Natales was officially founded in 1911, as a port for the area's booming sheep-farming industry. The thriving industry attracted many immigrants to the city — Germans, Croats, Brits and Chileans (typically from the island of Chiloé) all flocked to the area.
In the mid-20th century, as the sheep-farming boom subsided, the city's economy relied upon the coal mines of nearby Río Turbio, where many Puerto Natales residents worked (Río Turbio is in Argentina, ~30 km northeast of Puerto Natales). Today, tourism in Puerto Natales is thriving, largely due to the city's proximity to Parque Nacional Torres del Paine.
Best in Puerto Natales
Eat & Drink
Base Camp
This pub is a favorite for visiting backpackers, serving pizza and beer at a reasonable price ($6,000 CLP for a large pizza). The pub hosts a free Torres del Paine trekking seminar everyday at 15:00. The pub screens fascinating nature documentaries (on mute) which contributes to an exciting ambiance. A fantastic place for solo travelers to meet other adventurers, Base Camp also offers gear and equipment rentals. The pub is affiliated with the attached Erratic Rock hostel.
Stay
Yellow Plum Tent House
New campground in the center of Puerto Natales speckled with yellow plum trees and with friendly and knowledgable staff. The campground includes a large (outdoor) sheltered area. Beneath the shelter, there is an excellent kitchen (feat. gas-powered stovetops), wash basins and a dining area. Breakfast is included in your nightly rate and the wifi is solid. The heated bathrooms and hot showers (feat. fantastic water pressure) are a great touch. The hosts organize a nightly fire where guests can meet and mingle with other guests. It is possible to rent a tent here (for additional cost).
Ferries From Puerto Natales
Admire massive glaciers and active marine wildlife as you explore the Chilean fjords by boat. There are no ferries to Puerto Williams from Puerto Natales. Ferries for Puerto Williams depart from Punta Arenas.
to Puerto Montt
To Puerto Yungay
La Ruta del Crux Australis
Duration: 41 hours
Rates: ~$190 USD (foreigner)
Bike route from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas