Before you go

Your trip to Puerto Natales.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Puerto Natales – Magalhães e Antártica Chilena Destination Torres del Paine about 247 km from Punta Arenas

How to get there

Aeródromo Teniente Julio Gallardo (PNT) 7 km
Aeropuerto Internacional Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo (PUQ) Punta Arenas · 230 km
Terminal Rodoviario de Puerto Natales 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Teniente Julio Gallardo Aerodrome is about 7 km from the center and receives flights from Santiago mainly from October to April. Outside that period, the option is to fly to Punta Arenas and continue about 250 km via Ruta 9, a three-hour bus ride. Some departures leave directly from Punta Arenas airport.

How many days

Three days allow for a full day in the park, a glacier boat trip and Cueva del Milodón with the waterfront. With four or five days you can return to the park, sleep inside it or start the W Circuit.

When to go

From October to April trails, boats and buses to the park operate regularly. In December and January daylight exceeds 16 hours. Winter, from June to August, brings snow and cold, fewer services and a quieter town.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

In the center everything is done on foot. To the park there are daily buses and agency tours; Cueva del Milodón requires a car, taxi or tour. Those who rent a car should book early, fuel up before leaving and drive carefully on gravel roads and in crosswinds.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Puerto Natales

Morning
Early departure for Torres del Paine
Take the first bus or tour to the park and stop at Cueva del Milodón if you're traveling by car. Enter through the Laguna Amarga gate with your ticket bought online in advance.
Afternoon
Salto Grande and Lago Pehoé
Walk from Pudeto to Salto Grande and, if the wind allows, continue to Mirador Cuernos. Then stop at the viewpoints of Lago Pehoé or take the catamaran crossing.
Late afternoon
Return via Lago Grey or by road
Those driving can go to the iceberg beach of Lago Grey before returning. By bus, the return to Puerto Natales departs in the late afternoon.
Evening
Dinner in downtown Natales
Dine near the Plaza de Armas. Magellanic lamb and centolla, the region's king crab, appear on many menus.

3 days in Puerto Natales

Day 1

Morning
Cueva del Milodón
Go by car or taxi to Cueva del Milodón and walk through the main cave and the Silla del Diablo.
Afternoon
Costanera and Muelle Histórico
Return to have lunch in town and walk along costanera Pedro Montt to the Muelle Histórico. Take the chance to buy supplies and check your backpack for the park.

Day 2

Morning
Trail to Mirador Las Torres
Leave at dawn for the Las Torres sector and begin the ascent through Valle Ascencio. Bring water, snacks and windproof clothing.
Afternoon
Arrival at the towers and descent
Reach the viewpoint, rest in front of the lagoon and descend calmly to the Centro de Bienvenida to catch the transport back.

Day 3

Morning
Glacier boat trip
Embark at the costanera pier for Seno Última Esperanza, with views of Glaciar Balmaceda, and disembark for the Glaciar Serrano trail.
Evening
Last dinner in town
After the boat, rest and dine in town. If there's still daylight, take one last stroll along the waterfront.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales?

By bus, in about three hours via Ruta 9, with departures from downtown Punta Arenas and, at some times, from the airport. By car the route is the same, on paved road.

How to get from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine?

Buses leave early from the Terminal Rodoviario and take about two hours to the Laguna Amarga gate, with stops in Pudeto and other sectors. Agency tours and private transfers also make the trip.

Does the Puerto Natales airport operate year-round?

Commercial flights are concentrated in the summer season and may be reduced or suspended outside of it. Confirm operations before buying your ticket.

Where to buy food and gear for the trails?

In downtown Puerto Natales there are supermarkets and shops that sell and rent tents, sleeping bags and trekking poles. Inside the park options are few and expensive.

What food to try in Puerto Natales?

Patagonian-style roasted lamb and centolla, the king crab of the southern channels. Calafate, a small purple berry from the region, appears in sweets, ice creams and drinks.

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