Sitting on the windy east coast of Chile, this port city is known by the world to be the main gateway for visiting Torres del Paine National Park (TDP) or taking fjords cruises. The town is a somewhat laid-back destination and is usually nothing more than a “decent” basecamp for visiting the surrounding areas. Even though it does get its fair share of tourism, bad weather and expensive prices are sadly what every traveller often bring home.
Funnily enough, the official symbol of Puerto Natales has very little to do with peaks & fjords but more with ancient fauna. Once some ancient animal remains were found in a cave up north of the city about 200 years ago, that-was-it: the town had a symbol. Maybe not the most beautiful but
a somewhat 5’000 years old ground sloth named Mylodon, does sound cool enough!
Nowadays, not only the town features a huge reproduction of the animal but its image is literally present just next to each street name!
All streets of Puerto natales have the milodon symbol!
Main Things to do
- Torres del Paine National Park: As mentioned above, many people happen to go through Puerto Natales just so they can visit TDP. Wandering around the park and seeing the famous three pinnacles is often on top of everybody’s bucket list so finding the right transport is undoubtedly an easy feat. It is also possible to organise more expensive all-inclusive (one or multiple days) tours which will take care of everything. Check out Why we didnt’t go to Torres del Paine
Getting there: Several buses running on a daily basis. No need for advanced reservation.
Entrance price: Rate 2019 for foreigners is set at 21’000CLP (high season) or 11’000CLP (low).
- Cueva del Milodon: Otherwise known as the Mylodon Cave, visiting this cave can be a nice half-day activity for those into spelunking and fossils. The site features three caves (small, medium and big), several open-air paths connecting the caves and even a couple of lovely viewpoints. The cave is located 30min north of the city.
Getting there: Any bus going to TDP can drop you off at the cave entrance. Tours can be organised from Puerto Natales but will cost you a salty 18’000CLP/pp.
Entrance Price: Currently set at 5’000CLP (high season) or 2’000CLP (low).
- Statue of the Milodon: Located just at the beginning of town, the statue represent a full scale mylodon and the symbol of town. The statue doesn’t take more than a minute to be visited but its nice to read the history behind it.
Getting there: Easily at a walkable distance from the city center.
Entrance Price: Free
Statue of the Milodon
Where to stay
In town there are plenty of (expensive) options in terms of dormitory and private rooms. As usual, expect to spend at least 15$/pp per night for the cheapest bed in a dorm. Cheaper options are hard to find but if you’re travelling in a group or decide to make up one on the spot, self-catering cabañas or apartment can really be a better deal.
We spent our time in Puerto Natales at Cabañas Otil Nau and for a real fancy 4-people cabaña we were spending 40’000CLP or the equivalent of 14$/pp per night. Not a huge saving but we had our own space and not just a dorm bed!
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