To travel to the end of the world, you should plan on arriving to Chile’s capital, Santiago, at the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL). From there, guests may take a 3 hour flight to Punta Arenas to the Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ) followed by a public bus or private transfer to Puerto Natales. Crossing the pampas under the vast Patagonia skies, this relaxing 3 hour transfer gives travelers a wonderful opportunity to spot herds of iconic Patagonian sheep, Chilean flamingos, and ñandús among other incredible species of birds along the way.
Guests can also arrive to Puerto Natales from Santiago via a direct 3 hour flight. Be sure to choose a window seat if you go this route! On a clear Patagonia day, you will see the intense beauty of the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ right below you….far-stretching glacial ice fields, massive granite peaks, and an incredible medley of valleys and rivers. A 10 minute taxi ride can be taken from the Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport to the downtown area where the majority of hotels and accommodations are located.
TRAVEL TIP: Skip the plane ride and take it slow! Ask a Trip Specialist about the Patagonia Fjord Route navigating 4 Days & 3 Nights along Chile’s mesmerizing coast from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales!
After working up an appetite traveling all this way, the first thing for many is getting out to try the local food! Fresh seafoods, delicate roasted lamb, delicious pizzas & burgers, craft beers and fine wines, and incredible pastries & desserts. So what’s our top choices for local cuisine?
Santolla – trendy shipping container restaurant with great upscale seafood
Cafe Artimaña – original to it’s name & menu – our pick is the Artimaña Limonada
El Puesto Restrobar – contemporary bar & grill, excellent variety of appetizers
La Forestera – Ok, we’re callin’ this one – THE BEST burgers & fries in Natales!
Pampa Restrobar – popular bar & grill with nice outdoor patio and great music
Afrigonia – Africa meets Patagonia in one of the best restaurants in town!
La Guanaca Pizzeria – delicious wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and craft beer
Masay – local sandwicheria iconic to Natales and a favorite joint among locals!
Cormorán de las Rocas – upscale dining with an incredible overlooking view of the waterfront and fjords. After dinner, you might as well check out the next door Wine Market for some exceptional selections and tastings of fine Chilean wine!
TRAVEL TIP: A standard 15% gratuity is automatically included on meal checks at restaurants so no need to worry about tipping! (Unless you want to give a little more which is ok too!)
Whether you’re in the planning stages of your trip and have yet to choose your accommodation or if you have just arrived and need a great place to rest, we’ve provided a dynamic list of some of the best hotel and overnight accommodations in town!
Hotel Vendaval – old Patagonian architecture, quiet rooms with great views, natural light, & an incredible rooftop patio
Vinnhaus – centrally located grand boutique hotel with restaurant & bar that shares a beautiful touch of Berlin mixed with unique Patagonian styles
The Singular – 5 star hotel that shares an important history with the development and history of Natales! One of the best restaurants in Chile, has a premium spa and only 10 minutes from Natales
Altiplanico – exceptionally designed hotel exhibiting the natural Patagonia elements of its location, cozy rooms with waterfront views and rustic hot tubs
Hotel Simple Patagonia – reminiscent of the traditional farmsteads of Patagonia countryside, spectacular views of the Last Hope Sound and only 5 minutes from town
NOI Indigo – trendy hotel on the coast, centrally located, great restaurant, spa on the last floor with amazing views
Kau Lodge – trendy hostel with waterfront views! Great shopping & coffee bar on the first floor
Hotel Factoria – located near the heart of Puerto Natales, estancia inspired architecture highlighting native wood and light-filled rooms with a small restaurant offering great food
TRAVEL TIP: Be sure to make your accommodation reservations in advance since many hotels fill up quickly during high season. And as a great alternative, check out some wonderful hidden AirBnB gems in town!
With so many active travel experiences within reach in Puerto Natales and perhaps limited travel time, many of our guests ask the golden question – what is there to do while in Puerto Natales? Aside from visiting Torres del Paine National Park and its surroundings, here are our top local what-to-dos!
Walk ‘La Costanera’ – enjoy the best views of the Last Hope Sound, dramatic fjords, snow-capped mountains & iconic sights along the waterfront walkway
Visit ‘El Galpon Cultural Center’ – check for cultural events such as art showings and community events at this historic warehouse along the coast
Kayak Eberhard Fjord – enjoy a half day kayak excursion on quiet waters protected by this historical fjord
Explore the Municipal Historic Museum – journey along the immersive and fascinating history of Southern Patagonia & Puerto Natales
Shop the Pueblo Artesenal Etherh Aike – support local artists who sell their beautiful handcrafted products at this indoor artisan gallery
Visit Laguna Sofía – 30 minutes outside of Natales lies an incredible lagoon with plenty of hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing adventures
City Bike Tour – cruise around town, along the coast, and through the plazas of Puerto Natales on the perfect bike tour
Enjoy a local Estancia Experience – no better way to experience the culture, food, customs, and heart of Southern Patagonia than by visiting one of the many estancias (ranches) of the region
Tour the Last Hope Distillery – free tours are offered from Wednesday to Sunday during the high season (October – April). Tours are offered in English at 17:30 and a tour in Spanish at 18:30. No need to book, just arrive at least 10 minutes before the tour starts!
TRAVEL TIP: No matter what activity you decide to enjoy – always be prepared for Patagonia’s notorious changing weather. Always be sure to carry a waterproof & windproof jacket!
