Puerto Natales
City · Chile

Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales, Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena, Chile

Puerto Natales is a picturesque port city in Chilean Patagonia, situated on the shores of the Señoret Channel. Best known as the primary gateway to…

#Patagonia#Southern Chile#Torres del Paine National Park#Fjords#Adventure Travel
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Top Hotels in Puerto Natales

Top Flights to Puerto Natales

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Highlights

Things to do in Puerto Natales

What travellers talk about most.

Tours

Torres del Paine National Park

One of the most beautiful natural reserves in the world, known for its stunning mountains, glaciers, and lakes.

CLP 35,000

Puerto Natales Waterfront

A scenic area along the sea with stunning views of fjords and the mountains of Chilean Patagonia.

Milodon Cave Natural Monument

A site where the remains of a prehistoric ground sloth were discovered, offering geological and paleontological interest.

4.7(8k)CLP 11,000

See it for yourself

Location videos

Reels and longer watches.

Featured for Puerto Natales

Traveller clips picked out for this place.

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Good to know

Practical info

Weather, costs and getting around.

Puerto Natales, Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena, Chile Open in Google Maps
When to go

Scored from each month’s typical high and its usual conditions.

GoodMixedAvoid
Best monthsNov – Mar
Worth avoidingApr – Aug
September · cloudHigh 9°C Low 2°C
Mixed

The weather in Puerto Natales is typically cool and windy with frequent rainfall throughout the year. Summers are mild with daytime temperatures ranging from 50-60°F (10-15°C), while winters are cold with temperatures dropping to 30-40°F (0-5°C). It is advisable to pack warm clothing and rain gear when visiting this region.

All 12 monthshighs, lows and conditions
Jan
cloud
15°7°
Feb
cloud
15°7°
Mar
cloud
13°5°
Apr
rain
10°3°
May
rain
7°1°
Jun
rain
5°0°
Jul
snow
5°0°
Aug
snow
6°1°
Sep
cloud
9°2°
Oct
cloud
11°3°
Nov
cloud
13°5°
Dec
cloud
15°6°
Currency
$ | CLP | Chilean Peso
Population
21,477 (2017)
Density
0 / km²
Local time
Languages
Spanish mainly · english
Budget / day
$60000 - $250000
Also known as
Puerto Consuelo, Puerto Bories, Puerto Prat, Natales

Know before you go

Local guide

A deeper read on Puerto Natales.

What people love

Puerto Natales is the ultimate basecamp for exploring Chilean Patagonia. Its proximity to Torres del Paine National Park makes it an essential stop for hikers and nature lovers. The town boasts breathtaking scenery, situated right on the edge of a stunning fjord with dramatic mountain backdrops. Visitors can enjoy world-class outdoor activities, including glacier boat tours, kayaking, and horseback riding. Despite its remote location, the town offers excellent tourism infrastructure, featuring cozy boutique hotels, outdoor gear rental shops, and fantastic restaurants serving fresh Patagonian lamb and king crab.

What to know

The most significant drawback to visiting Puerto Natales is the unpredictable and often harsh Patagonian weather, characterized by fierce winds, sudden rain, and cold temperatures even in summer. Because it is a major tourist hub, prices for accommodation, food, and tours can be quite high compared to the rest of Chile. The town can also feel overcrowded during the peak summer months from December to February. Additionally, its remote location means getting there requires long bus rides from Punta Arenas or El Calafate, or expensive seasonal flights.

Puerto Natales is a city located in the southern Chilean region of Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena. It was founded on May 31, 1911, and has since become an important gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park.

Significant events in the history of Puerto Natales include its foundation as a port town to support the livestock trade in the region. In the early 20th century, the town experienced rapid growth due to the sheep farming industry, with many European immigrants settling in the area.

One of the key historical figures associated with Puerto Natales is the German immigrant Hermann Eberhard, who played a crucial role in the development of the town's infrastructure and economy. Eberhard was instrumental in establishing the first sheep ranches in the area and promoting the growth of Puerto Natales as an important hub for the region's agricultural activities.

Important landmarks in Puerto Natales include the historic pier, which was constructed in the early 20th century and served as a vital link for transporting goods and people to and from the town. The Municipal Historical Museum of Puerto Natales is another notable landmark, showcasing the history and cultural heritage of the region.

Additionally, the stunning natural surroundings of Puerto Natales, including the nearby fjords, mountains, and glaciers, make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The city's proximity to Torres del Paine National Park, known for its iconic granite peaks and diverse wildlife, further cements Puerto Natales as a must-visit location in southern Chile.

Overall, Puerto Natales has a rich history shaped by its role as a port town, its ties to the sheep farming industry, and its stunning natural scenery, making it a unique and vibrant destination in the Patagonian region of Chile.