8 things to do in Puerto Natales, Chile

8 things to do in Puerto Natales, Chile

“We wanted an adventure vacation, but we wanted to return to a cozy and comfortable place in the evening,” said Matt and Kirsty, two Americans we met during our stay in Puerto Natales.

Like them, we visited the windswept plains of Chilean Patagonia out of season, meaning multi-day hikes through Torres del Paine were out of the question. But that didn't completely dampen our experience. There was still plenty of adventure to be had outside of Torres del Paine National Park, without spending our days trudging along a hiking trail and just a restless night under a canvas tent (not that I mind, of course).

The charming little town of Puerto Natales offers impressive views of dramatic scenery and easy access to Chilean Patagonia outside Torres del Paine National Park.

Here are some alternative activities in Puerto Natales and surrounding areas.

1. Explore Seno Última Esperanza

Puerto Natales enjoys a picturesque location on the Seno Última Esperanza coast and is best explored by bike. The calm emerald waters are surrounded by diverse vegetation, making it an ideal spot for bird watching. There is an abundance of seagulls, Chilean skuas, condors and cormorants in the area. From Puerto Natales you cycle northwest to Eberhard Fjord. Upon arriving on the shores of the fjord, you will be greeted by views of the bay stretching from the mouth of the fjord to the slopes of Monte Balmaceda in the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park.

2. Catamaran tour from Seno Última Esperanz

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If you don't feel like going on a bike ride, there is a more relaxing option. The catamaran departs from the ferry terminal and takes you along the same tranquil shores, albeit a little faster. From the boat you can get a much closer look at the many waterfalls and wildlife throughout the area. Expect to see lots of sea lions, seagulls, Chilean skuas, condors and even a cormorant colony. You can also take a closer look at the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers on a short shore excursion.

3. Horse riding in the Sierra Dorotea

The Sierra Dorotea rocky outcrop is a sprawling mountain range with exceptional scenery, offering sweeping views over the fertile Pampas lowlands and the winding Patagonian steppe. Horseback riding excursions are led by Gauchos (known locally as Baquedanos) who have lived and worked on the site their entire lives. The day usually (and rightly so) ends with a hot cup of mate tea next to a roaring campfire.

4. Cueva del Milodon natural monument

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On the flanks of Cerro Benítez, 24 km (15 miles) northwest of Puerto Natales, lies the Milodon Cave (Cueva del Milodón). The cave, one of several in the area, is named after the mylodon, an extinct giant ground sloth that more closely resembles a giant bear.

Numerous fossils of the mammal have been found in the cave and the surrounding area, where the animal lived until 10,000 years ago. A huge life-size model greets visitors as they arrive.

5. Kayaking on the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers

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Numerous half-day kayak tours depart from the pier in Puerto Natales. However, for a longer adventure on the water, consider taking a one- or even two-day trip from Toro Pier at the entrance to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. This quiet corner of Patagonia is reserved almost exclusively for kayakers, with a campsite dedicated just for them. The excursion takes visitors up close to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers.

6. Fly fishing

One thing you'll notice about this area of ​​Patagonia is that there's a lot of water. And with water comes fish. Experienced anglers come to the area every year for the fantastic fly fishing opportunities. There are three main zones to choose from (North, South and Central) as well as half and full day trips. There are also a variety of locations with fjords, rivers, streams and streams to choose from.

7. Tour of the city of Puerto Natales

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The town of Puerto Natales itself has enough to keep the visitor busy for at least a day. In the morning we visited the municipal Museo Histórico with its collection of archaeological artifacts, including a Yaghan canoe, Tehuelche bolas and many historical photos. In the afternoon, stroll through the city center and main square, the fishing harbor and perhaps visit an art gallery or two along the waterfront.

There are also local tours to nearby ranches where several families grow fruits and vegetables in their greenhouses.

8. Lamb barbecue at Villa Bories, Puerto Consuelo

After an eventful day, reward yourself with a hearty meal! No matter how you get to the first established estancia in the province of Última Esperanza (there are cycling, hiking and boating opportunities), Villa Bories serves an excellent grilled lamb. Señor Erik Eberhard, the great-grandson of the German pioneer who first settled the area, awaits his guests with a traditional lamb sizzling slowly on a spit.

THE ESSENTIAL

What: Puerto Natales is a small town known as the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. The town and surrounding areas are often overlooked because of the park, but there is plenty to do in Puerto Natales and the surrounding area.

Where: Puerto Natales is the second largest city in Chilean Patagonia and is located 250 km north of the region's first city, Punta Arenas. We stayed at the Remota Patagonia Lodge, which is a short walk from town. The striking hotel is designed to blend in with its surroundings and features peat roofs, sustainable local materials and energy-saving innovations such as an indoor air system that efficiently recycles air two to three times a day. The hotel can offer or organize all of the above-mentioned excursions.

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When: We visited the park in late fall (mid-May), which is not the best time to visit the park. However, most of the above excursions are available all year round and there were a few clearer days during our stay. The best time to travel is between November and April. Be warned that the weather in Patagonia is fickle and can change dramatically without warning throughout the year, so be prepared for all eventualities.

How: We stayed in Puerto Natales, which is 75 km (46 miles) from the southern entrance to the national park. If you want to visit Torres del Paine, you have to take the Ruta del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Route) to the park, which takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Remota Patagonia Lodge is a good base for exploring the city and taking day trips into the park itself. The friendly and professional hotel staff can arrange excursions as well as tailor-made experiences according to your wishes.

The distances in Chile are huge, so we recommend flying from Santiago to Punta Arenas with LAN. The best way to book tickets is via skyscanner.net.

From Punta Arenas it is a three-hour bus ride north to Puerto Natales. Buses leave regularly throughout the day and cost from around 5,000 CLP (£5/$8). There are several bus companies to choose from. We have used Buses Fernández and Bus Sur and can vouch for them. There are bus services to other parts of Chile as well as to destinations in Argentina, from both Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales.

In Patagonia is an account of Bruce Chatwin's travels to a remote land in search of a strange beast and his encounters with the people whose fascinating stories stop him on the road.

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