The Top Things to See and Do in Puerto Natales, Chile
Push deeper into southern Chile and you’ll happen up landscapes that leave you speechless and reaching for your camera. This is most definitely the case when it comes to the humble town of Puerto Natales, lodged between the border with Argentina and the interconnecting inlets and bays that encompass this fascinating region. Yes, we know you’re here for the poster-fabulous Torres del Paine National Park, but don’t miss a date with Puerto Natales.
1. Admire the Monumento de la Mano
Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark
Backdropped by the distant snow-capped peaks of the Cerro Monumento Moore, this monument is a photogenic curiosity – great for selfies. Resembling the fingertips of a subterranean giant bursting through the Earth’s crust beside the Gulf of Admiral Montt, this huge concrete hand was designed by sculptor Juan Andrade and built with the help of the local community. It’s an easy ten minutes’ walk from the centre of town.
2. Municipal History Museum
Museum
3. Glacier Grey
Natural Feature
Cascading down a valley from rugged granite mountains, crumbling into icebergs that drop into a turquoise lake, Glacier Grey is one of southern Patagonia’s most spectacular natural sights. The glacier – part of one of the largest ice fields beyond the poles – covers swathes of the mountains in Torres del Paine National Park and those adjecent. Tours are easy to organise through any of the agencies that operate in the park, or through local hotels.
5. Channel of Last Hope
Natural Feature
This glacier-carved fjord, framed by jagged, snowy mountains, lies just outside Puerto Natales harbour. It can be visited on a full-day boat trip and as well as the beautiful landscapes you will have the chance to glimpse sea lions, albatrosses and whales. The channel was named La Canal de Ultima Esperanza – the Channel of Last Hope – in the 16th century by Spanish navigator Juan Ladrillero, who believed that it was his final chance of finding passage through the Tierra del Fuego islands to the Magellan Strait.
6. Torres del Paine National Park
Park
7. Mirador Cerro Dorotea
Natural Feature, Hiking Trail
There are wonderful views from this flat-topped rock set in the hill above Puerto Natales: the Patagonian plains below your feet stretch to the winding straits of the Gulf of Admiral Montt and the distant snowy mountains of southern Patagonia. To get to Cerro Dorotea, follow Highway 9 beyond town for 10km (6mi) to the Mirador Dorotea trailhead, an hour’s steep walk from the lookout. It’s invariably a wind-blasted experience, so bring a warm coat.
8. Condor’s Nest
Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark
Southern Patagonia is the best place in the world to observe Andean condors. Enquire at hotels about organised guided walks, which begin in a local estancia. It’s a steep two-hour climb, but the views are worth it as you observe condors riding the thermals over the plains around Puerto Natales. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a close-up with the creatures as they settle on the cliff edge less than 100m (328ft) away.
9. Bernardo O’Higgins National Park
Natural Feature, Park, Forest
Dominated by mountains scored by deep fjords, this vast, rugged national park is far more remote than Torres del Paine and receives a fraction of the visitors. But the landscapes are magnificent – make a date with the giant Brüggen and Pius XI glaciers; see mountains clad in subpolar forests and the icy summits of Mount Fitzroy, Balmaceda and Lautaro volcano. The park is remote but trips can be organised through Blue Green Adventures.
10. Plaza de Armas Arturo Prat
Park, Architectural Landmark
In Puerto Natales’ central park you’ll find a small square tinkling with fountains overlooked by mock Tudor houses and a wooden church. It’s the ideal place to while away an hour or so with a paperback (when it’s warm) as sparrows flit through the trees overhead. The park is often busy with local skateboarders, so the people-watching is good. Check out the restored steam train positioned here: it once pulled wagonloads of cattle across the Patagonian plains.
This is an updated version of an article originally by Will Lees.
For great places to stay, check out our guide to the best hotels in Puerto Natales, Chile, bookable on Culture Trip.
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