Puerto Natales – the gateway city to Torres del Paine National Park – this quiet coastal “pueblo” has grown in popularity among international travelers looking for stunning & unforgettable adventures while enjoying the slow-paced eclectic local lifestyle, diverse history and unique culture of Southern Patagonia.
We’ve narrowed down our top travel tips for the best local eats, top places to stay and things to do in Puerto Natales in 2023-2024 to help you enjoy the best experience during your time in this beloved, colorful coastal town. Discover even more travel tips on the KAYAK Puerto Natales Travel Guide!
HOW TO GET HERE
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 now fly directly to Puerto Natales from Santiago to the Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT) via a 3 hour flight. A 10 minute taxi ride can be taken from the small airport to the downtown area where the majority of hotels and accommodations are located in Natales.
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.
If traveling within South America, connections to Santiago are available via a 3.5 hour flight from Sao Paulo Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU) or a 2 hour flight from Buenos Aires, Argentina to the Ezeiza International Airport (EZE). Combining trips in Calafate, Argentina is quite popular for many travelers which offers a convenient connection to the Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE). From Calafate, regular bus departures are offered directly to Puerto Natales or private transfers are also available!
Check the following Chilean Airlines for flight schedules:
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!
WHERE TO DINE
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 @santolla.rest
Cafe Artimaña – original to it’s name & menu – our pick is the Artimaña Limonada @artimagnacafe
El Puesto Restobar – contemporary bar & grill, excellent variety of appetizers @elpuesto_restobar
La Forastera – Ok, we’re callin’ this one – THE BEST burgers & fries in Natales! @hamburgueserialaforastera
Pampa Restrobar – popular bar & grill with nice outdoor patio and great music @pampa.restobar
Go Bar de Hielo Natales – an ice bar with exquisite drinks and music. A unique concept replicating the inside of a glacier. @gobardehielo
Afrigonia – Africa meets Patagonia in one of the best restaurants in town! @afrigoniapuertonatales
La Mesita Grande – delicious wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and craft beer @mesitagrande_puertonatales
Masay – local sandwicheria iconic to Natales and a favorite joint among locals!
Cormorán de las Rocas @cormoranpuertonatales – 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 @wine_and_market for some exceptional selections and tastings of fine Chilean wine!
El Asador Patagonico – local specialists in delicious meats and authentic plates prepared in typical Patagonia style al palo ‘on a stick’. A great place for meat and wine lovers! @asadorpatagonico
Restaurant Bahía Mansa – signature cuisine recognized for its gastronomic standards, using sustainable raw materials direct from our beautiful region @restaurantbahiamansa
Café Kaiken – exquisite dishes like ravioli, empanadas, picarones, & more prepared with the best products from Patagonia @cafekaiken.cl
Café Cacique Mulato – right along the coast with terrific views! Fresh prepared coffees and some beloved dishes like fish & chips and classic Chilean cuisine @cafe.cacique.mulato.costanera
Patagonia Dulce – @chocolateria_patagoniadulce locally, handmade artisanal chocolates, cakes, cookies, grilled sandwiches, and a selection of coffee! Great atmosphere to enjoy something sweet. Bonus – they sell fresh made bread made from the hands of @lafamilia.panaderia
La Caldera – modern cafe with bits of Patagonia’s past. Located right on the coast, this is one of the top spots for grilled sandwiches & bagels, excellent coffee selections, hand dipped ice cream, and an assortment of sweet treats! @la_caldera_
Factoria – conveniently located inside the Factoria Boutique Hostal, this small restaurant has freshmade pastas perfect for a delicious lunch or dinner! @factoriapatagoniachile
El Pibe – For those who have a sweet tooth, then this is the place to go! Fresh facturas (pastries), cookies, cakes, and deli sandwiches made each and every morning. @elpibenatales.cl
TRAVEL TIP: A standard 10% 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!)
WHERE TO STAY
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 @hotelvendaval
Hotel The Veat – A downtown plant powered & pet friendly hotel setting the stage for your next Patagonian adventure. Beautiful atmosphere and on-site cafe. @hoteltheveat
Vinnhaus – centrally located grand boutique hotel with restaurant & bar that shares a beautiful touch of Berlin mixed with unique Patagonian styles @vinnhausnatales
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 @thesingularhotels
Altiplanico – exceptionally designed hotel exhibiting the natural Patagonia elements of its location, cozy rooms with waterfront views, rustic hot tubs, and a great bar & restaurant in house @hoteles_altiplanico
Hotel Simple Patagonia – reminiscent of the traditional farmsteads of Patagonia countryside, spectacular views of the Last Hope Sound and only 5 minutes from town @simplepatagoniahotel
NOI Indigo – trendy hotel on the coast, centrally located, great restaurant, spa on the last floor with amazing views @noiindigopatagonia
Kau Patagonia – trendy hostel with waterfront views! Great shopping & coffee bar on the first floor @kaupatagonia
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 @factoriapatagoniachile
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 @elgalponlab – check for cultural events such as art showings and community events at this historic warehouse along the coast
Kayak Eberhard Fjord – enjoy a full day kayak excursion on quiet waters protected by this beautiful historical fjord
Explore the Municipal Historic Museum @muni_natales – journey along the immersive and fascinating history of Southern Patagonia & Puerto Natales
Shop the Pueblo Artesenal Etherh Aike @puebloartesanaletherh – 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 @lasthope_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!
With so many wonderful things to do in this one-of-a-kind place, you are sure to be able to leave with some of the best experiences and unforgettable memories!
For more destination information, travel tips & planning in Puerto Natales and its surroundings, be sure to contact one of our Trip Specialist info@chilenativo.travel or discover more tips featured in the KAYAK Puerto Natales Travel Guide!
