Puerto Natales
Travelers come to Puerto Natales to reach Torres del Paine, with its granite towers and glacier lakes, and to stay in a quiet Patagonian port between treks.
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Puerto Natales is a small port on Last Hope Sound in Chile's Magallanes region, in southern Patagonia. Most of its streets run down to a waterfront lined with cafes and tour offices, with the Andes behind the town. Travelers use it as a base for Torres del Paine National Park, about two hours north by bus or car, and the park's bus and tour links start here. The town itself is quiet and easy to walk.
The park draws people for its granite towers, glacier-fed lakes and long trekking routes. Nearby, the Cueva del Milodón, a large cave where remains of a prehistoric ground sloth were found, is about 30 minutes by car. The town suits hikers, nature lovers and anyone who wants a slower stop before or after the park. The main season runs roughly from October to April, when most park services are open. Plan at least two or three days in town and the park combined.
Puerto Natales in five
- Book Torres del Paine entry and buses earlyThe park is managed by CONAF, which sets the entry rules and payment process, so check its official site before you go. Buses from Puerto Natales fill quickly in high season.Tours and tickets
- Set up a data plan before you leave townMobile signal fades quickly once you leave Puerto Natales. Get an eSIM or local SIM before the bus, and download offline maps and bus times.Phones and eSIM
- Carry Chilean pesos for small purchasesCarry pesos for buses, small cafés and tips. ATMs are few outside town, so withdraw money in Puerto Natales before you head into the park.
- Pack a windproof shell for every dayWind is strong on Last Hope Sound and inside the park, and the weather can change within an hour. Pack a windproof shell and warm layers, even in January.
- Choose the W or the O circuit before bookingThe W is shorter and takes in the park's famous towers. The O circuit is longer and more remote. Pick one before you book campsites or refuges.
Things to do in Puerto Natales
See all attractions in Puerto Natales
Need to know
- Currency
- Chilean peso (CLP)
- Entry
- Depends on nationality; check the rules before you fly
- Emergency
- 133 police, 131 ambulance, 132 fire
- Tipping
- About 10% in restaurants, unless a tip is already added to the bill
- Time
- UTC-3, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryLong days, busy
- FebruaryWarm, busy
- MarchFewer crowds
- AprilAutumn, cooler
- MayCold, short days
- JuneWinter, cold
- JulyCold, quiet
- AugustCold, windy
- SeptemberEarly spring
- OctoberCool, windy
- NovemberSpring, quieter
- DecemberLong days
Right now in Puerto Natales
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
10
- Feels like
- 6°
- Humidity
- 61%
- Wind
- 17 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 88%
Puerto Natales
05:43 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today11°4°88%Monday: Drizzle. High 11°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 88%.
- Tue12°7°86%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 12°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 86%.
- Wed12°6°96%Wednesday: Rain. High 12°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 96%.
- Thu10°4°82%Thursday: Drizzle. High 10°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 82%.
- Fri12°5°5%Friday: Cloudy. High 12°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Sat14°8°73%Saturday: Drizzle. High 14°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 73%.
- Sun15°7°53%Sunday: Drizzle. High 15°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 53%.
Updated 01:47 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 990.8 CLP
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Torres del Paineabout 2 hours by bus or carThe park's towers, lakes and glacier viewpoints. Go for a day or stay for the W.
- Cueva del Milodónabout 30 min by carA large cave where prehistoric ground sloth remains were found, a short walk from the car park.
- Punta Arenasabout 3 to 4 hours by busChile's largest city in the far south, with the regional museum and views over the Strait of Magellan.
Before you go to Puerto Natales
Rules for Puerto Natales, checked
- Camp only at designated sites in Torres del Paine, stay on marked trails, and check current park rules at conaf.cl before you go.Source
- Chile restricts fresh food, meat, plants and seeds at the border. Declare them on arrival and check the agriculture service SAG's current list.
- Lighting fires outside designated areas is prohibited in the park. Check the rule with CONAF before you pack a stove or fuel.
- Chile's entry rules and reciprocity fees change for some nationalities. Check the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs list before you fly.
Plan around Puerto Natales
Chile as a whole, from Santiago to Patagonia
Read the guideMoney and cardsPaying in pesos and using cards in town
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules to check before you fly
Read the guideWhere to stayTown bases and stays near the park road
Read the guideGetting aroundBuses to the park and between towns
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData plans for maps, buses and bookings
Read the guidePuerto Natales FAQ
Is Puerto Natales worth visiting?
Yes, as a base for Torres del Paine and boat trips to the Serrano Glacier. The town itself is small, so one or two days in town is enough.
How many days do you need in Puerto Natales?
Three or four nights covers one or two park day hikes and a day in town. A W or O trek needs four to nine days on the trail, so add those days if you plan one.
How do you get from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales?
By bus, about 3 to 4 hours on the road north. Book a seat ahead in high season, when buses sell out.
Do I need a tour to visit Torres del Paine?
No. Buses run from Puerto Natales to the park, and independent hikers can book campsites or refuges directly. A tour suits day visitors who want less planning.
Is it cold in Puerto Natales in summer?
Summer days are mild and long, but wind and rain change quickly. Bring layers and waterproof clothes even in January.