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Puerto Natales is a town in Chile, the gateway to Trekking in Torres del Payne or Bernardo O'Higgins National Parks. It offers good infrastructure, especially a few trekking shops (although you'd do better to get your gear in Punta Arenas) and not-so-cheap supermarkets.

[edit] Get in

Daily buses arrive from El Calafate (Argentina) (about six hours). It's not allowed to bring fruit, vegetables or animal products from Argentina into Chile. Chilean border officials sometimes check the luggage.

It is possible to drive from Rio Gallegos, Argentina, to Puerto Natales. Trip takes 8-12 hours across the southern cone of the continent along a gravel road. Enquire in Rio Gallegos. Bring a spare tire.

Buses arrive and depart several times a day from Punta Arenas, Chile. The trip takes about three hours. There are several companies including Bus Fernandez (who do not seem to reply to emails, and are often the most booked). Frustratingly it does not seem possible to pre-book tickets direct from the airport without visiting the ticket office in person. Those who can may be able to get the regular bus diverted via the airport saving them a trip to Punta Arenas centre. Most bus companies will do this,but you should ask when you purchase your ticket.

Buses and tours depart to Torres del Paine, El Calafate and El Chalten through several agencies in town, during summer book ahead.

[edit] Get around

This is a small, waterside town that is easily accessible by foot.

[edit][add listing] See

The Cueva de Milodon is just outside of Puerto Natales. The Milodon is an extinct 12 foot tall giant sloth, this was its home. If you have time, there's a scenic interpretive loop trail.

2 km NW of Natales is the old freezer plant at Puerto Bories, constructed in 1913 and the reason for the existence of Puerto Natales, which served as the lodging and supply point for the frigorifico plant. It is now a museum.

[edit][add listing] Do

See the harbour, do a trek in Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno, Milodon Cave, catch a boat on one of the lakes.

There are guided rentals of motorcycles (Kawasaki KLR650) for adventure tours of southern Patagonia. The owner has been riding Patagonia since 1978 and takes clients to points that many tourists would miss. Inquire at Coffee and Books at 226 Blanco Encalada, one block from the plaza. Also inquire via patagonia2004@hotmail.com

• Walk to the boatyard. South on Pedro Montt, about 1 km beyond the Navimag pier. Wooden fishing boats are hauled ashore for painting, repair, or sometimes just abandoned. Don't forget your camera.  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Miriam Parra handicraft, Manuel Bulnes. Great handicrafts excellent quality situated on one of the main roads in Natales. Everything from sheep skin to wooden craft.
• Taller del Arbol, Eberhard 36, ☎ (56)61 411461. Custom made jewelry. Even if you're not buying, they're happy to talk.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

Eat in Afrigonia restaurant they have the best food in town be sure to reserve first as it is a cute little place.

• Andres, Ladrilleros 381, Tel:412380. Great meat, fish and vegetarian dishes.
• El living - Cafe with great cakes, lunches and coffee. Plaza
• Mesa Grande - Good pizzas and salads. Get there early. Plaza
• Coffee and Books - Best coffee drinks (cappuccino etc) and kuchen, as well as book exchange program. Half of the shop sells JLM series trekking and driving maps, also posters, some camping gear. One block from plaza at Blanco Encalada 226.
• Ulltima Esperanza, Eberhard 354 (across from Afrigonicus). Good, moderately-priced seafood. Popular with families, and one of the first places to open on Sunday afternoon.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

Everything even tap water as it is straight from the glaciers and some of the freshest in the world

[edit][add listing] Sleep

There are plenty of hostels and residentials around the town.

• Backpacker's El Refugio O'Higgins 484 +5661414881 A great, cozy hostel with low prices, comfy beds and a safe, warm atmosphere! http://www.puertonataleshostel.com

• Casa Cecilia, Tomás Rogers 64, (061-411797). This hostel also rents out trekking equipment.

• Hostal Lili Patagonicos, Prat 479, phone (56-61) 414063. Friendly, central location, rents out trekking gear, organizes buses and tours. International crowd. Free internet (wlan), free breakfast (and it is a excellent breakfast). Kitchen use. Laundry.

• Los Inmigrantes, Carrera Pinto 480, Tel:413482. Good value, breakfast, equipment rental and luggage store.

• Lodging Evelyn, Chorrillos 779, phone +56-61-413583, eMail: lodgingevelyn(at)gmail.com. Good value, free breakfast, organizes busses, laundry service.

[edit] Get out

There are probably only two reasons to be in this town.

• Prepare your trek in Torres del Paine National Park.
• Take the Navimag to Puerto Montt.