Puerto Natales Travel Guide | Business

Q: Best months to visit Puerto Natales?

The best months to visit are between October and April, when the weather is milder, days are longer, and most tours and attractions are open.

Q: Where do locals eat the best seafood?

La Picada de Carlitos and Santolla are popular local spots for fresh seafood, including king crab and Patagonian specialties.

Q: How do I get to Torres del Paine from town?

Buses leave daily from the Puerto Natales terminal to Torres del Paine. It takes about 2 hours; buy your ticket the day before in high season.

Q: What local souvenirs should I buy?

Look for handmade wool goods, Patagonian jams, and artisanal chocolates at local markets, like the Feria Artesanal near the main plaza.

Q: Can I see glaciers without trekking?

Yes, boat tours to Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers leave from Puerto Natales and are great for non-trekkers seeking epic glacier views.

Q: What are the best places for a long-term stay in Puerto Natales?

Apartment-style accommodations such as Natales Apart and Patagonia Apartments provide home-like comforts and are ideal for long-term visitors. These options offer easy access to dining and services in downtown Puerto Natales ( Puerto Natales ). Booking platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb are also recommended for finding long-term stays. Staying in the town center is particularly convenient for access to business services and reliable WiFi.

Introduction

Puerto Natales, nestled on the shores of the Señoret Channel in southern Chile, is a gateway to Patagonia’s stunning landscapes. Founded in 1911 as a port for the thriving sheep farming industry, the town retains its rugged charm, with colorful buildings and friendly locals.

Visiting in mid-October means experiencing the lively spring, with cool temperatures and frequent, brisk winds. The town’s vibrant culinary scene, unique boutique hotels, and coworking cafes make it an ideal spot for business travelers seeking inspiration. Engage with local entrepreneurs, enjoy world-class seafood, and explore the bustling waterfront before your next meeting.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleBusiness

Dates10-17 October 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel, apartment or house

Interests and Activities:

festivals and eventsgastronomynightlife and entertainmentoutdoor adventuresarts and culturesightseeing and toursvolunteering

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Picture of Puerto Natales, Natales, Chile

Key Facts

Location

Magallanes Region

Currency

Chilean Peso (CLP)

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Population

21,500

Language

Spanish, English

Electricity

220V, 50Hz, Type C/L

Time zone

UTCCLT (UTC-3)

Country code

+56

Internet access

Available, moderate speed, reasonable cost

Climate

Cool, windy, and rainy

See More Chile Facts

Language:

Spanish

hello
hola (oh-lah)
goodbye
adiós (ah-dyohs)
yes
sí (see)
no
no (noh)
how much
¿cuánto cuesta esto? (kwan-to kwes-tah es-to)
please
por favor (por fah-vor)
thank you
gracias (grah-see-as)
excuse me
perdón (pehr-dohn)

Map

Logistics

To reach Puerto Natales, most travelers fly into Santiago and then connect to Punta Arenas (PUQ), the nearest major airport, about three hours away by road. Buses from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales run several times a day and are affordable; pre-booking is wise, especially in peak season.

There are no train lines to Puerto Natales, but ferries operate from Puerto Montt, offering scenic but much longer journeys. In October, weather in Patagonia can be unpredictable, so allow extra travel time and dress in layers. Roads are generally accessible, but occasional spring winds may cause minor delays for buses or flights, so flexibility in schedules is helpful.

Weather

Puerto Natales has a cool, windy, and often unpredictable climate due to its southern Patagonian location. The weather is generally chilly year-round, with average highs ranging from 10°C (50°F) in summer to 3°C (37°F) in winter. Strong winds and sudden rain can occur at any time, so layered clothing is recommended.

During mid-October, including October 10 to 17, spring begins to emerge but temperatures remain cool, typically between 4°C (39°F) and 11°C (52°F). Expect blustery winds and occasional rain showers; extreme weather is rare, but be prepared for rapid weather changes. It's a great time for outdoor adventures, sightseeing, and sampling local gastronomy as tourism starts to pick up.

Food & Drink

Puerto Natales offers delicious Patagonian cuisine, featuring specialties like grilled lamb (cordero al palo), king crab (centolla), and hearty stews. Local beers, Chilean wines, and mate tea are also popular. For a business-style, mid-range meal, try restaurants like Mesita Grande (famed for pizza and fresh pasta), Santolla (noted for seafood), or La Guanaca for casual dining.

Cafés such as Café Kaikén provide relaxing atmospheres for coffee meetings, while Bar Baguales offers a good craft beer selection. Vegetarian options are increasingly available, but it’s best to check ahead for specific dietary needs. Tipping is customary—10% is typical and often included but can be adjusted for service.

Reservations are recommended during peak tourist season (October–March), especially for dinner. Most restaurants accept credit cards, but carrying some cash is useful, and dress is casual-smart, suitable for combining business with local exploration.

Empanada

Empanadas are a beloved Chilean snack, featuring a flavorful filling of meat, onions, olives, and hard-boiled egg, all...

Cazuela

Cazuela is a delightful Chilean stew that typically includes chunks of meat, corn, rice, potatoes, and vegetables, all...

Chorrillana

Chorrillana is a hearty and indulgent Chilean dish composed of French fries topped with pan-fried beef, onions, and...

Pastel de Choclo

Pastel de Choclo is a traditional Chilean dish that features a savory pie made with a sweet corn...

Curanto

Curanto is a unique Chilean dish that originated in the Chiloé Archipelago, showcasing a blend of seafood, meat,...

Accommodation

Puerto Natales offers comfortable hotels like Hotel Costaustralis and NOI Indigo Patagonia, both centrally located with great amenities for business travelers. For apartment-style stays, consider Natales Apart or Patagonia Apartments, which provide home-like comforts and easy access to dining and services in the downtown area.

Booking.com and Airbnb are the top platforms for reserving hotels or apartments. The town center is ideal for convenience, with most business services, ATMs, and reliable WiFi available. October is high season due to spring and increased Patagonia tourism, so it’s best to book accommodations well in advance to ensure availability and good rates.

Itinerary

Day 1

October 11 · Saturday

Ease into your arrival in Puerto Natales by acclimating to the town, preparing for business activities, and getting a feel for the local surroundings and amenities.

Stroll Along the Costanera Waterfront

Ease into your stay with a relaxing walk along the scenic Costanera, the waterfront promenade of Puerto Natales. Enjoy mountain and fjord views, spot local birdlife, and get oriented with the heart of the town. Perfect for unwinding after travel and taking in the Patagonian atmosphere.

Costanera, Puerto Natales, Chile

Coffee Break at Café Kaikén

Stop for a revitalizing coffee and pastry at Café Kaikén, a local favorite. This is a great spot to check Wi-Fi, catch up on emails, or review your business schedule in a comfortable environment frequented by locals and travelers alike.

Café Kaikén, Manuel Baquedano 654, Puerto Natales, Chile

Visit the Municipal Market for Local Goods

Browse the Mercado Municipal to get a sense of local Patagonian products, handicrafts, and fresh foods. This is ideal for scouting regional delicacies and souvenirs while practicing your Spanish and mingling with residents.

Mercado Municipal, Puerto Natales, Chile

Full-Day Tour Torres del Paine National Park from Puerto Natales

INSTANT

Free Cancellation

Depart from your hotel in Puerto Natales to discover the wonders of Torres del Paine National Park. This full-day tour brings visitors to the most scenic panoramas of the park that are accessible by vehicle. Visit its most famous attractions while learning about flora and fauna of the mountains that characterize the area. As you ride through the park, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy its amazing views, to discover a beautiful waterfall, to gaze at its beautiful lakes and lagoons from the lookout points, and to explore further as you go on short hikes for some even better perspectives.

4.7 (217 reviews)

From $116 USD

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Day 2

October 12 · Sunday

Day 3

October 13 · Monday

Venture into the Patagonian outdoors to engage with the region's dramatic landscapes, enjoying both active pursuits and breathtaking natural beauty.

Full-Day Excursion to Torres del Paine National Park

Embark on a guided tour of Torres del Paine National Park, where you'll witness stunning sights like the iconic granite towers, glacial lakes, and wildlife. Pack layers, snacks, and your camera for this unforgettable adventure.

Torres del Paine National Park, Magallanes, Chile

Boat Trip to Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers

Set out on a scenic boat ride through the Última Esperanza fjord, getting up close to the impressive Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. Bring a jacket and watch for native fauna like sea lions along the way.

Puerto Natales Pier, Puerto Natales, Chile

Hiking the Mirador Dorotea Trail

Hike up the Mirador Dorotea trail just outside Puerto Natales for sweeping panoramic views of the town and fjords below. Suitable for moderate fitness; wear sturdy shoes and start early for the best light.

Mirador Dorotea, Ruta 9, Puerto Natales, Chile

Torres del Paine Full Day Private Couples, families and/or friends.

INSTANT

Free Cancellation

We invite you to enjoy a full day in Torres del Paine, visiting the most iconic viewpoints of the Paine mountain range. Between Ulmos and Lengas it offers tourist services that move away from mass tourism betting on delivering personalized experiences. We target small groups to avoid crowding. Our goal is to offer a service where the client can connect with nature in a calm and safe way, away from the saturation of the most exploited places and instances, respecting the environment and avoiding being invasive with our local flora and fauna, that is why our itineraries have different schedules that allows us to order the tour different from the others. We work with safety protocols because we prioritize our and your peace of mind, keeping our vehicles and equipment in excellent condition so that your experiences are full.

5.0 (22 reviews)

From $810 USD

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Day 4

October 14 · Tuesday

Day 5

October 15 · Wednesday

Day 6

October 16 · Thursday

Day 7

October 17 · Friday

Experiences

volunteering

Farming Experience in Chile

Minimum 1 week

Chile

$495/week

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volunteering

Renovation and Construction in Chile

Minimum 1 week

Chile

$495/week

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teaching

English Teaching in Chile

Minimum 1 week

Chile

$495/week

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Attractions

5.0 (3 reviews)

Full Day Private Tour to Torres del Paine

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL

Free Cancellation

With this tour you will have a general and precise vision of the Torres del Paine National Park learning about flora, fauna, history, culture and geography.

From $350 USD

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5.0 (3 reviews)

Full-Day Hiking Base Las Torres - Torres del Paine National Park

INSTANT

Free Cancellation

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Torres del Paine National Park. Have your camera on hand as you pass an ever-changing landscape of glittering lakes, lagoons and glaciers. Enjoy a 19-km hike through a beautiful valley, an old suspension bridge and sparse vegetation, crossing streams and traversing woodlands to finally admire the outstanding view of the three towers (Central, Monzino, Dagostini). Rest and have lunch in this extraordinary and unique place and make a postcard to never be forgotten!

From $277 USD

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