WhereNext Ai Logo
Picture of Puerto Natales, Natales, Chile

Travel Guide for
Puerto Natales

Chile

Cool, windy, and rainy

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

Not what you're looking for? Create Your Own Guide!

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

    (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.

A picture of Empanada

Empanada

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

A picture of Cazuela

Cazuela

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

A picture of Chorrillana

Chorrillana

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

A picture of Pastel de Choclo

Pastel de Choclo

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

A picture of Curanto

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

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.

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.

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.

Full Day Patagonia Tour from Puerto Natales

Full Day Patagonia Tour from Puerto Natales

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This Experience will allow you to get to know the steppes and pampas of Patagonia, stopping at different viewpoints observing the flora and fauna of the area so that you can take the most beautiful photographs and contemplate this wonderful Patagonian Landscape.

5.0 (2 reviews)

From $95 USD

View Details

Experiences

Farming Experience in Chile
volunteering

Farming Experience in Chile

Minimum 1 week

Chile

$495/week

Learn More
Renovation and Construction in Chile
volunteering

Renovation and Construction in Chile

Minimum 1 week

Chile

$495/week

Learn More
English Teaching in Chile
teaching

English Teaching in Chile

Minimum 1 week

Chile

$495/week

Learn More

Attractions

4.7 (140 reviews)
Torres del Paine & Milodon cave day tour from Puerto Natales

Torres del Paine & Milodon cave day tour from Puerto Natales

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

The most comprehensive all-day tour (12 hours) of Torres del Paine Park with a little bit of hiking. Join our tour in a shuttle bus (15 seats) and discover Torres del Paine with Howlanders! The full-day tour of Torres del Paine provides the best opportunity to explore several sectors of the park. During the tour we’ll stop at the main attractions, so you won’t have to get too physical with this tour, making it suitable for all travelers :) The highlights of this all-day tour: -Views of Macizo Paine -Lake Sarmiento Viewpoint -Laguna Amarga Viewpoint -Lake Noderhold Viewpoint - Lunch at Pehoé Sector: views of Lake Pehoé and the Cuernos del Paine. - Grey Glacier 1-hour hike: we’ll cross the old Lenga forest until we reach the shore of Lake Grey. - Milodon Cave Natural Monument

From $95 USD

View Details
4.4 (59 reviews)
Trekking Base Torres - Torres del Paine trek from Puerto Natales

Trekking Base Torres - Torres del Paine trek from Puerto Natales

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

The Base Torres trek is one of the most popular group-guided tours available in Puerto Natales, a perfect alternative for travelers who only have one day to tour Torres del Paine but don’t want to miss the incredible views of the Mirador Base Torres. This tour is offered all year round. Even in winter, many travelers are encouraged to hike to the viewpoint (for winter tours, crampons are used to ensure the safety of the group of up to 15 people). In addition to transportation and mountain equipment, the tour includes a professional guide and an assistant, so all travelers will be accompanied, regardless of the speed at which you walk.

From $99 USD

View Details
4.2 (65 reviews)
Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour and traditional lunch.

Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour and traditional lunch.

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

At Howlanders, we consider the "Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Tour" a must for every traveler visiting Puerto Natales. From the boat, the tour will introduce two of the most impressive glaciers in Chile: Balmaceda and Serrano. In addition to the glaciers, this tour includes a 40-minute walk through a lush forest to reach the foot of the glaciers. On the way back to the ship, you can enjoy a glass of whiskey made with millenary ice from the glaciers, coffee, or a hot cup of tea. Are you ready for a real adventure? Here are all the details of the tour:

From $240 USD

View Details
3.7 (18 reviews)
Grey Glacier Navigation in Torres Del Paine

Grey Glacier Navigation in Torres Del Paine

INSTANT

This tour is a unique boat ride, that will allow us to contemplate the Grey Glacier, enjoying the full extent of the countless cracks and uprisings that form the snowdrift. Our tour invites you to get on the Grey II boat and for 45 minutes, soak in the stunning scenery. After sailing we will visit the island that divides the glacier, to continue observing it from a new angle.

From $166 USD

View Details
5.0 (3 reviews)
Full Day Torres del Paine Tour

Full Day Torres del Paine Tour

INSTANT

First class tour from Puerto Natales, visiting the Milodon Cave and the main attractions of Torres del Paine National Park.

From $99 USD

View Details
5.0 (1 reviews)
Full Day Torres del Paine

Full Day Torres del Paine

INSTANT

Tour from Puerto Natales, visiting the Milodon Cave and the main attractions of Torres del Paine National Park. If you go to any particular city, we will give you all the information you will find in Chilean Patagonia and Argentina, whether it is one-day tours, all-inclusive packages or information on where to stay, eat or just to travel, contact us with pleasure we will answer you . A trip without unforeseen events You will not overpay. We accompany you before, during and after your trip to immediately address all your doubts and requirements, in your language and through the service channel you prefer.

From $99 USD

View Details
4.5 (4 reviews)
2 Imperdible Tours Torres del Paine and Perito Moreno

2 Imperdible Tours Torres del Paine and Perito Moreno

INSTANT

Tour to Torres del Paine from Puerto Natales, where you will know live and direct the wonders of Torres del Paine National Park, a place famous for its granite towers that are located in a place surrounded by multicolored lagoons, large waterfalls, glaciers, forests Patagonian and its incredible flora and fauna that decorate the place, a unique Park in the world and that you can enjoy in the front row on this day trip, for something it was named 2013 as the 8th wonder of the world, you will also have the privilege of Get to know the imposing Milodon Cave, where you will know the history of this place and you will find the replica of the mythical animal, the Milodon, which lived thousands of years ago in this region of Patagonia. Enjoy the Perito Moreno Glacier in the front row. With this to the Glacier Tour to the Perito Moreno will leave you amazed with the ice giant and the landscape that accompanies it. It is a trip that you can enjoy in the front row.

From $280 USD

View Details
4.3 (24 reviews)
Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours

Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

-Personalized attention -We went to all the tourist attractions of Torres del Paine Park Either way, see highlights like the Cascada Paine . Since many agencies do not go through this beautiful tourist attraction because they have to deviate an hour but it is worth it to make our passengers happy

From $180 USD

View Details
4.6 (10 reviews)
Full Day Parque Torres del Paine (1 to 4 Passengers, Private)

Full Day Parque Torres del Paine (1 to 4 Passengers, Private)

INSTANT

An experienced guide who is also an amateur photographer will take you to the right places and give you tips and advice on how to take the best photos. Paying attention to your encounters with the local wildlife will make the difference between a trip and a memorable experience that will bring you closer to the spirit of Patagonia. We have the best certified bilingual and trilingual guides on our team. No two excursions are exactly the same, as we take into account weather conditions, wildlife encounters, the physical condition of our fellow travelers, and local and seasonal activities that may warrant an extra stop or detour.

From $670 USD

View Details
3.7 (6 reviews)
Full day Torres del Paine Shared Tour From Puerto Natales only

Full day Torres del Paine Shared Tour From Puerto Natales only

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

You will visit Torres del Paine Located just over a hundred kilometers from Puerto Natales, the National Park appears with incredible landscape resources on its 242,242 hectares. For many it is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, considered the eighth wonder of the world. You will live an unforgettable experience with a committed and sustainable company

From $199 USD

View Details
4.5 (4 reviews)
Boat navigation to Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers from Puerto Natales

Boat navigation to Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers from Puerto Natales

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This is a boat trip through Last Hope Sound towards Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, to visit the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. We will see not just these icy giants but also local flora and fauna along the way.

From $347 USD

View Details
5.0 (1 reviews)
Trekking Base Torres del Paine Imperdible

Trekking Base Torres del Paine Imperdible

INSTANT

Enjoy a spectacular day getting to know the Torres del Paine Base, on this tour we will walk through the Ascencio Valley, where we venture through impressive Lenga forests on a 4-hr walk up, which lead to the Torres del Base Paine and his Laguna that are at his feet. Departure time 06:15 - 06:45 am Place of Departure and Return Puerto Natales * We recommend * Comfortable shoes Sunblock and Sunglasses Layered Clothing Snack

From $110 USD

View Details
4.7 (3 reviews)
Trekking Base Torres Del Paine from Puerto Natales

Trekking Base Torres Del Paine from Puerto Natales

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Discover the stunning National Park Torres del Paine and the wonders found there. This tour will allow you to explore paths and trails to reach a hidden lagoon, from where we will observe the stunning towers. Our excursion will show us the Amarga Lagoon and the Ascencio Valley, where we will began our hike.

From $237 USD

View Details

FAQ

Find quick answers to your Puerto Natales travel questions with our travel guide chatbot. Your questions will be added to this section to help other travellers.

Travel Essentials

Primary hero image

Ready to plan your trip?

Share your travel insights or create a new guide for fellow adventurers!