Puerto Natales is Chile’s premier adventure destination, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and a vibrant little town that punches way above its weight when it comes to outdoor activities. It’s best known as the starting point for world-famous treks like the W-Trek and O-Circuit, but there’s far more to do here than just hiking— spend your days kayaking through fjords, horseback riding in the hills, climbing on epic conglomerate, enjoying scenic drives through the park, or even sipping post-trek cocktails!
I’ve visited Puerto Natales THREE times over the last decade, exploring deeper corners of Torres del Paine each time and continually discovering just how many incredible activities exist nearby. Whether you’re here to tackle a multi-day trail or just soak up the wild beauty of Patagonia, these are 10 of the best things to do in and around Puerto Natales, Chile.
What to do in Puerto Natales, Chile
1 | Scenic drive through Parque Nacional Torres del Paine
Even if you’re not planning a big trek, a scenic drive into Torres del Paine is absolutely worth it for the views and photo ops!
It takes about 1.5hrs to drive from Puerto Natales to the main entrance at Centro de Visitantes, where you’ll need to pay the park entry fee (foreign adults pay 32,400 CLP for <3 days or 46,200 CLP for 3+ days in the park). From there, the road loops around the southern end of the park, passing through jaw-dropping scenery at every turn.
Some of my favourite roadside stops and miradores for photos:
- Mirador Panorámico: right near the entrance station, with views over the steppe and distant mountains
- Puente Weber: a charming old bridge with views of the Serrano River and the Paine Massif
- Mirador Cuernos: 45min hike to an overlook with insane views of “The Horns” (Los Cuernos) behind Lake Pehoé
- Lake Pehoé Boardwalk (Explora Hotel area): probably the most photographed spot in the park, with a perfect view of the entire massif
- Mirador Nordenskjöld: pull-off viewpoint with a sweeping look over the lake and surrounding ridgelines
- Mirador Salto Grande: a short walk leads to a powerful waterfall framed by mountains
If you have your own car or rent one in town, this is the best way to experience Torres del Paine at your own pace, especially if you’re short on hiking time or visiting in shoulder season. You’ll still feel the magic of Patagonia— wind in your hair, granite spires in the distance, and no blisters required.
2 | Day hike to the Base of Las Torres
- Trailhead: Central / Hotel Las Torres
- Trail time: 7–9hrs
- Distance: 18km return
- Elevation gain: 1,050m
- Difficulty: moderate (long and uphill, but no technical sections)
If you only do a single day-hike in Torres del Paine, make it this one! The trail to Mirador Las Torres is a full-day out-and-back adventure that climbs steadily through Valle Ascencio, traversing lenga forest before reaching a final boulder-strewn ascent to one of the most jaw-dropping views in Patagonia: Las Torres (The Towers).
Although it’s not possible to reach the viewpoint for sunrise unless you’re overnighting on the W or O-Circuit (more on these epic multi-day hikes below!), this view is spectacular at any time of day and absolutely worth the effort.
To begin your hike, drive or take a bus from Puerto Natales to Laguna Amarga, one of the main park entrances (~2hrs). After showing your park pass, hop on the shuttle to Central/Hotel Las Torres (3,000 CLP, cash only). While the route is mostly uphill, it’s well-maintained and relatively gradual until the final 30min climb, which involves a bit of loose rock. If you have moderate fitness and a FULL day, this trail should be no problem— and trust me, the view at the top is one you’ll never forget!
3 | Day hike to Glacier Grey
- Trailhead: Refugio Paine Grande (via catamaran from Pudeto)
- Trail time: 7hrs (10hrs to the upper suspension bridge)
- Distance: 24km return (31km return to the upper suspension bridge)
- Elevation gain: 860m (1350m to the upper suspension bridge)
- Difficulty: moderate (long day with several short climbs, but no technical sections)
The hike to Glacier Grey is one of the best ways to experience Torres del Paine’s wild western edge— if you’re not doing the full W-Trek, this is your chance to see Chilean Patagonia’s most famous glacier up close!
Begin hiking from Refugio Paine Grande, which you’ll reach by catching the Lago Pehoé catamaran from Pudeto. The ferry crossing is an experience in itself— 30 minutes across dazzling turquoise water with insane views of the park!
The trail winds along Lago Grey, undulating pleasantly right along the lake shore as it passes windswept viewpoints, finally culminating in a network of rugged viewpoints around the glacier lagoon after about 3.5hrs. If time allows, it’s absolutely worth continuing north to the three dramatic suspension bridges that overlook Glacier Grey’s icy blue face (adds 3hrs return)! This is a BIG day, but you’ll only be carrying a light daypack, so this hike should be totally manageable for most active travellers.
4 | Hike the iconic W-Trek
- Trailhead: Refugio Paine Grande (via catamaran from Pudeto)
- Duration: 5 days
- Total distance: 83km
- Total elevation gain: 3,480m
- Difficulty: moderate (no technical terrain, but heavy packs & wild weather make it a proper challenge)
If you’ve come all the way to Puerto Natales, chances are the W-Trek is already on your radar— this is Chile’s most iconic multi-day hike, stitching together the best of Torres del Paine in a compact 5-day route. From Glacier Grey and the French Valley to the famous towers of Las Torres, the views are truly endless and it is SO worth spending more time in the park to truly experience the magic of Chilean Patagonia!
The W-Trek is well-marked and non-technical, making it accessible to most hikers with moderate fitness; opt to camp and cook your own food for a budget-friendly, backcountry-style adventure OR stay in cozy refugios and enjoy hot meals every night. However you approach it, this is a mind-blowing hike— I’ve done the W multiple times over the years and it still comes in right at the top of my all-time favourite adventures!
🏔️ Read my super-detailed hiking guide: The W-Trek: ultimate trail guide to Patagonia’s most iconic multi-day hike
5 | Hike the full O-Circuit
- Trailhead: Central / Hotel Las Torres
- Duration: 8 days
- Total distance: 120km
- Total elevation gain: 5,060m
- Difficulty: moderate/difficult (no technical terrain, but long days, heavy packs & wild weather make it a proper challenge)
For those looking for something a bit wilder and more remote, the O-Circuit is the ultimate Torres del Paine experience. This 8-day loop circles the entire Paine Massif, combining all the views of the W-Trek plus several days on the quieter “backside” of the park. Expect big glaciers, rugged campsites, fewer crowds, and the unforgettable Paso John Garner, a high alpine pass with panoramic views over the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
The O-Circuit is only open from 1 November to 31 March and it requires a bit more stamina than the W— both due to the longer duration and the more rugged terrain on the backside. If you’re comfortable carrying a larger pack and tackling 15-20km per day for 8 days straight, though, this is hands-down the best trek in Patagonia and the complete Torres del Paine experience!
🏔️ Read my super-detailed hiking guide: O-Circuit: the ultimate guide to hiking Torres del Paine in 8 days
6 | Horseback riding
Just 25min from Puerto Natales, Estancia Pingo Salvaje is a beautiful local farm that offers unforgettable horseback adventures through the wide-open steppe, lenga forests, and rolling hills of Patagonia. The experience is about more than just beautiful landscapes— it’s a chance to ride across land that’s been lovingly cared for by the same family for generations.
Pingo Salvaje offers 1hr (3km), 3hr (8km), and 6hr (14km) rides suited to all experience levels. The horses are incredibly gentle, even for first-timers (I am extremely nervous on a horse), and the guides are true locals eager to share their passion for the land, history, and way of life. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just want to try something different from hiking, this is one of the most authentic and scenic adventures near Puerto Natales!
👉🏼 Book horseback riding with Estancia Pingo Salvaje from $53USD
7 | Sport climbing at Cerro Benítez
If you’re looking for a totally different kind of adventure near Puerto Natales, rock climbing at Cerro Benítez is an awesome choice! Located just 25km from town near Laguna Sofía, this striking cliffside area is one of the best places in Patagonia to learn and practice outdoor climbing, with more than 100 sport routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.13+ (YDS) on chunky sedimentary conglomerate.
Guided climbs with Patagonia Adventure Natales include all the gear and instruction you need, whether you’re a beginner looking to top rope on single-pitch lines OR a more experienced climber keen to get a bit of leading in!
Last time I was in Puerto Natales, I spent an afternoon climbing out at Cerro Benítez with Jorge, an awesome local guide who happily belayed me so I could lead climb on some of the moderate routes, all while condors swooped overhead. It was the perfect half-day activity!
👉🏼 Book an afternoon of climbing with Patagonia Adventure Natales from 120,00CLP ($125USD)
8 | Kayak the fjords
For a peaceful, low-impact adventure just outside town, join a kayaking trip through the Eberhard Fjord, a calm inlet rich in wildlife and local history. The tour begins in Puerto Prat, where you’ll gear up, get a quick safety briefing, and launch from the shoreline towards Estancia Puerto Consuelo, the first colonial settlement in the region.
The paddling is mellow and scenic, with frequent sightings of black-necked swans, flamingos, coscoroba swans, ducks, and other birdlife gliding across the fjord. On the way back, there’s a short walk to a panoramic viewpoint and the trip ends with a visit to a local home where you’ll be greeted with hot drinks and fresh sopaipillas (VERY delicious).
We did this paddle as part of the group trip I hosted to Chilean Patagonia in 2023 and everyone loved the experience, which was a welcome calm after 5 days of hiking on the W-Trek!
👉🏼 Book a paddle trip with Patagonia Adventure Natales from 130,00CLP ($140USD)
9 | Walk the Costanera waterfront
Stretching along the edge of town with sweeping views of the Última Esperanza Fjord, the Costanera waterfront is the perfect place for a casual stroll— especially at sunset, when the light hits the mountains across the water and turns everything gold.
Locals walk their dogs, seabirds cruise the shoreline, and colourful street art adds a splash of personality to the scene. It’s a great way to stretch your legs after a long hike or just soak up that raw, windblown Patagonian beauty without leaving town.
10 | Eat at the best restaurants in Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales might be small, but it has a shockingly good food scene. Whether you’re fuelling up before a big trek or celebrating the end of an epic adventure, these are the spots I always come back to—comfort food, elevated plates, and plenty of pisco.
- Napoli Pizzería Italiana: with Neapolitan-style crust and authentic toppings, this is James’ and my favourite pizza spot in a town overflowing with pizzerias
- El Asador Patagónico: classic Patagonian parrilla with melt-in-your-mouth lamb & bold reds, perfect for a cozy date night
- Restaurant Bahía Mansa: standout seafood and perfectly mixed pisco sours, this is a great place to try Chilean ceviche!
- Wild Hostel: my fave hostel in town also serves epic burgers & craft beer in a cozy communal space
- Gelatería Aluen Patagonia: best gelato in Puerto Natales with heaps of lactose-free options for sensitive types (me); try the calafate, an endemic Patagonian berry somewhat similar to a blueberry!
- JAU Natales: stylish, meat-forward menu and fantastic cocktails, everyone on my group hiking trip loved this for our end-of-hike celebratory meal!
- El Brisket: juicy, indulgent sandwiches right in town, ideal for lunch
- Café Kaiken: charming little restaurant with a relaxed local feel, serving excellent mushroom ceviche, salmon ravioli, filet medallions, and great wine
- Cafetería La Matería: relaxed café vibes with great coffee, cakes, and easy breakfasts right on the waterfront
Practical information
Getting to Puerto Natales
To get to Puerto Natales, most travellers fly into the international airport in Santiago, Chile and then connect via a domestic flight (or alternatively fly to Punta Arenas, followed by a 3hr bus to Puerto Natales). I’ve done both over the years, but with frequent flights now landing directly in Puerto Natales during trekking season, there’s not much reason to opt for the 3hr bus from Punta Arenas (unless you’re already there).
Those coming from Argentinian Patagonia can also travel overland from El Calafate to Puerto Natales by bus. The journey takes 5-7hrs, includes a quick border crossing, and is the most common route for those combining Patagonia’s top hiking hubs. Check the bus schedule here.
🏔️ Read my 2-week Patagonia itinerary: best of Torres del Paine & Los Glaciares/El Chaltén
Where to stay in Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales is a proper trekking town— sleepy in the off-season, buzzing with energy in summer, and totally geared toward hikers. The town centre is compact and walkable, with just a few blocks separating most any hotel from the nearest gear rental, bakery, bus terminal, or bar.
My top pick for accommodation is Wild Hostel. I’ve stayed here on several occasions in a private room and love the cozy vibe, delicious food, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s well located, walking distance to great restaurants and gear shops, and makes an awesome base for both pre/post-hike downtime!
Getting around Puerto Natales
Downtown Puerto Natales is compact and very walkable, so most travellers can get around easily on foot. There are also frequent buses to Torres del Paine during trekking season (Nov–Apr), as well as local taxis and tour operators offering transport to trailheads or viewpoints.
On my third visit to Puerto Natales in 2023, I rented a car— and it was fantastic for doing scenic drives into the park and exploring beyond the main drag. It’s definitely not necessary for most travellers, but if you want extra flexibility, it’s a great way to access some off-the-beaten-path spots!
Whether you’re here to tackle the W-Trek, ride horses through the tundra, or just sip calafate sours while watching condors drift overhead, Puerto Natales is the perfect base for your Patagonian adventure. I’ve come back three times now, and I’m still finding new corners of this wild, windblown town to love. Happy trails!
Explore all my Patagonia hiking guides & itineraries
2-week Patagonia itinerary: best of Torres del Paine & Los Glaciares/El Chaltén
O-Circuit: the ultimate guide to hiking Torres del Paine in 8 days
The W-Trek: ultimate trail guide to Patagonia’s most iconic multi-day hike
navigate confidently on the trail ->complete O-Circuit GPS map (also works for the W-Trek!)
Complete W-Trek & O-Circuit packing list: what to pack for Patagonia’s best multi-day treks
Fitz Roy Loop: the ultimate 3-day backpacking trip in El Chaltén, Patagonia
navigate confidently on the trail ->Fitz Roy Loop GPS map
Complete Fitz Roy Trek packing list: what to pack for hiking in El Chaltén, Patagonia
