Discover Puerto Natales: Gateway to Torres del Paine

Entrance to town with the Milodon

If you were thinking about going to the ends of the Earth, this might actually be very near there. In its defense it happens to be the gateway to Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park with some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. Puerto Natales shares its isolated tip of South America with two other cities; Punta Arenas, Chile on the southeast side of the park and Ushuaia that’s several hundred miles to the southeast in Argentina.

Puerto Natales is either a small city or a large town but its economy is clearly based on tourism. Offering a diverse range of accommodations, including both hotels and hostels, catering to a range of budgets and preferences. As of early 2026, there are approximately 370 properties in the area, which encompass a mix of hotels and hostels.

For those seeking budget-friendly options, there are at least 12 hostels in Puerto Natales, with prices starting as low as US$3 for a dorm bed. Popular choices among travelers include Hostal Camino De Santiago and Hostal Boutique Factoria Patagonia, which are highly rated for their amenities and atmosphere.

Because of the amount of tourists visiting, Puerto Natales has a large selection of excellent restaurants to name just a few:

El Brisket 4.5 stars $$$ at 251 Blanco Encalada
La Disqueria Restaurant 4.8 stars $$ at Hermann Eberhard 299
La cocina criolla 4.9 stars $$ at Manuel Bulnes 242
LA GUANACA entre fuegos 4.6 stars $$$ at Magallanes 167
Café Artimaña 4.7 stars $$ at Carlos Bories 349
Restaurante Los Coigues “Jechef” 4.7 stars $$ at 251· Carlos Bories 221

The major draw is Torres del Paine National Park which is about a little over an hours drive away and most tours will include a visit to the prehistoric Milodon cave in route. It is advised that you pre-purchase admission tickets to avoid delays entering, with one option HERE (many tours will help with admission tickets).

Another recommended option is to book an all inclusive tour which will originate at Puerto Natales. Get Your Guide tour options are found HERE.

There are a number of park admission options that cover a range of days and a very popular park adventure is hiking and back packing for several days.

Taking flights into Puerto Natales (PNT) is the most direct way to reach Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, with flights primarily from Santiago (SCL). While the local Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT) offers convenience, travelers can also use Punta Arenas (PUQ) as an alternative airport with frequent bus service to Puerto Natales. https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1-6NErDSOBeNBQZ5P4pBU6-V1W70oJwo&ehbc=2E312F

Our Recommendations in Puerto Natales

Restaurant
El Asador Patagónico Restaurant 4.7 stars $$ at Arturo Prat 158, 6160000 Puerto Natales, Chile. Noted for its grilled lamb with an excellent wine selection it is a small intimate room so dining after 6:00 we’d suggest reservations.

Hotel
One popular choice is the Best Western but if you don’t have a car it is about a mile out of town. Our choice was the Hotel Vendaval right in town and only three blocks from the waterfront. Besides the great location it has rooms that are comfortable, showers are hot and breakfast is included. We also enjoyed the hotel bar where you were entitled to a welcome drink and they’d fix you a grilled sandwich.

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