{"id":18218,"date":"2025-04-20T19:18:03","date_gmt":"2025-04-20T18:18:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.justtravelous.com\/?p=18218"},"modified":"2025-05-01T09:25:49","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T08:25:49","slug":"puerto-natales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.justtravelous.com\/en\/puerto-natales\/","title":{"rendered":"Puerto Natales \u2013 The Calm Before (or After) the Storm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Puerto Natales is where you catch your breath. It\u2019s where you gear up for Torres del Paine or go to dry out your socks, get a proper meal, and not wear a backpack for at least 48 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set on a fjord with snow-capped mountains in the distance, it\u2019s one of those towns that quietly grows on you. It\u2019s not flashy, and it\u2019s definitely not warm, but after a few days, you\u2019ll be kind of obsessed with it.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Sunset<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

How many days in Puerto Natales?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re just using it as a launchpad for Torres del Paine, two nights is enough to sort your gear, stock up on snacks, and catch a bus to the park. But if you have more time, stay for three or four. There\u2019s enough to do and a good place to recover post-trek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We stayed two days before the O Trek <\/a>and two days after and were so glad we did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important things to know before visiting Puerto Natales<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a small town, but not tiny. You\u2019ll find outdoor gear shops, good restaurants, cozy caf\u00e9s, and even a wine bar or two. The weather changes by the minute\u2014bring layers and a windproof jacket, even if you\u2019re just walking to dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Almost everything is within walking distance, and the vibe is super chill. Think backpackers, couples, older hikers, and the occasional dog trotting solo down the street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to Do in Puerto Natales<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Walk the Waterfront at Sunset<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The waterfront is just beautiful in Puerto Natales. We took daily walks\/runs here. There is a great bike path the entire way so it is easy to walk, run or bike along. The old pier skeletons jutting into the water, the mountains glowing in the distance, and the wind that makes you feel alive (and a little cold)\u2014it\u2019s magic. There is a great restaurant, La Escondida, right on the water that has a spectacular view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bring a beer or a coffee and just sit. Patagonia <\/a>has a way of making you slow down whether you like it or not.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Waterfront<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Get Ready for Torres del Paine (or Recover From It)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re doing the O or W Trek<\/a>, this is where you get organized. There are tons of gear rental places, supermarkets, and shuttle companies. After a week in the wilderness, you can also drop your laundry off, which feels like a luxury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For winter gear – the cheapest and best place we found was Menos Pesos. We bought thicker winter jackets and better gloves as soon as we felt that Patagonian Wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For groceries, we liked the Unimarc in the center of town. It is a bigger grocery store that has popular hiker items like protein bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The town feels like it is split in two; if you are at a restaurant or store where you do not see any locals or hear any Spanish, you will probably end up overpaying. Our Uber driver from the airport was super helpful, so we asked him for everything that we needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve just<\/em> finished your trek, congrats. Go find a warm pub and order literally anything hot and cheesy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are just looking to do a day hike to Torres del Paine, there are wonderful guided options that will pick you up from Puerto Natales and take you to the park. Hiking Intensive option<\/a> and Easy Tour Option.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Man<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Day Trip to the Mylodon Cave<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve got a spare afternoon, this is a fun and very chill outing. The Cueva del Milod\u00f3n<\/strong> is a massive cave where they found remains of an extinct giant sloth. The cave is cool, the walk is easy, and the legend is fun. You can drive there yourself or take a tour. It\u2019s 30 minutes from town. You will see the Mylodon statues throughout Puerto Natales as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Mylodon<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Where to Eat + Drink<\/strong> in Puerto Natales<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This town is surprisingly great for food. Here are a few of our favorites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n