Major city · Chile
Puerto Natales
Base here 2 nights before or after Torres del Paine: it is the last cheap supermarket and gear stop, and buses to the park leave daily.
Puerto Natales is a small waterside town of about 21,000 people on the Señoret Channel and the supply base for Torres del Paine, 2–3 h away by road. Almost nobody comes for the town itself: you come to buy food and gas at half park prices, rent or repair gear, sleep one or two nights, and leave for the W trek, the Navimag ferry or Argentina. Two nights is the standard stay; one is enough if you arrive late and leave early.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CLP
- Best months
- Nov–Mar (long daylight, trekking season)
- avoid Jun–Aug (cold, short days, many services closed)
- Airports
- PNT · PUQ
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Chile ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Chile's National Migration Service or a Chilean consulate; keep the entry slip or digital record you receive.
- Chile ↗Torres del Paine: campsites and refugios on the W and O treks must be booked in advance, and the park requires an entry ticket bought ahead; check the official park (CONAF) channels.
- Chile ↗Chile strictly controls food imports: declare fruit, meat, dairy, seeds and honey on arrival, or throw them away before customs.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Puerto Natales131 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Puerto Natales, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Chilean peso (CLP, $).Chile-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEntel, Movistar, WOM and Claro sell prepaid SIMs; foreign phones may need IMEI registration after a period — check.Chile-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in most cities; boil or filter in rural areas and on treks.Chile-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% suggested on the bill; you may decline.Chile-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/L. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Chile-wide
- SafetyA small, calm town and one of the safer stops in Chile; the real risks are wind, cold and sun on day one…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPaper in the bin in older buildings; bus terminals charge.Chile-wide
- Emergency numbers131 ambulance (samu) · 132 fire · 133 police (carabineros) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany businesses close on 18–19 September; Sunday trading is limited in small towns.Chile-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPNT Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (About 10 km (6.2 mi) from the centre on the road to Torres del Paine; seasonal flights to Santiago and Puerto Montt…PNT Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (About 6.2 mi (10 km) from the centre on the road to Torres del Paine; seasonal flights to Santiago and Puerto Montt…
- Getting aroundThe centre is a walkable triangle between Manuel Bulnes, Pedro Montt (the costanera) and Bernardo Philippi…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and pastry in a caféCLP 3,500–6,000
- Sit-down mealSet lunch (almuerzo) or a simple dinnerCLP 7,000–14,000
- BeerDraught beer at a local breweryCLP 4,000–6,000
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi colectivo ride in townCLP 450
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekCLP 8,000–15,000
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personCLP 12,000
- Mid-range bedDouble room, guesthouse or mid-range hotel, a night, per roomCLP 60,000
- High-end bedDouble room, guesthouse or mid-range hotel, a night, per roomCLP 110,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CLP 25,000 · Mid CLP 45,000 · High CLP 90,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PNT Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (About 10 km (6.2 mi) from the centre on the road to Torres del Paine; seasonal flights to Santiago and Puerto Montt, mostly Sep–Apr. Shared shuttle to town about CLP 4,000.) · PUQ Punta Arenas (Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo) (The year-round regional airport; bus from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales takes about 3 h.)PNT Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (About 6.2 mi (10 km) from the centre on the road to Torres del Paine; seasonal flights to Santiago and Puerto Montt, mostly Sep–Apr. Shared shuttle to town about CLP 4,000.) · PUQ Punta Arenas (Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo) (The year-round regional airport; bus from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales takes about 3 h.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Feb
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Mar
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Jun
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Jul
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Aug
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Sep
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Dec
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Best: Nov–Mar. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jun (−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Sep (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Puerto Natales: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Feb
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
Mar
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
12 rd
May
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
11 rd
Jun
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
10 rd
Jul
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
10 rd
Aug
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
10 rd
Sep
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
9 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
11 rd
Nov
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
Dec
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is a walkable triangle between Manuel Bulnes, Pedro Montt (the costanera) and Bernardo Philippi; the bus terminal is about a 10-min walk from it. There are no city buses: taxis colectivos run fixed routes for roughly CLP 450 and radio-taxis charge about CLP 1,000 by day and CLP 2,000 at night in town, with no meter — agree the fare first. Taxis are the easy way to the bus terminal or to Cueva del Milodón and Cerro Dorotea.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Torres del Paine National Park
overnightDoor to door: 2–3 h each way
Daily buses and tours from town, 2–3 h each way
Not a day trip: enter for the W trek or a multi-day stay, and book summer buses ahead.
Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument
goDoor to door: About 30 min each way
Taxi or tour, about 25 km (16 mi) north on Ruta 9Taxi or tour, about 16 mi (25 km) north on Ruta 9
Cave of the extinct giant sloth, with an interpretive loop trail; entry roughly CLP 2,000–4,000.
Mirador Dorotea (Cerro Dorotea)
goDoor to door: About 15 min each way
Taxi or hitchhike, less than 10 km (6.2 mi) off Ruta 9Taxi or hitchhike, less than 6.2 mi (10 km) off Ruta 9
About 2 h round trip on foot to the viewpoint over the town and glacial valley; entry about US$7.
Punta Arenas
goDoor to door: About 3 h
Bus several times a day, about 3 h
Ask at purchase whether the bus can detour via the airport.
El Calafate, Argentina
overnightDoor to door: About 6 h
Daily bus, about 6 h
Border crossing; declare all food.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Around Plaza de Armas (Eberhard–Bories)
Central, walkable to restaurants, bank and post office; best for a short stay with bags.
Baquedano and Bulnes streets
Fruit shops, pharmacies, outdoor gear and budget hostels; the practical shopping strip.
Plaza O'Higgins area (Miraflores–Yungay)
Budget lodges and hospedajes; quieter, 5–10 min walk to the centre.
Costanera / Pedro Montt waterfront
Channel views, near the Navimag pier and the walk to the boatyard; windier.
Puerto Bories, 4 km northwest on Ruta 9
The Singular Patagonia, a converted 1913 freezer plant; car or taxi needed for everything else.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- CLP 25,000–40,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- CLP 40,000–75,000 excl. bed
- High
- CLP 75,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, guesthouse or mid-range hotel1 × 2 nights × CLP 60,000 | CLP 120,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × CLP 45,000 | CLP 180,000 |
| Airport shuttle, both ways2 × CLP 8,000 | CLP 16,000 |
| Bus to Torres del Paine, return2 × CLP 30,000 | CLP 60,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × CLP 12,000 | CLP 24,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CLP 40,000 |
| Trip total≈ CLP 110,000 per person per day, bed included | CLP 440,000 |
2026 estimate in Chilean pesos; flights, park entry and trek costs excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and pastry in a café | CLP 3,500–6,000 |
| Set lunch (almuerzo) or a simple dinner | CLP 7,000–14,000 |
| Pizza or pasta at a plaza restaurant | CLP 8,000–15,000 |
| Draught beer at a local brewery | CLP 4,000–6,000 |
| Taxi colectivo ride in town | CLP 450 |
| Radio-taxi in town, day / night | CLP 1,000 / CLP 2,000 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | CLP 8,000–15,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Wind and sun are the real hazards: four seasons in one day, strong late-spring and summer gusts. Layer up and use sunscreen.
- Do not carry fruit, vegetables or animal products across the border from Argentina; Chilean officials check bags and fine undeclared food.
- Taxis have no meter: ask ¿Cuánto cuesta la carrera? and agree the price before you get in.
- Supermarket prices here are not cheap by Chilean standards, but they are far below park prices — buy your trek food before you leave town.
- Summer buses and tours to Torres del Paine sell out: book ahead in Dec–Feb.
- Politics here leans strongly left; keep opinions to yourself in casual conversation.
Emergency numbers
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 131
- Fire
- 132
- Police (Carabineros)
- 133
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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Puerto NatalesPuerto Natales
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Ambulance (SAMU)131
- Fire132
- Police (Carabineros)133
Embassy
No embassies here; the US, UK and other consulates are in Punta Arenas, embassies in Santiago.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → town, shared shuttle: about CLP 4,000, 10 km (6.2 mi)about CLP 4,000, 6.2 mi (10 km)
- Bus Puerto Natales → Punta Arenas: about 3 h, several daily
- Bus Puerto Natales → El Calafate: about 6 h, daily
Say or show
- Disculpe / Perdón — Excuse me / Sorry (dees-KOOL-peh / per-DON)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syahs)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta la carrera? — How much is the ride? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah lah kah-REH-rah)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah)
- ¿Dónde está el terminal de buses? — Where is the bus terminal? (DON-deh es-TAH el ter-mee-NAL deh BOO-ses)
Sernatur visitor office on the costanera (Pedro Montt 19) for park and ferry information.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Puerto Natales. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Mar (long daylight, trekking season) · avoid Jun–Aug (cold, short days, many services closed) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 5 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for PNT: shuttle counters in arrivals, taxi fallback, late-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Plaza de Armas, Baquedano–Bulnes, Plaza O'Higgins, the costanera and boatyard.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Cueva del Milodón, Mirador Dorotea, Museo Histórico Municipal) and eat pages with last orders.
- Trek-departure fixtures: supermarket stock, gas, gear rental and luggage storage so gates A–D can go green.