PUERTO NATALES - CHILE
Puerto Natales is the access town for Torres del Paine National Park, in Chilean Patagonia, on the shore of the Última Esperanza Sound. It works as a base for park excursions, sailings to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers and trips across the Patagonian steppe.
It offers lodging across categories and is the departure and return point for Torres del Paine circuits; inside the park there are also hotels and refuges, depending on the itinerary booked.
The park lies about 110 km away (around two hours) on a scenic, partly paved road, with regular buses in season. Most travellers fly into Punta Arenas and continue overland (about three hours); Puerto Natales also has its own airport (PNT). Main season runs from November to March. Operationally it is worth allowing several nights to cover the park.
Useful information
Access
Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT), minutes from town; seasonal flights. Common alternative: Punta Arenas (PUQ), about 3 hours by road.
Season
High season November to March; strong wind and changeable weather year-round.
Currency · time zone · language
Chilean peso (CLP) · UTC-3 · Spanish.
Operations
Gateway to Torres del Paine National Park: 2 to 3 hours to the park entrances. Book lodging, transfers and park tickets ahead in season. Useful link with El Calafate (Argentina). A minimum of two nights is advisable; warm layers and a windproof shell are essential.