Day Trips & Excursions: Puerto Natales

Nearby Destinations

These destinations are easily accessible from Puerto Natales and shape many visitor journeys.

Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument: Located just 24 kilometers north of Puerto Natales, this site is easily accessible. Organized Torres del Paine tours often combine a visit. Public buses (drop at main road, walk needed) or rental cars are other travel options. Allow 2-3 hours for exploration.

Torres del Paine National Park

Accessibility: Full-day bus tours leave Puerto Natales daily, visiting main viewpoints (e.g., Lago Nordenskjöld, Salto Grande, Lago Pehoé, Mirador Grey). Public buses to park entrances (Laguna Amarga, Pudeto, Administration) offer independent exploration. Rental cars bring maximum flexibility.
Time Required: A full-day tour typically spans 10-14 hours. Self-driving permits longer stays, but a full day covers main highlights.
Suggested Itineraries: Organized tours follow a set route with viewpoint stops. Independent travel means driving to specific trailheads (e.g., Base of the Torres, a full-day hike) or exploring sectors at leisure.
Book your Torres del Paine day trip via GetYourGuide.

Expanded Excursions

Beyond the immediate vicinity, discover more natural wonders and cultural insights.

Natural Escapes

Venture beyond the well-trodden paths of Torres del Paine to discover stunning natural beauty.

Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Bernardo O'Higgins National Park

Accessibility: This is a full-day boat trip departing from the Puerto Natales waterfront. Several tour operators offer this excursion.
Time Required: Approximately 8-10 hours, including the boat journey and time for walking to Serrano Glacier.
Experience: The tour navigates Ultima Esperanza Sound, demonstrating fjords, cormorant colonies, and sea lions. Witness Balmaceda Glacier from the boat, then walk to a viewpoint for Serrano Glacier. Many tours include a Patagonian asado lunch.

Cultural Excursions

Discover cultural points of interest further afield.

Río Turbio Argentina

Accessibility: A mining town just across the border in Argentina, about an hour's drive from Puerto Natales via Paso Fronterizo Dorotea. Local buses or rental cars (cross-border permit needed) facilitate travel.
Time Required: A half-day journey.
Experience: Glimpse a traditional Patagonian mining community, offering a different cultural view from tourism-focused Puerto Natales.

Multi-Day Extensions

Destinations for Extended Stays

El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier (Argentina): A popular next destination. El Calafate gateways Los Glaciares National Park, home to Perito Moreno Glacier.
El Chaltén (Argentina): North from El Calafate (3-hour bus ride), El Chaltén is Argentina's trekking hub, with access to Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
Punta Arenas: Chile's southernmost major city, about 3 hours south of Puerto Natales. Features museums, historical sites, and penguin colonies (Isla Magdalena).
Tierra del Fuego (Chile/Argentina): For remote exploration, consider a multi-day trip. Travel from Punta Arenas (ferry or flight to Porvenir, Chile) or buses to Ushuaia (Argentina), the 'End of the World'.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Chilean Patagonia Loop: Start in Puerto Montt, ferry to Puerto Natales (Navimag), explore Torres del Paine, then fly from Punta Arenas.
Cross-Border Adventure: Fly into Santiago, then to Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales. Explore Torres del Paine. Bus to El Calafate for Perito Moreno Glacier. Then bus to El Chaltén for more hiking. Fly from El Calafate or return to Santiago. This crafts a comprehensive Patagonian journey.
Border Crossing Information: When multi-day extensions involve border crossings, rental car companies should provide required cross-border authorization paperwork. Bus services manage border formalities.
General Day Trip & Excursion bookings can be made at GetYourGuide Day Trips.

Comparative Data for Longer Stays

El Calafate Stay2-3 nights
El Chaltén Stay3-5 nights
Punta Arenas Stay1-2 nights
Puerto Natales to El Calafate5-6 hours

El Calafate to El Chaltén3 hours
Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas3 hours
Perito Moreno Glacier visitMini-trekking available
Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre accessTrekking hub

Important Travel Considerations

For any multi-day extensions that involve border crossings, travelers confirm their rental car company has supplied the necessary cross-border authorization paperwork. Otherwise, bus services handle these border formalities. Planning ahead makes the journey smoother.

Estancia Visits

Experience authentic Patagonian ranch life with a visit to a traditional estancia.

Cultural Immersion

These visits offer cultural insight into Patagonian ranch life, often featuring sheepdog demonstrations and sheep shearing (seasonal).

Riding & Activities

Many estancias feature horseback riding opportunities, allowing an unique way to explore the vast Patagonian landscapes.

Traditional Feasts

Full-day tours often include a traditional cordero al palo (roasted lamb) lunch, a culinary highlight of the region.

Estancia Cerro Guido

A historic estancia near Torres del Paine, offering varied activities.

Activities

Sheep Shearing Demonstrations (Seasonal)
Sheepdog Handling Exhibitions
Horseback Riding Excursions

Estancia La Peninsula

Located on the Ultima Esperanza Sound, featuring boat access and remote charm.

Unique Experiences

Boat Trip from Puerto Natales for Access
Traditional Patagonian Asado Lunch
Insight into Patagonian Ranch Life

Logistics & Timing

AccessibilityOrganized tours with transport or self-drive via rental car.

Time RequiredFull-day tours typically 6-8 hours.

InclusionsOften includes transport, activities, and lunch.

BookingAdvance booking for tours is advisable.

Best SeasonMost active during high and shoulder seasons.

Experience LevelSuitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Support Local Traditions

Choosing to visit local estancias directly supports the preservation of Patagonian rural heritage.
These working ranches showcase traditional sheep farming and horsemanship.
Your visit helps sustain local economies and cultural practices.
Many estancias employ local residents, providing direct economic benefits.
An estancia experience provides a connection to the region's agricultural roots.

Cueva del Milodón & Beyond

Explore prehistoric sites and other local points of interest that enrich your visit.

Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument

Discover the prehistoric past in a famous cave site.

Exploring the Caves

Main Cave (Cueva Grande): Features a life-sized replica of the extinct Mylodon (giant ground sloth).
Hiking Trails: Shorter paths connect other caves and offer views of the landscape.
Accessibility: Roughly 24 km north of Puerto Natales. Easily reached by rental car or as part of organized tours.

Local Museums & History

Explore the human and natural history of the region.

Puerto Natales Insights

Bories Cold Storage Plant (The Singular Patagonia): A historic industrial site. Guided tours offer insight into its role in Patagonia's development.
Punta Arenas Museums: Further south, explore museums like the Nao Victoria Museum and the Regional Museum of Magallanes.

Waterfront & Coastal Charm

Enjoy the scenic beauty of Puerto Natales' coastline.

Coastal Exploration

Waterfront Promenade (Costanera): Walk or bike along the scenic promenade, offering views of the Última Esperanza Sound.
Muelle Histórico (Historic Pier): A picturesque spot for photos, featuring old wooden pilings and a view of the town.
Mano del Gigante (Giant's Hand Sculpture): An iconic art installation along the Costanera.

Local Arts & Crafts

Discover unique souvenirs and regional artwork.

Shopping for Souvenirs

Artisan Shops: Explore various shops around Plaza de Armas offering local crafts, wool products, and Patagonian-themed art.
Local Markets: Visit markets for fresh produce and small eateries, along with handcrafted items.
Outdoor Gear Stores: Find specialized outdoor clothing and equipment for your Patagonian adventures.

Planning Your Local Exploration

Integrate these local attractions into your itinerary for a complete Puerto Natales experience.

Half-Day Excursions

Many of these local sites can be visited in a half-day, suitable for arrival/departure days or as a break from longer treks.

Self-Guided Exploration

Puerto Natales town and Cueva del Milodón are easy to explore independently by walking, biking, or rental car.

Combined Tours

Some tour operators combine a visit to Cueva del Milodón with a full-day Torres del Paine tour, maximizing your time.

Maximize Your Local Discoveries

These nearby points of interest offer a valuable complement to the grand landscapes of Torres del Paine, providing cultural context and historical depth to your Patagonian adventure. Plan accordingly to fit them into your schedule.

Day Trips & Excursions