'''Puerto Natales''' is a town in Chile, the gateway to Trekking in Torres del Payne or Bernardo O'Higgins National Parks. It offers good infrastructure, especially a few trekking shops (although you'd do better to get your gear in Punta Arenas) and not-so-cheap supermarkets.

Get in

Daily buses arrive from El Calafate (Argentina) (about eight hours?). It's not allowed to bring fruit, vegetables or animal products from Argentina into Chile. Chilean border officials sometimes check the luggage.

It is possible to drive from Rio Gallegos, Argentina, to Puerto Natales. Trip takes 8-12 hours across the southern cone of the continent along a gravel road. Enquire in Rio Gallegos. Bring a spare tire.

Buses arrive and depart several times a day from Punta Arenas, Chile. There are several companies including [http://www.busesfernandez.com/ Bus Fernandez] (who do not seem to reply to emails, and are often the most booked). Frustratingly it does not seem possible to pre-book tickets direct from the airport without visiting the ticket office in person. Those who can may be able to get the regular bus diverted via the airport saving them a trip to Punta Arenas centre.

Buses and tours depart to Torres del Paine, El Calafate and El Chalten through several agencies in town, during summer book ahead.

Get around

This is a small, waterside town that is easily accessible by foot.

See

The Cueva de Milodon is just outside of Puerto Natales. The Milodon is an extinct 12 foot tall giant sloth, this was its home.

2 km NW of Natales is the old freezer plant at Puerto Bories, constructed in 1913 and the reason for the existence of Puerto Natales, which served as the lodging and supply point for the frigorifico plant. It is now a museum.

Do

See the harbour, do a trek in Torres del Payne, Perito Moreno, Milodon Cave, catch a boat on one of the lakes.

There are guided rentals of motorcycles (Kawasaki KLR650) for adventure tours of southern Patagonia. The owner has been riding Patagonia since 1978 and takes clients to points that many tourists would miss. Inquire at Coffee and Books at 226 Blanco Encalada, one block from the plaza. Also inquire via patagonia2004@hotmail.com

Buy

  • '''Miriam Parra handicraft''', Manuel Bulnes. Great handicrafts excellent quality situated on one of the main roads in Natales. Everything from sheep skin to wooden craft.
  • Eat

    Eat in Afrigonia restaurant they have the best food in town be sure to reserve first as it is a cute little place.
  • '''Andres''', Ladrilleros 381, Tel:412380. Great meat, fish and vegetarian dishes.
  • '''El living''' - Cafe with great cakes, lunches and coffee. Plaza
  • '''Mesa Grande''' - Good pizzas and salads. Get there early. Plaza
  • '''Coffee and Books''' - Best coffee drinks (cappuccino etc) and kuchen, as well as book exchange program. Half of the shop sells JLM series trekking and driving maps, also posters, some camping gear. One block from plaza at Blanco Encalada 226.
  • Drink

    Everything even tap water as it is straight from the glaciers and some of the freshest in the world

    Sleep

    There are plenty of hostels and residentials around the town.

  • '''Casa Cecilia''', Tomás Rogers 64, (061-411797). This hostel also rents out trekking equipment.
  • '''Hostal Lili Patagonicos''', Prat 479, phone (56-61) 414063. Friendly, central location, rents out trekking gear, organizes buses and tours. International crowd. Free internet (wlan), free breakfast (and it is a excellent breakfast). Kitchen use. Laundry 1500 pesos/kilo.
  • '''Los Inmigrantes''', Carrera Pinto 480, Tel:413482. Good value, breakfast, equipment rental and luggage store.
  • '''Lodging Evelyn''', Chorrillos 779, phone +56-61-413583, eMail: lodgingevelyn(at)gmail.com. Good value, free breakfast, organizes busses, laundry service 1500 CLP/kg.
  • Get out

    There are probably only two reasons to be in this town.
  • Prepare your trek in Torres del Paine National Park.
  • Take the ''Navimag'' to Puerto Montt.