Things to do in Puerto Natales, Chile

Located in Chile's southern Patagonia region, Puerto Natales is a port city that houses many trekkers before and after their adventures in Torres del Paine National Park. Here's some quick tips so you can explore the city (and recover from jet lag).

Accommodations:

I recommend staying one full day before and after your trek in Puerto Natales. The town is small but it is the perfect spot to prepare and rejuvenate. Additional days are not needed.

Where to Stay:

1. Hostel Last Hope

2. Erratic Rock Hostel

Tip:

If you have additional items you’re traveling with (that you don’t want to bring backpacking), pay for a storage locker at your hostel. At Hostel Last Hope it cost us $2.000 CLP (approximately $3.10 USD) for the whole week.

Things To Do:

Info Session at Erratic Rock Hostel

Be sure to attend the free Erratic Rock Hostel information session on backpacking in Torres del Paine. It happens daily at 3pm.

Tip: Get there early because seats fill up.
Tip: Grab free, partially used, fuel canisters at the Erratic Rock. Saves you money.
Tip: If you didn’t bring garbage bags the Erratic Rock has some. Line your backpack with one for extra protection from rain!

Rent Equipment

Hiking and camping stores cover the town but prices are higher than normal. Rent or buy any equipment you forgot or need. If you didn't bring hiking poles, get some! Trust me you'll want them. Convenient rentals can be done at the Erratic Rock Hostel (where you attend the info session).

Tip: Buy hiking poles and re-sell them in town after your trek. We saw many people doing this.

Purchase Additional Food/Snacks

Although often overpriced, camping food can be purchased throughout the town. Buy dried fruits and nuts at the local mom and pop store Itahue Dried Fruit and Nuts.

Check Bus & Ferry Times

Ask your hostel to help you check current bus and ferry times to Torres del Paine. Align your bus and ferry times accordingly.

Buy Bus Tickets

Purchase a roundtrip bus ticket from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine for $15.000 CLP, approximately $23 USD. This can be easily done the day before departure at the Puerto Natales bus station or at participating hostels throughout town. Two companies provide transportation into the park; we were advised to take Bus Gomez over Bus Sur.

Shop

Buy authentic souvenirs at Pueblo Artesanal Etherh Aike, a small craft market with local items.

Walk Along the Water

Visit Muelle Historico, a historical rundown pier that features a beautiful mountainous backdrop and stroll by the Monumento al Viento artwork.