Located on the shore of Señoret Channel, Puerto Natales was the hub of Chile’s thriving ranching industry in the early 20th century. In the years that followed, it was no more than a stopping off point for expeditions to Torres del Paine National Park. Today the scene is quite different, and you will be amazed to find travelers from all over the world enjoying an endless array of outdoor activities, adventure sports and excursions as well as the charm of the small downtown area, which is full of fine gastronomy and top rate hotels.
The town’s colorful streets offer everything a tourist would want, including outdoor clothing and gear, kayak outings, bicycle rentals and several souvenir shops. Once you’ve stocked up and scheduled a few activities, walk along the windy coastal road on the shore of Señoret Channel, where you can see black-necked swans and delight in the stunning red sunsets.
Just 24 km from the city is the Mylodon Cave, which will amaze you with its scale and prehistoric remains. Scientific interest in the place began in 1896 with the discovery of skin, bones and other remains of the extinct Mylodon, an enormous herbivore and relative of the sloth that lived over 10,000 years ago.
Sail on Última Esperanza Fjord, the gateway to Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, where you can see the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. If you’re looking for excitement, take a zodiac and journey up the Serrano River to a less frequented entrance to Torres del Paine National Park.
You’ll be treated to an even more amazing view of Puerto Natales from Cerro Dorotea, where you can observe the city, the fjord, the nearby mountains and the Patagonian steppe that extends towards Argentina from 800 meters up. If you are lucky, you might spot one of the majestic condors that nest on the vertical rock walls of this mountain.
Source: Wikipedia.org
