Puerto Natales, Chile

Puerto Natales, Chile
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Natales_rc_012.JPG
Author: Penarc


Puerto Natales is a city in the Chilean Patagonia, in the far south of Chile. It covers 48,974 sq km (18,909 sq mi) and has a population of 19,000 people (2011 estimate). The city is also the capital of the commune of Natales and the provincial capital of Última Esperanza. It is located 247 km (153 mi) from Punta Arenas.

Puerto Natales was founded on 31 May, 1911. It was started as a settlement for the sheep industry. Settlers include immigrants from Germany, England, Wales, Scotland, Croatia, Greece, Italy and Spain. Later on, Chileans also moved in, particularly the people from the Island of Chiloé, all to engage in the sheep-raising industry.

Today the economy of Puerto Natales has evolved away from sheep raising to tourism. The town is the gateway for trips to Torres del Paine National Park. Other sights in the area include Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument, Bernardo O'Higgins National Park and Alacalufes National Reserve.

Welcome sign, Puerto Natales
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Puerto_Natales.jpg
Author: Mirko Thiessen

Visiting Puerto Natales

Take a bus from Punta Arenas. The journey takes six hours. There are also a six-hour bus trip from El Calafate in Argentina. If you are crossing the border from Argentina to Chile, be sure you don't bring fruits, vegetables or animal products.

Sights & Attractions in Puerto Natales

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