Puerto Natales travel guide

From Punta Arenas, a good paved road runs 247 km north to Puerto Natales through forests of southern beech and prime pastureland; this is the best area for cattle- and sheep-raising in Chile. Nandúes and guanacos can often be seen en route. Puerto Natales lies between Cerro Dorotea (which rises behind the town) and the eastern shore of the Seno Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope Sound), over which there are fine views, weather permitting, to the Peninsula Antonio Varas and the jagged peaks and receding glaciers of the Parque Nacional Bernardo O’Higgins beyond. Founded in 1911, the town grew as an industrial centre and, until recent years, the town’s prosperity was based upon employment in the coal mines of Río Turbio, Argentina. Today, Puerto Natales is the starting point for trips to the magnificent O’Higgins and Torres del Paine national parks , and tourism is one of its most important industries; the town centre has a prosperous if somewhat touristy atmosphere.