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Puerto Natales, Chile
Puerto Natales is a small town of around 20,000 people that punches far above its weight as the base for one of the world's greatest national parks. The town itself is walkable in an hour, but its waterfront along the Last Hope Sound (Seno de Ultima Esperanza) offers views of snow-dusted mountains and the vast Patagonian landscape. The Plaza de Armas and surrounding streets have a frontier town charm, with outdoor gear shops, craft breweries, and restaurants serving Patagonian lamb. The Museo Historico Municipal tells the story of the region's indigenous Kawesqar people, European settlers, and the Mylodon (giant ground sloth) whose bones were found in a nearby cave. Puerto Natales serves as the starting point for the famous W Trek and O Circuit in Torres del Paine, multi-day walks past glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the park's iconic granite towers.
explore by interest
Patagonian wind is relentless — bring windproof clothing for even casual town walks. For Torres del Paine, book refugios months in advance during the peak October-March season.
October through March (Southern Hemisphere summer) offers the longest days and mildest weather, though Patagonia can deliver all four seasons in a single day at any time of year.