Trip to Puerto Natales, Chile

Day 1: Arrival and City Tour

Upon arrival at the airport in Puerto Natales, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can check-in and rest before your city tour. You’ll meet your guide and start exploring this charming, picturesque town. You will visit the main square of Puerto Natales, which is surrounded by scenic views of the mountains and the coast. You can also visit the Municipal Historical Museum located near the main square. In the afternoon, you can relax and stroll along the waterfront promenade, admiring the beautiful landscapes of the city. After sunset, enjoy the nightlife of Puerto Natales with a view of the sea, where some bars and restaurants offer a variety of local and international dishes.

Day 2: Scenic Hike to Torres del Paine National Park

After breakfast, you’ll venture out on an excursion to Torres del Paine National Park. This UNESCO Heritage Site is known for its granite towers, crystal-clear lakes, and glaciated peaks. During your visit, you’ll hike through several scenic trails like the Mirador Condor trail that offers a panoramic view of the park and the Grey Glacier. Next, visit the iconic horn-shaped peaks known as Torres del Paine. Along the way, you can capture stunning photos of the park’s unique wildlife, waterfalls, and natural landscapes. After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll return to Puerto Natales in the evening for dinner and rest.

Day 3: Visit Cueva del Milodón and Balmaceda Glacier

Today, you’ll visit the Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument, which is located just a few miles away from Puerto Natales. This cave is famous for the discovery of “Milodón,” an extinct ground sloth that lived thousands of years ago. After your visit to the monument, you’ll head towards Puerto Bories, where you’ll board a boat for a sailing tour to the Balmaceda Glacier. This magnificent glacier is one of the highlights of Chilean Patagonia, and during the tour, you will enjoy the sight of sea lions, cormorants, and other Patagonian wildlife in their natural habitat. After returning to Puerto Natales, you’ll have the evening free to explore the town and its nightlife.

Day 4: Explore Puerto Natales

Today, you’ll spend the day exploring more of Puerto Natales. You can start with a visit to the Puerto Natales Fish Market, where you can sample some of the best seafood dishes in the region, including grilled octopus, southern hake, and king crab. You can then visit the Milodon Cave Natural Monument, where you can learn more about the history of the Milodon. In the evening, you can relax at one of the local bars near the waterfront and watch the sunset with a Pisco sour, a popular Chilean cocktail.

Day 5: Punta Arenas and King Penguin Colony

Today you’ll visit Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in Chile. After an approximate 2-hour transfer from Puerto Natales, you’ll visit the King Penguin Park located near the city on the coast of the Strait of Magellan. During the tour, you’ll witness the fascinating behavior of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. After the tour, you’ll have lunch at one of the local restaurants, where you can sample some of the delicious Patagonian lamb dishes which are abundant in the region. After lunch, you will have some free time to explore the city before returning to Puerto Natales in the evening.

Day 6: Horseback Riding and Patagonian BBQ

Today you’ll experience the Patagonian countryside by horseback riding! You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to a nearby ranch where you’ll be greeted by your local guide and the horses. You’ll trek through the rugged landscapes around Puerto Natales and be amazed by the stunning views. This memorable experience culminates with a delicious Patagonian barbecue top off with a well-deserved Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon. After a relaxing, yet busy day, you’ll return to your hotel for the night.

Day 7: Departure

Today is your departure day. Enjoy a pleasant breakfast before your transfer to the airport. You will have some time to take one last stroll through the streets of Puerto Natales and buy some souvenirs to take home with you before your flight.