Things to do in Natales

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park's "Paine" originates from the local Tehuelche word meaning "blue," and the park was named for the deep blue glacial lakes that surround it. The park is famous for its granite peaks that soar into the clouds, numerous glaciers, and lakes of varying colors. The park's core views are concentrated in the Paine Massif area. Three granite spires known as the Torres del Paine rise into the sky, forming a recognizable skyline together with the Cuernos del Paine. Grey Lake and Grey Glacier are spots for viewing icebergs and glacial calving, with blue ice chunks that have broken off from the glacier's edge often floating on the lake. French Valley is surrounded by towering rock walls, and from the valley floor, one can look up at the shark-fin-shaped granite ridges. Nordenskjöld Lake features emerald-green water that sets off the Cuernos del Paine in the distance. The classic W Trek connects the three major attractions of Grey Glacier, French Valley, and the Torres del Paine, making it a popular multi-day hiking route in the park. The park is located in the transition zone between the Magellanic subpolar forests and the Patagonian steppe, featuring four vegetation zones: steppe, shrubland, forest, and Andean desert. The guanaco is a common mammal in the park, and pumas, grey foxes, and the endangered huemul also inhabit the area. As for birds, the Andean condor circles between the cliffs, and the rhea runs across the grasslands.

Mylodon Cave Natural Monument

Mylodon Cave Natural Monument is located in the Patagonia region of Chile, approx. 24 km from Puerto Natales, and is an important stopover attraction on the way to Torres del Paine National Park. This natural cave was formed by lake erosion after the retreat of glaciers; its grayish-brown rock walls blend seamlessly with the surrounding mountains, presenting a rugged geological beauty. In 1895, a German explorer discovered the fur, bones, and fossils of the prehistoric Mylodon ground sloth here, making the cave an important site for studying late Pleistocene organisms. Today, Mylodon Cave Natural Monument features interpretive signs that display scenes of the giant ground sloth's life from 10,000 years ago through fossil replicas and geological cross-sections. Visitors can observe the weathering textures on the cave ceiling and the dappled light created by sunlight penetrating the rock crevices. As an important node in the Patagonia ecotourism loop, Mylodon Cave Natural Monument complements surrounding natural wonders such as the Torres del Paine glaciers and Grey Lake. A souvenir shop is located at the entrance of Mylodon Cave Natural Monument, where visitors can participate in special activities such as hand-painting wooden fridge magnets. Although the cave is not large, its fusion of scientific exploration and wilderness experience makes it a cultural landmark in southern Chile that should not be missed.

La Mano

La Mano, located at the entrance to the city's waterfront, is a giant hand sculpture created by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal. Rising approximately 7 meters tall with five fingers extending from the sand, it symbolizes the connection between humanity and the Patagonian nature. Built in the 1980s, the weathered concrete gives the sculpture a weathered look. Facing the Pacific Ocean, the background features rolling mountains and a vast bay. La Mano's design is simple yet powerful; the four fingers are joined together, and the thumb is slightly open, as if struggling to emerge from the earth, capturing the interactive tension between humanity and the environment. At low tide, the sand stretches out, the sculpture standing isolated on the beach; at high tide, waves crash against the base, adding a dynamic feel. There are no fences around it, allowing visitors to walk close and touch the rough surface to feel its texture. La Mano blends into the coast with its minimalist style; strolling along the beach, one can experience the ruggedness and poetry of southern Chile's landscape.

Grey Glacier

Grey Glacier is located in the western part of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile, and is an ice tongue extending several km into the park from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, with its terminus reaching Grey Lake. Its front edge often calves ice blocks of various sizes, forming icebergs that float on Grey Lake. These icebergs move slowly with the wind and currents, creating a dynamic landscape against the backdrop of the lake, distant peaks, and the sky. On clear days, the surface crevasses, ice towers, and undulating textures are even more clearly visible.

Plaza de Armas Arturo Prat

Mirador Serrano Glacier

Muelle Historico

This attraction is a historic local pier located in the harbor area of Puerto Natales. It offers beautiful surrounding views and also serves as a resting area for many birds.

W Circuit - Trekking in Patagonia

Municipal Historical Museum

The museum in Puerto Natales features some specimens and archaeological exhibits. It is small, but worth a visit after hiking.

Tourism May 21