LOVE THE WIND
LAST HOPE SOUND
Gateway to Torres del Paine
A new road means that the remote southern Chilean town of Puerto Natales is now just an hour from Torres del Paine, the world's most beautiful National Park. In response, a crop of boutique hotels has sprung up next to the gleaming waters of Last Hope Sound
Closest to the water are the luxury hotels, such as Costaustralis, Eberhard, Indigo and, further back, Remota. Behind them are numerous budget hostels and hotels.
Things to do in Puerto Natales
As well as a raft of restaurants and cafes, Puerto Natales offers waterfront walks, a couple of museums, and, nearby, the Milodan Cave, which has a full-size replica of a prehistoric Milodon. Remains including skin, bone and droppings were found here in 1896 by Captain Eberhard.
Museum Puerto Bories (+56 (61) 414 238), a former meat-packing plant and national monument, offers tours of historic machine rooms and buildings. The Municipal Historic Museum (Bulnes 285) tells the story of Magallanes, from indigenous inhabitants to English Pioneers and beyond.
Museum Puerto Bories (+56 (61) 414 238), a former meat-packing plant and national monument, offers tours of historic machine rooms and buildings. The Municipal Historic Museum (Bulnes 285) tells the story of Magallanes, from indigenous inhabitants to English Pioneers and beyond.
Getting there
You can now fly to Puerto Natales with Sky Airlines (https://www.skyairline.cl/). Alternatively, travel to Punta Arenas and take the bus (three hours).