Puerto Natales

About

After word got out about the rugged beauty of the Torres del Paine National Park, Puerto Natales transformed from a sleepy fishing village on the shores of Última Esperanza Sound to a mecca for Patagonian adventure. There’s craft breweries and even a sushi restaurant alongside local eateries roasting whole lamb over open coals. The main activity for visitors and locals alike is just walking the waterfront, with its views of glacier-capped mountains beyond the bay, to appreciate the region’s natural beauty. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a flock of flamingos wading in the shallows. And if they’re not around, you can still get an extra splash of color at the boatyard. If you have any interest in the region’s past, be sure to visit the Puerto Natales Historical Museum to learn about Patagonia’s indigenous peoples. It’s succinct, informative, and only $2!