Untitled Document

Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales is the southern terminus for the ferry from Puerto Montt via the Chilean fjords, and is a quaint little town in and of itself. Settled in 1911 as a sheep herding town, it is located about 300 km northwest of Punta Arenas by a good, partly paved road. The town's improving tourist services include abundant accommodation and good food, plus readily available camping equipment.

Nearby fishing and camping are incredible. Excursions from Puerto Natales include the Cueva del Milodón, a cave which housed the remains of an enormous ground sloth that prowled the region before humans arrived, and a cruise up Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound) to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, where the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers almost reach the sea. Puerto Natales is a peaceful town to visit because it is surrounded by such mind-blowing beauty. It offers something for everyone; from the wild adventurer to the person simply needing time to think and a lovely place to do it. The biggest reason that people pass through this sleepy town is to visit the world famous Torres del Paine National Park. It is the closest notable settlement to the park, and therefore the best place to get supplies or arrange transportation or tours of the park. For more information, please contact our travel agency - we have more than 15 years of experience in planning tours, etc. for this region.

Hotels


		Hotel Costa Australis

	General Info Hotel Costa Australis sits directly on the waterfront, within sight of the ferry port.

	Accomodation Service Bar, restaurant, cafe, laundry, fax service, parking.

	Prices Single: Town View US$130, Sea View US$164 Double: Town View US$147, Sea View US$181 Triple: Sea View US$261 Suite: Sea View US$318 Rates valid until April 15 2005


		Hotel Glaciares

	General Info An attractive and reliable modern hotel located one block from the water. Nice views over harbor. Extensive experience working with groups. Transport in vans to Torres del Paine and other attractions in the area.

	Accomodation Service Restaurant, laundry, tours, parking, conference room for 80, travel agency.

	Prices Single US$74, Double US$86, Triple US$96, Quadruple US$110


		Hotel Indigo Concept

	General Info Overlooking majestic fjords. Great location, mindblowing view. The rock climber's headquarters with excursions offered, maps, route info and slide shows nightly.

	Accomodation Service Cafe/restaurant, laundry, bar, internet and email service, parking.

	Prices Double (private bathroom) US$47, Double (shared bathroom) US$42, Triple US$65, Quadruple US$24 per person Rates valid until March 31, 2005.


		Hotel Captain Eberhard

	General Info Older landmark hotel located right on the water featuring an excellent dining room with panoramic harbor views

	Accomodation Service Bar, restaurant, cafe, laundry, fax service, money exchange, parking.

	Prices Low Season: Single US$34, Double US$42, Triple US$50 High Season: Single US$60, Double US$70, Triple US$77 Low Season until September 30, 2004. High Season from October 1 to March 31, 2005.


		Hostal Lady Florence Dixie

	General Info Centrally located, this hostal is built totally of wood in the old style of the Patagonian ranches.

	Accomodation Service Restaurant, fax service, TV, laundry.

	Prices Single US$ 66, Doble US$ 82, Triple US$ 99, Quatruple US$ 115 *Rates valid until February 28, 2005


		Hotel Cisne Cuello Negro

	General Info Located in Puerto Bories, on the road to Torres del Paine National Park, with a beautiful view of the Bay of Ultima Esperanza and majestic Mount Balmaceda. A building of modern architecture, of one floor, harmoniosuly combined with a building of three floors, which make this hotel and ideal place for a gratifying rest.

	Accomodation Service Bar, TV, laundry, fax service, parking.

	Prices Single US$100, Double US$110, Triple US$132, Suite Junior US$187 Rates valid from October 15 to March 31, 2006.

Activities


		Culture, Historic Buildings

	Museo Historico Municipal: (Bulnes 285, Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-1pm & 3-8pm; Sat. And Sun. 2:30-6pm; CH$500). This well-presented collection includes photographs of Aonikenk and Kaweshkar Indians, the region's original inhabitants. There are a few artifacts taken from the old sheep-packing plant, and an interesting collection of stuffed animals.


		Tour

	Cueva del Milodon: (8:30am-6pm; CH$2000) There are several tour groups that will take you on this half-day trip. This cave isn't all that thrilling to see, however, the history it holds is deeply intriguing. German settle Herman Eberhard discovered a human skull inside in 1895, along with a sizeable piece of skin from an unidentifiable animal. As it turns out, the skin belonged to a giant sloth called a mylodon. Long believed extinct, people began to speculate that it was still living. Eventually, researchers realized the skin had been preserved by being frozen by the region's freezing temperatures.


		Boat Tour

	Northwest of the cave, the Seno Ultima Esperanza continues for 100km until it reaches the Rio Serrano, which, after another 36km, arrives at the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. You can find boat operators in Puerto Natales, and all in all, the trip takes seven hours. It is a gorgeous ride.


		Climbing, Hiking, Kayaking

	All levels of excursions and tours: technical treks on glaciers, big wall rock climbing. Other options include photo tours, rock climbing and kayak courses for all levels and experience. Logistical support for expeditions and personalized tours available. Please contact our travel agency for reservations and more information.