Puerto Natales is a city in Chilean Patagonia, located 247 km (153 mi) northwest of Punta Arenas and is the final port of call for the Navimag ferry sailing from Puerto Montt into the Señoret Channel as well as the primary transit point for travelers to Torres del Paine National Park. It is the capital of Última Esperanza Province of Magallanes and Antártica Chilena Region.

Última Esperanza Sound, originally inhabited by the Kawéskar tribe, or

Alacaluf, and the Aonikenk, or Tehuelche, was sailed in 1557 by Juan Ladrilleros,a sailor who was looking for the Strait of Magellan.The city was settled by Germans, British, Croatian and Chilean people coming from the

Island of Chiloé, all attracted by the sheep-raising industry. Finally, the city was founded under the government of Ramón Barros Luco on May 31, 1911. Nowadays, the livelihood of Puerto Natales relies on tourism.

Because Puerto Natales was not started

as a tourist town, the history of the region can be seen by walking the back streets and coastal dirt roads.A bike ride in any direction can be rewarding as well. If you have a day or two to burn, before or after your trek in Torres del Paine, there are all kinds of day tours that you can booked from the various agencies in the downtown area.

POPULATION: 19,000

FOUNDED: 1911

WHAT’S GROOVY: Laguna Sofía for climbing, kayaking & swimming.

JUST IN CASE: 131 (ambulance), 132 (fire), 133 (police)

If I arrive to Natales from Ushuaia or on the last bus from Punta Arenas, can I still catch the bus to Torres del Paine first thing the next day?

This really depends on how ready you are. We recommend waiting for the second bus into the Park (which only runs during high season) or just taking a prep day in Natales during low season to rent any gear you need and do your food shop.

If I arrive here on Navimag, can I still hit the trail first thing the next morning?

This depends on sea conditions and arrival times. Plus see above answer and Torres del Paine Q&A.

What is Navimag?

Navimag is the weekly ferry service (which originally just brought goods to the extreme parts of Chile from the north.) Now it shuttles travelers from between Natales and Puerto Montt.

What the heck is a “Zodiac”?

A motorized rubber raft, used for various types of trips in southern Chile, including navegating the upper Serrano River heading into Torres del Paine.

Is there a place where I can rent or buy equipment in a pinch, 24 hours a day?

Yep! La Maddera Outdoor Store runs a 24-hour hotline for all your 2 a.m. gear emergencies. Duruing regular business hours, you can find them at the corner of Bulnes and Pratt. After hours, call (cell) 09 418 4100 or (home) 412 591.

Where can I buy camping food in town?

Don Bosco and Abu Gosch are both on the main streets of Baquedano and Bulnes, respectively.

Where can I buy white gas?

The pharmacies carry clean white gas.You can find them in the outdoor and building material stores.

Does Black Sheep sell T-shirts? Where can I find them?

Yes! Get ‘em hot off the press at La Maddera (on the corner of Pratt and Bulnes).

What about shopping hours midday?

Between 12 and 3 p.m. everything is pretty locked down, except for the Abu G.

What are the winters like around here?

Calm, blue, clear, freezing and beautiful.

Why is there so much trash on the beach?

That’s a great question...You could always help and pick some up.

What about recycling programs?

Batteries are recycled and collected in various containers throughout town, including at the Post Office. As yet, all other recycling for the season is still at a standstill.The city is working on a glass recycling program that should be up and running within the next month. For more information, contact the Cámara de Turismo.

And all of the dogs running around?

Half of them are street dogs, half of them are owned but run free anyway.Together they make more street dogs. It’s a circle of life thing...

How much do the taxis cost? 1.000 pesos within city limits.

Why do all the girls here wear those uniform mini-skirts to school in such a cold and windy place?

It’s one of life’s mysteries, but we are pretty sure it was a man’s idea.

Why can’t I flush my toilet paper down the toilet? Do I really have to throw it in the waste basket?!

It depends on where you are. Sometimes it’s fine to flush it, but if it says not to, DON’T! A bit gross and bizarre, but the pipes from yester-year just can’t handle it.

Is it worth renting a car to get around instead of using the buses?

Depends on your budget and your destination. Public transportation is always a good idea when possible, but there’s a lot of Patagonia out there that can’t be accessed by public transportation.To see those places, getting a few people to pitch in for a car can make for a unique experience.

Why do I seem to understand LESS Spanish in Chile than anywhere else?

Chileans down here talk super fast and use a whole lotta slang.

Why do I receive a little piece of receipt paper every time I buy something?

It’s the law, no joke. Everyone takes it very seriously.