Town in Magallanes, Chile
Puerto Natales
The small port town where most Torres del Paine trips begin: outfitters, hostels and hearty restaurants on a quiet fjord. Pricey, windy and tied to the park season; few things to do once the park closes.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,320–2,040Comfortable, one person · $1.3M–2MDetails
- Value for money59/100Better value than 58% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Feb, 14°CDetails
- Internet364 MbpsFixed broadband, Chile medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe to drink in town.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$31–61Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBus to Torres del PaineVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards accepted in most hostels, shops and restaurants; carry cash for park entry extras, small shops and remote refugios.Details
Where to stay in Puerto Natales
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro (Plaza de Armas–Costanera) | Hostels, restaurants and outfitters; walkable |
| Costanera (waterfront) | Sound views, hotels and sunset walks |
| Barrio Obrero | Quieter residential streets, cheaper guesthouses |
Apps that work in Puerto Natales
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Recorrido.cl: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Taxis: Taxis and colectivos only; no ride-hailing apps. Pre-book park shuttles and hostel pickups during Dec–Feb.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Chile.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards accepted in most hostels, shops and restaurants; carry cash for park entry extras, small shops and remote refugios.
- Currency: Peso (CLP). US$1 ≈ $982.01 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards a fixed fee per withdrawal and cap amounts fairly low.
- Tipping: Restaurants suggest a voluntary 10% tip; the server or card machine asks if you want it included. Taxis aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted at almost all contactless terminals.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Declare all food, plant and animal products on the SAG form; undeclared fruit or meat brings heavy fines.
- Entry generates a digital tourist card; keep it, as hotels ask for it with your passport to waive 19% VAT.
Emergency numbers
Police 133 · Ambulance 131 · Fire 132
Plugs
Type C, L · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid chips from Entel, Movistar, WOM or Claro are sold in carrier shops and kiosks for a few thousand pesos; register with your passport. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Chile
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.