At the edge of the known world, Puerto Natales is the launching pad for Torres del Paine's granite spires, ancient glaciers, and some of the most dramatic scenery on Earth. Wind-scoured and wonderfully remote.
Your arrival method depends entirely on ship size — most large cruise ships tender to the Marine Terminal, while expedition vessels dock at Puerto Bories.
💡 Pro move: Chile's biosecurity agency SAG is strict: do not carry fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, or unsealed meats ashore. Dogs may sniff bags at the pier.
Puerto Natales has two arrival points — the Marine Terminal in town where large ships tender, and the Puerto Bories pier ~5 km north where smaller expedition vessels dock.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Large cruise ships (Celebrity, Holland America, Princess) | Puerto Natales Marine Terminal, town waterfront📍 | Tendered |
| Expedition ships (Hurtigruten, PONANT, HX Expeditions, Australis, National Geographic) | Puerto Bories pier (~5 km north)📍 | Docked |
Puerto Natales punches well above its size — Torres del Paine alone is worth crossing a continent for, and the fjord glacier tours are equally spectacular.
One of the world's great natural wonders: turquoise lakes, condors overhead, and the iconic granite towers rising roughly 2,500 m. The 2-hour drive each way demands a full-day excursion — book through your ship to guarantee on-time return.
Find Torres del Paine tours →Cruise the Última Esperanza Fjord past cormorant colonies and sea lions to two dramatic hanging glaciers. Many tours include a traditional asado lunch at a riverside estancia.
Find glacier boat tours →A massive cave where remains of a prehistoric giant ground sloth were found in 1895. A life-size replica greets you at the entrance — eerie, fascinating, and only 25 minutes north of town.
Find Milodon Cave tours →Visit a working Patagonian sheep ranch by boat. Watch sheepdog demonstrations, ride horses through windswept pampa, and feast on whole spit-roasted lamb slow-cooked over an open fire.
Find estancia tours →Paddle the calm channels of the Última Esperanza Sound with a guide, passing steep cliffs and watching for black-necked swans, dolphins, and the odd condor soaring above.
Find kayak tours →The compact town waterfront is an easy stroll — expect epic wind, colourful tin-clad houses, and sweeping fjord and Andes views.
Follow the Costanera promenade from the Marine Terminal past the old wooden Muelle Histórico (a photographer's dream), the Monumento de la Mano sculpture, and on to the Plaza de Armas. Watch for black-necked swans and Chilean flamingos along the shore.
Wander the leafy plaza with its church and municipal building, then duck into the Pueblo Artesanal for hand-knit Patagonian wool sweaters, woodwork, and calafate berry products.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Puerto Natales, Magallanes, Chile (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57°F / 14°C | 44°F / 7°C | 20 | 5:56 AM | 10:01 PM |
| Feb | 59°F / 15°C | 45°F / 7°C | 17 | 6:53 AM | 9:13 PM |
| Mar | 55°F / 13°C | 42°F / 6°C | 19 | 7:43 AM | 8:12 PM |
| Apr | 49°F / 9°C | 38°F / 3°C | 16 | 8:36 AM | 7:02 PM |
| May | 44°F / 7°C | 34°F / 1°C | 15 | 9:23 AM | 6:08 PM |
| Jun | 38°F / 3°C | 29°F / -2°C | 16 | 9:56 AM | 5:44 PM |
| Jul | 36°F / 2°C | 26°F / -3°C | 15 | 9:49 AM | 6:03 PM |
| Aug | 40°F / 4°C | 30°F / -1°C | 16 | 9:01 AM | 6:47 PM |
| Sep | 45°F / 7°C | 33°F / 1°C | 15 | 7:54 AM | 7:36 PM |
| Oct | 50°F / 10°C | 37°F / 3°C | 17 | 6:45 AM | 8:26 PM |
| Nov | 53°F / 12°C | 40°F / 4°C | 18 | 5:47 AM | 9:22 PM |
| Dec | 56°F / 13°C | 43°F / 6°C | 20 | 5:26 AM | 10:04 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Puerto Natales is a compact town — the cruise pier is within easy walking distance of the town center, restaurants, and shops.
Local taxis have no meters; agree on a fare before boarding. Very affordable for short city hops; slightly higher when cruise ships are in port.
Uber is confirmed available in Puerto Natales and offers a transparent fare alternative to unmetered taxis. Useful for transfers to the bus terminal or airport.
Fixed-route shared taxis (colectivos) are extremely cheap for city travel; less practical with luggage but great for solo explorers on a budget.
Scheduled bus transfers to Torres del Paine National Park start around USD 30 round trip; guided full-day tours (including guide and transport) run roughly USD 90–160 per person. This is the primary reason most cruise passengers visit Puerto Natales.
Upcoming cruises that call at Puerto Natales, Magallanes, Chile. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.