From Puerto Natales to Perito Moreno, Torres del Paine and more

Argentine Patagonia is the star destination for trips to the southern tip of the continent. However, southern Chile is not far behind : there, the Andes plunge into the ocean to form an endless chain of fjords, channels, and pristine archipelagos . In this setting, the city of Puerto Natales stands out as the undisputed capital of adventure and exploration tourism.

This town is located on the shores of the Señoret Channel in the Magallanes Region and serves as the gateway to the Eighth Wonder of the World: Torres del Paine National Park . But limiting your trip to just this landmark would be a mistake. The surrounding area invites you to explore isolated cattle ranches, sail to hanging glaciers , and, thanks to its proximity to the border, cross into Argentina in a single day.

Below you'll find key information about distances, routes, and the best things to do in Puerto Natales . You can also check out our travel packages to make the most of your stay in Patagonia .

From Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine: routes and excursions

The main reason travelers from all over the world land in this city is its proximity to the Andes Mountains. The distance between Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales   It is 112 kilometers to the entrance at the Laguna Amarga Gate , or 80 kilometers if accessing via the Milodon Cave area towards the Serrano entrance . The trip along Route 9 takes approximately an hour and a half, with most of it paved and gravel in the final stretches.

Choosing when and how to travel from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine will depend on your available time and the level of physical exertion you're willing to undertake on tours and excursions. Below are the best itineraries based on your travel style:

Full-day tour: Torres del Paine and Milodon Cave

When time is limited or long hikes are preferred, a day tour to Torres del Paine and the Milodon Cave is the best option. The tour begins with a visit to the Milodon Cave Natural Monument , a prehistoric cavern where the remains of a giant sloth were found.

Then you enter the national park, stopping at scenic viewpoints : Lake Sarmiento, Laguna Amarga, Salto Grande (a waterfall with a massive flow), and the Lake Pehoé viewpoint. From these vantage points, you can enjoy the classic frontal views of the Cuernos del Paine without any physical effort.

Photo Safari in Torres del Paine

Nature photography enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Torres del Paine Photo Safari . This tour from Puerto Natales prioritizes wildlife observation over hiking. The tour is conducted by vehicle with expert guides who lead the way through the less-traveled areas of the park.

Depending on the terrain and weather conditions, stops at strategic points offer the chance to spot herds of guanacos, culpeo foxes, rheas, and, with luck, the elusive Patagonian puma in its natural habitat. Meanwhile, in the sky, the Andean condor watches over the journey.

Trekking to the Base of the Towers

Chile's most famous one-day physical challenge is the Torres del Paine Base Trek . After a vehicle transfer to the Las Torres Lodge area, a demanding 22-kilometer (round trip) hike begins, taking approximately 8 to 9 hours .

The trail ascends through the Ascensio River Valley , crosses lenga forests and culminates with a tough climb up a moraine of rocks to reach the glacial lagoon that rests just below the three iconic granite spires.

The long circuits: The W and The O

There are three ideal packages for those who wish to stay overnight inside the park. All of them cover the logistics of booking refuges in Torres del Paine, trail guides, and meals.

The W Express Self-Guided Circuit (4 days) allows you to explore the three main valleys (Base Torres, French Valley, and Grey Glacier) while optimizing your time. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, the W Alternative Circuit (5 days and 4 nights) distributes the distances more evenly.

For the ultimate challenge, the Circuito O or Classic Paine Massif Adventure (8 days) circumnavigates the entire massif. The route crosses the dreaded John Garner Pass and offers exclusive views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field that day-trippers never get to see.

Would you like to know more about the Torres del Paine Circuit? We recommend this article .

Horseback riding trip to the Condor Lagoon in Chile

Not all active tourism in the region is focused on hiking. The area's cultural roots are deeply linked to the figure of the "baqueano" (the Chilean gaucho) and to rural work on isolated ranches.

The most authentic way to connect with this heritage is the horseback trek to Laguna Cóndor (2 days and 1 night) . This equestrian expedition ventures away from the crowded Torres del Paine circuits and into the Antonio Varas Peninsula , a wild territory accessible only by sea.

The itinerary begins by crossing the Señoret Channel by boat from Puerto Natales to Estancia Mercedes . There, local guides assign the horses to begin the journey through peat bogs, coigüe forests, and steep trails with views of the Sarmiento Mountain Range.

The goal is to reach Laguna Cóndor, its mountain refuge, and the mirror-like lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks . The experience includes setting up a bivouac-style camp, a campfire dinner sharing stories with the muleteers, and an overnight stay in the heart of nature, returning to the ranch the following day.

The border crossing: Calafate and Puerto Natales

Although Puerto Natales is located in Chile, the city is only 270 kilometers from El Calafate (Argentina) . This proximity allows many travelers to combine both destinations by crossing overland, without needing to take flights, thus linking Calafate and Puerto Natales in a single trip .

The journey between the two cities begins on Route 9 in Chile, crossing the Cerro Castillo border crossing (Don Guillermo River). It then connects with National Route 40 in Argentina, traversing the vast and windy Patagonian steppe.

How to get to Perito Moreno from Puerto Natales

For those who don't plan to stay overnight in Argentina but don't want to miss the world's most famous ice wonder, a day trip to Perito Moreno from Puerto Natales is entirely feasible . The border crossing tour offers an extended 14-hour journey that includes international transportation and immigration procedures .

The vehicle departs from Chile in the early morning, crosses the border, and after a couple of hours' journey across the Argentine steppe, skirts the immense Lake Argentino before entering Los Glaciares National Park . Once in the park, there is ample free time to explore the system of metal walkways located in front of the glacier face .

The immense 60-meter-high blocks of ice are located very close to these stepped trails. This allows visitors to hear the internal rumblings of the compressed ice and to photograph the calving icebergs that fall into the waters of the Iceberg Channel .

Packages to Puerto Natales

Creating an itinerary in southern Patagonia on your own can be overwhelming. Distances are vast, the weather is unpredictable, entry to national parks is limited during peak season, and public transportation to attractions can be scarce.