Things to do in Puerto Natales
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Masay
While Masay appears to have your standard Chilean sandwich/pizza restaurant menu, it does everything better than standard. It's very clean, offers fast service, serves oversized and always quality sandwiches, and abundantly topped pizzas. For those who are tired of the southern 'red meat served with red meat' diet, it offers top-rate chicken sandwiches made with breast meat and individual vegetarian pizzas that are a meal in themselves.
reviewed
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Mirador Dorotea
So you've been running around town all morning trying to organize gear & plans for the park and want to get out & do a little warm-up hike? Head to Mirador Dorotea, less than 10km from Natales. Dorotea is the large rocky outcrop just off Ruta 9. There is a big sign that identifies the hike to the lookout at lot 14 just off the road. The hike takes you through a lenga forest & up to a splendid view back over Puerto Natales, the glacial valley and the surrounding mountains.
reviewed
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Eberhard Ranch
Surrounded by tranquil fjords and looming mountains, the original homestead and estancia in the region, Eberhard Ranch, is impossibly scenic and gives a taste of the area outside of the internationalized outdoor-sports mecca of Puerto Natales. At the ranch you can see gauchos at work. It is not a tourist show, but real work, which includes the slaughter of sheep - so it is not for the faint of heart. To arrange a visit contact Estancia Travel.
reviewed
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Afrigonia
Don’t doubt it – even though the Afro-Patagonian wave has yet to hit mainstream, this romantic restaurant is easily the best in town. Diners delight in the innovation and attention to detail. Combine Papas tsavo (crisp fried new potatoes in herb sauce) with kayapas (curried chicken stuffed with spinach and mashed peanuts). Or try mint roasted lamb. There is no way to lose. It’s run by a friendly Zambian-Chilean couple.
reviewed
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Ñandú Artesanía
With shops all over town, Ñandú has crafts, postcards, local maps and any other tourist items that you may desire.
The main thing to shop for in town is outdoor gear. There are a number of shops lining Arturo Prat, Manuel Bulnes and Eberhard; however, prices are higher here than larger towns, and you'll be better off picking up gear in Punta Arenas or in Argentina.
reviewed
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Chill-e
Painted bright red and green like the colors of a spicy chili, this multiroomed lounge would be hip in Santiago, let alone Puerto Natales. Come chill out on a couch (in your own side room if you have an entourage), sample Mexican snacks, sip cocktails or fine wines, and listen to a variety of DJs on the decks. Only open on weekends in winter.
reviewed
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La Mesita Grande
Happy diners share one long worn table that is not unlike a post-trek feeding trough. But it’s kind of gourmet. The thin-crust pizzas are outstanding, with toppings like arugula and prosciutto or lemon-spiked salmon. Plus there are quality pastas and organic salads from a local greenhouse. Look for local Baguales beer, available on tap.
reviewed
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El Living
Indulge in the London lounge feel of this chill café with proper vegetarian fare, stacks of European glossies and a stream of eclectic tunes. In addition to real coffee, tea and fresh juice, organic salads, burritos and soups are served. Wine and local beer are also at the ready. Choose a comfy chair or check out the new garden space.
reviewed
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Museo Histórico
OK for a crash course in local history, the museum is a quick visit. There are natural history items (mostly stuffed animals), archaeological artifacts, such as stone and whalebone arrowheads and spear points, plus a Yaghan canoe, Tehuelche bolas and historical photographs of Puerto Natales’ development.
reviewed
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Angelica’s
With an exposed kitchen, flickering candlelight and slick service, this central eatery clearly caters to tourists – but you probably won’t care about that when the corvino en papillote (white fish marinated in white wine and baked in a foil packet) is melting in your mouth.
reviewed
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Caleta Gastronomica
Not as polished as the more touristy places around the plaza, the decor here is homey with a well-worn maritime theme. Make no mistake, this is your best option for heaping seafood, and shellfish stews and soups. Ask for the house special and plan on a nap after lunch.
reviewed
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El Rincón del Tata
This cozy bar-restaurant is a fine place to try calafate sours, the local specialty cocktail made with the berry of the same name. The menu offers a few unexpected dishes such as shawarma as well as appealing comfort food like pumpkin soup with chicken and carrots.
reviewed
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Museo HistÓrico
This museum has natural history items (mostly stuffed animals), archaeological artifacts, such as stone and whalebone arrowheads and spear points, plus a Yahgan canoe, Tehuelche bolas and historical photographs of Puerto Natales' development.
reviewed
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Los Pioneros
This modest family-owned restaurant on the waterfront offers simple seafood dishes and lovely views of snow-capped mountains when the weather is clear. Try the grilled salmon or the paila marina, a flavorful seafood stew.
reviewed
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Pisco Sour
For sunset cocktails, hit this stylish bar in the Hotel Indigo complex, with gaping views of the mountain-clad sound. Innovations on the bar’s namesake drink shouldn’t be missed: try the Nippon pisco sour (spiked with green tea).
reviewed
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Emporio de la Pampa
Attached to a Northface boutique, this wine and cheese shop has goodies galore for the trail. Treats include fresh coffee, hearty brown bread and regional goat cheese. A tasting (CH$10,000) will help you get your bearings.
reviewed
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Cielo de Palo
Served in a ceramic bowl bubbling over with cheese, the king crab lasagne at this small café could easily serve two. Lighter fare includes pumpkin soup and falafel plates. It’s a little pricey but portions do satisfy.
reviewed
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La Última Esperanza
This formal affair, specializing in seafood and fish, is worth the higher prices; mains come with side dishes and are exquisitely prepared. Or try the less expensive soups and a few powerful pisco sours.
reviewed
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Asador Patagónico
If trekking left you with a mastodon appetite, splurge at this upscale Argentine-style grill. Flame-seared lamb, steak and salads, as well as sweetbreads, are served as you wish alongside quality wines.
reviewed
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Afrigonia
If you’re bored with local fare, try this romantic gem. Run by a Zambian/Chilean couple, its offerings include tasty mint lamb brochettes or chicken with creamy ginger sauce, spiced to your wishes.
reviewed
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La Picada de Don Carlitos
Hearty Chilean fare, like chicken and heaped mashed potatoes, is served at this down-home eatery bursting with locals at lunchtime. Try the fantastic caldillo de congrio (conger eel stew.)
reviewed
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La Casa de Pepe
After a blustery day in Torres del Paine, pop by this homey German-style spot on the square for hearty pastél de papas (a baked potato and meat pie) or a huge roast beef sandwich.
reviewed
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La Picada de Don Carlitos
Abundant, hearty Chilean fare, like chicken stew and mashed potatoes, is served at this down-home eatery. Greasy spoon it may be, but it’s bursting with locals at lunchtime.
reviewed
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El Bar de Ruperto
Ideal for a rainy day, this typical bar entertains you with foosball, chess and other board games. Guinness and other imports help you forget you’re so far from home.
reviewed
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El Túnel
This bar-restaurant has an almost UFO feel to it. You can listen to house or bossa nova while sipping the excellent Chilean wines and snacking on crepes and salads.
reviewed
