Old wooden pier pilings, mossy rocks, blue hour lake

A gateway to nature

Hikers, mountain bikers, climbers, and other adventurers flock to this Chilean city of more than 20,000 people, but they don't often stay long. Puerto Natales' position in southern Patagonia makes it a popular jumping-off point for exploring nearby Torres del Paine National Park. The pleasant port town is perfect for overnight visitors to reflect pre-trek in seaside serenity, even as waiting mountains beckon from the distance.