Solo female travel in Puerto Natales

Located in the southern tip of Chile, Puerto Natales is an enchanting gateway to the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park. This picturesque town is settled along the Last Hope Sound, a body of water discovered by European explorers in the 1500s on their final attempts to find a passageway across the continent. Known primarily as a hub for hikers, the town's unique charm also lies in its colorful tin houses, local cuisine, and the awe-inspiring views of the Andes Mountains and Patagonian fjords. The charisma of Puerto Natales extends to its adventurous opportunities, including mountain climbing, kayaking, and exploration of nearby glaciers, making it a must-visit destination for every nature and adventure enthusiast.

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Is Puerto Natales good for solo travel?

Safety:

Safety:Very safe

Puerto Natales is generally considered safe for solo female travelers. Like anywhere, it's always important to remain vigilant and mindful of your surroundings and belongings. Local people are friendly and helpful. However, it is a remote region, so care should be taken when hiking or exploring outdoor areas. Always let someone know your plans ahead of time. Petty crime is relatively low but can still occur. The main potential issues could come from unpredictable weather and outdoor activities, so make sure to always be prepared, especially if hiking in the National Park.
Transport:

Transport:Moderate

Puerto Natales is a relatively small town, which can make it easy to navigate on foot through its main areas. Its local transport network is not extensive, which may pose some challenges when trying to reach surrounding attractions. However, taxi services are fairly reliable and it's an important gateway to Torres Del Paine, which easily compensates for the transport limitations within the town.
Things to do:

Things to do:Interesting

Puerto Natales is filled with adventurous activities, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe. You can explore the natural wonders of the Torres del Paine National Park with hikes and trekking routes suiting all levels. Additionally, you can experience kayaking in the fjords or visit Mylodon Cave, a historical site. While not bustling with urban activities, it offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities and stunning views, making it fascinating for nature lovers. Be prepared for unpredictable weather and remember that attractions are natural, so might require physical effort.
Food:

Food:Above average

Puerto Natales offers a diverse range of food options, satisfying various dietary preferences from vegans to seafood lovers. You'll enjoy traditional Chilean dishes as well as international cuisines. Noteworthy are the freshly caught seafood dishes and mouth-watering lamb preparations. The only slight drawback is that finding an early breakfast can be a bit difficult due to late opening hours of most places.
Budget:

Budget:Moderate

Puerto Natales, though rich in natural beauty with destinations like Torres Del Paine National Park, medium in terms of budget-friendliness. Basic accommodation, food, and transportation can be quite affordable. However, participating in tours or other outdoor activities can significantly increase the cost of the trip. Currency fluctuations can also sometimes make traveling in Chile more expensive for foreign tourists.

Is Puerto Natales worth visiting?

Camila

Camila (18)

Argentina

Couple travel experience

Hello! My name is Camila, and the first time I visited Puerto Natales was when I was 18 years old (in 2019). My partner and I secured a volunteer position at a local hostel (Lili Patag贸nicos), and I arrived first (he had to finish a job in Ushuaia). The owner of the hostel was always super friendly with me, but there was an older volunteer with whom I didn't feel very comfortable. Faced with an uncomfortable situation (which was going to end in abuse), I told the owner, and he immediately told that volunteer to leave right away. Apart from that situation, the rest of my experience there was beautiful. There are many things to do since there is a National Park (Torres del Paine), and at that hostel, every month, they gave us excursions as a gift, allowing us to explore quite a bit. We didn't go to many restaurants, but we did visit very nice bars like Basecamp and Last Hope. At that time, the exchange rate from Argentine pesos to Chilean pesos favored us, but it's still a bit expensive, depending on everyone's economy. The hostel is very nice and welcoming. Since it was the low season, we were given a private room with a shared bathroom. Puerto Natales is a large town/small city, and it's easy to get everywhere (within the town). To go to the park, you needed some form of transportation, such as a bus or transfer. We didn't have a fixed itinerary, only the days and hours we had to work; the rest of the time, we were free to explore. I hope my information is helpful! 馃馃徏

Posted: December 8, 2023Experienced: July, 2019
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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