Most people come to Puerto Natales for one reason: Torres del Paine. It’s one of the most spectacular national parks in the world and absolutely worth the trip. But many travelers don’t realize how much there is to see around Natales. There are quiet trails with condors overhead, working sheep ranches, glaciers you can only reach by boat, and even a gin distillery.
Maybe you have an extra day, the weather in the park doesn’t look good, or you simply want to see a different side of Patagonia. Here are my five favorite things to do near Puerto Natales. I’ve done all of them myself and I recommend them to every guest who asks.
The Short Answer
The best things to do around Puerto Natales without entering Torres del Paine are hiking Cerro Benítez above Laguna Sofía to watch condors, walking the Estancia Rupestre trail to its viewpoint, spending a full day at Estancia La Península, distilling your own bottle at The Gin Lab, and sailing the fjord to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers.
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Cerro Benítez & Laguna Sofía
Condors overhead, a swim in the lagoon and a half day out of town.
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Estancia Rupestre
Sheltered forest trail, the one to pick on a windy day.
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Estancia La Península
Ranch life across the fjord, with a Patagonian lamb barbecue.
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The Gin Lab
Indoors and hands-on: the plan that saves a rainy day.
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Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers
The classic boat trip up the fjord to two glaciers.
1. Cerro Benítez & Laguna Sofía: Condors and a Lagoon Swim
Just 20 km from Casa Lenga, this is one of the best short hikes in the area. The trail climbs Cerro Benítez through a lenga forest to a viewpoint high above Laguna Sofía, with the fjords and mountains stretching out behind it. The cliffs here are home to Andean condors, so keep your eyes on the sky.
- Duration: about 3–4 hours round trip
- Entrance: free
- Important: before you set out, send your personal details (name, number of people and planned route) to margoni.turismo@gmail.com. That way someone knows you’re on the trail.
Once you’re back at the car, drive down to the shore of the lagoon. On a warm day without wind, a swim in Laguna Sofía is one of those Patagonian moments you won’t forget.
2. Estancia Rupestre: The Perfect Hike for a Windy Day
This is one of my personal favorites near Natales. Estancia Rupestre is right next to the famous Cueva del Milodón, so you can easily combine both in the same day.
The trail goes mostly through a sheltered forest, which makes it an ideal hike for windy days, and in Patagonia there are many of those. Along the way you’ll see plenty of birds and ancient rock art, and the reward at the end is a spectacular viewpoint over Laguna Sofía.
- Duration: about 3–4 hours
- Entrance: CLP 10,000 per person (as of September 2026)
- Hours: entry from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. 3:30 pm is the last entry time, so plan to arrive early enough to finish the 3–4 hour hike in daylight.
- More info: @rupestrepatagonia on Instagram
3. A Full Day at Estancia La Península
Want to experience real Patagonian ranch life? Spend a day at Estancia La Península, a working sheep ranch across the Última Esperanza (Last Hope) fjord that you can only reach by boat.
The day starts with a crossing of the fjord from Puerto Bories. On the other side you can choose between horseback riding or hiking through the fjord landscape. After that comes a traditional Patagonian lamb barbecue (cordero al palo) with drinks. In the afternoon there’s a sheepdog demonstration and, in season, live sheep shearing.
- Duration: full day (boat leaves around 9 am, back around 5 pm)
- Departure: Puerto Bories, about 5 km from downtown Natales
- Booking: Estancias Patagonia
4. Make Your Own Gin at The Gin Lab by Last Hope
Bad weather? Perfect excuse. Last Hope Distillery is right in Puerto Natales, and their Gin Lab is one of the most fun things you can do in town, especially when the wind and rain make the trails less inviting.
With the Last Hope team you’ll learn the history of gin and choose your own botanicals, many of them from Patagonia. Then you distill your own gin in a small copper still, with cocktails and snacks while it bubbles away. At the end you take home a bottle of gin you made yourself. It’s a fantastic experience and the team is great.
- Duration: about 3.5 hours (afternoon sessions)
- More info & booking: @theginlab_lasthope on Instagram
5. Sail to the Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers
I saved a classic for last. The boat trip up the Última Esperanza fjord to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers is one of the most memorable days you can have in the region. Along the way you’ll pass waterfalls, sea lion colonies and cormorants. At the end, a short walk through the forest brings you face to face with the Serrano glacier.
Most full-day tours leave early in the morning from Puerto Natales or Puerto Bories. Many include lunch at a traditional estancia on the way back. There are also shorter “express” versions if you want a lighter day.
- Duration: full day (roughly 6–9 hours depending on the tour)
- Booking: several operators in town offer it. Compare what’s included (lunch, Zodiac extension) before you book.
Where to Stay
Casa Lenga is only 10 minutes from downtown Puerto Natales and on the way to Laguna Sofía, the Cueva del Milodón and Torres del Paine. That makes it a great base for all of these trips. After your day out, come home to a warm, private house in the Patagonian countryside.
Hungry after all that exploring? Here’s my list of where to eat in Puerto Natales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do in Puerto Natales if I’m not going to Torres del Paine?
Plenty. You can hike Cerro Benítez above Laguna Sofía or the Estancia Rupestre trail, spend a day on a working sheep ranch at Estancia La Península, make your own gin at The Gin Lab, or take the boat up the fjord to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. All of them are within easy reach of town.
What is there to do in Puerto Natales on a rainy or windy day?
The Gin Lab by Last Hope Distillery is the best option when the weather turns: it’s indoors and lasts about three and a half hours. For hiking on a windy day, the Estancia Rupestre trail runs mostly through sheltered forest.
Is the Laguna Sofía hike free?
Yes, Cerro Benítez and Laguna Sofía are free. Estancia Rupestre, a separate trail nearby, charges CLP 10,000 per person as of September 2026.
How far is Laguna Sofía from Puerto Natales?
About 25 km north of town, or 20 km from Casa Lenga, on a gravel road. You need a car or a tour to get there; there is no public transport.
How many days should I spend in Puerto Natales?
Most guests stay 4 to 7 nights. Two or three days go to Torres del Paine, and the rest are perfect for the trips on this list, which keep you close to town.
About the Author
I’m Jorge Aguayo, host of Casa Lenga and an IT professional and photographer. I’ve lived in Puerto Natales since 2020, and I’ve done every trip on this list myself.
Last updated: September 2026.
Ready to explore more than the park? Check availability at Casa Lenga. I’m always happy to share more local tips with my guests.