Última Esperanza Province: Ice, fjords and Patagonian nature

Última Esperanza Province offers a wide range of travel experiences: in Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonian steppe, dense lenga forests and the ice masses of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field come together. The Cueva del Milodón is archaeologically significant, while vast ice fields and protected areas accessible exclusively by sea reveal other sides of the province. When planning your trip, it is worth considering how to get around: road or bus connections are described for Torres del Paine and the Cueva del Milodón; Kawésqar National Park and the Madre de Dios Archipelago can only be reached by sea.

Torres del Paine: Landscapes and glaciers

Torres del Paine National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its landscape ranges from Patagonian steppe and dense lenga forests to the ice masses of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Possible ecotourism activities include camping, hiking, mountaineering and horseback riding, as well as boating, river trips and glacier crossings. Filming documentaries is also one of the activities in the park.

In the western part of the park, Grey Glacier is the main attraction. It originates in the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields, travels 28 kilometers to the lake of the same name, and breaks up there into blue ice floes. The ice fronts reach a height of 30 meters. You can get close to them by boat or walk on the ice with expert guides. If you are planning a glacier walk or boat trip, arrange the details in advance.

Cueva del Milodón: Archaeology and visiting

The Cueva del Milodón is also archaeologically significant: around 12,000 years ago, early Patagonians lived there. The Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument has an environmental information center, restrooms, picnic areas and trails; souvenirs and snacks are also sold. The trail to Cueva Grande was designed for people with limited mobility.

From Puerto Natales, the access route follows Ruta 9 Norte for more than 17 kilometers to the Milodón-Cerro Castillo turnoff. From there, it is 8 kilometers along Ruta Y-290 to the monument’s parking area and entrance. Check road conditions before setting out.

Fjords and sea trips to the ice fields

Most of Bernardo O’Higgins National Park in Última Esperanza Province encompasses the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the Dr. Juan Bruggen Ice Field and the Patagonian Ice Field. Together, these ice fields cover 1,000,500 hectares. Full-day boat trips from Puerto Natales travel through the park’s fjords to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers; they usually depart from Puerto Bories. A spot must be reserved in advance on a tour.

Another boat option takes you to the ice fronts of Grey Glacier: the three-hour trip departs from Hotel Lago Grey. The journey from Puerto Natales to the Lago Grey sector via the park’s internal roads is approximately 100 kilometers, or about two hours. The glacier trips described here therefore differ in their departure points, destinations and durations. Check departure times and booking options before your trip.

Kawésqar National Park is accessible only by sea, including from Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or Puerto Montt. There are no visitor services or infrastructure for public use there. Take these conditions into account when planning and check sea connections in advance.

The protected Madre de Dios Archipelago is also accessible only by ship. It consists of 54 islands north of the 50th parallel south and immediately south of the Trinidad Channel. One possible way to get there is a day-long trip from Puerto Natales; maritime expeditions require expert planning.

Puerto Natales: Getting there and local cuisine

Puerto Natales is the main gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Buses run daily from the city’s bus station to the Laguna Amarga, Sarmiento and Serrano entrances; the journey takes about two hours. Puerto Natales can also be reached on seasonal direct flights to Teniente Julio Gallardo Airfield. From Punta Arenas, the 250-kilometer drive along Ruta 9 takes about three hours; there is also a ferry connection from Puerto Montt. Since flight and ferry connections and schedules may vary, check them before your trip.

Puerto Natales also has a distinctive culinary profile: the city’s cuisine is known for its specialization in lamb and king crab.

Discover more destinations: Torres Del Paine, Natales, Puerto Natales, Estancia Pudeto, Antártica Chilena Province, Magallanes Province, Tierra Del Fuego Province.

Go to the main travel overview: Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Region.