Puerto Natales | 3 ways to celebrate completing the W-Trek

Puerto Natales is the launch pad for Patagonia’s world-famous W-Trek in Torres del Paine. It’s proximity to the park means almost everyone who travels through this small Chilean port town is due to head out on a hike or has just returned from one. Visitors spend their days popping in and out of the many tourist offices, rental shops, and grocery stores that make up the downtown core. The streets are bustling, the weather is unpredictable, the vibe is transient.

At first glance it might seem like the only thing to do in Puerto Natales is plan and prep for treks in the surrounding area, but we found plenty to love around town. A beautiful shoreline, colourful shacks with mountain views, and to our surprise, an amazing culinary scene.

We enjoyed some of our favourite meals in Patagonia here, and after returning from a gruelling hike through Torres del Paine, we really needed them. Hit up these Puerto Natales restaurants to reward yourself after a successful trek.

1 // Cafe Kaiken

This unassuming cafe looks just like all the other small shacks lining the streets of Puerto Natales, but inside awaits one of Patagonia’s most delicious meals and a curated list of impressive local wine.

To say Cafe Kaiken is cozy would be putting it lightly. There are about 15 seats inside the small restaurant and the kitchen is within ear shot. Chef José and his sous chef put the utmost care into every dish, and he’s likely to stop by your table to make sure you tasted it. The food is simple but heavenly – beef carpaccio, steak cooked and seasoned to perfection, and an absolutely unbelievable smoked salmon ravioli. It’s comfort food at its comfiest, right when you need it most.

Find it: Baquedano #699, Puerto Natales, Chile

2 // Last Hope Distillery

When we’re not drinking wine or beer, our spirit of choice is gin. So we were thrilled to learn that there was an independent distillery in downtown Puerto Natales.

The aptly named Last Hope was started by an Australian couple who couldn’t find a decent cocktail after completing their own trek. They opened Last Hope and started brewing gin using local ingredients, fine-tuning their recipe over the years with the help of townspeople. They even started bottling a calafate berry gin. And next they plan to launch Last Hope whiskey which is currently aging to perfection out back in their distillery.

The intimate yet lively bar slings a slew of wow-worthy creative cocktails for any mood and occasion. To accompany, there’s a menu with charcuterie, freshly made hummus and an unreal Reuben sandwich. Tours kick off everyday at 530pm in English and Spanish. Pull up a seat and let the adventure be gin (their genius tagline, fyi).

Find it: Calle Esmeralda 882, Puerto Natales, Chile

3 // Lenga

We’re always on the lookout for authentic food done well and Lenga served us exactly that. The chef specializes in taking traditional dishes and giving them a fresh and contemporary twist.

Local produce and traditional seasonings are the heroes here, but they’re showcased with just the right amount of flare. Delicate sopapillas to dip in salt and merken (a spicy, smoky Chilean seasoning), roasted lamb hearts in wine with blue cheese, humita en olla (corn paste with basil) and conger eel in dark butter. For dessert, a berry tart on hot stones, or burnt milk, a regional favourite.

You might leave with a new appreciation for Chilean cuisine and a parting gift of Chile’s best salt. A totally worthy splurge, especially as a post-trek treat.

Find it: Carlos Bories 221 Natales, Magallanes, Chile

Into awesome restaurants and hiking? Be sure to add El Chalten to your Patagonia Itinerary.

How do you like to celebrate after a challenging hike? Do you have a favourite restaurant in Puerto Natales?