The only city in Chilean Patagonia, Puerto Natales sits on the bleakly named but beautiful Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope) Sound. Originally settled by Germans, British, Italians and Spanish, there is a distinctly European feel mixed in with the slow pace of life that pervades in Puerto Natales. Add to that the plentiful boutique hotels and restaurants and it’s a delightful place to relax pre- and post-exploring the area’s most spectacular sight, the Torres Del Paine National Park.

From Puerto Natales’ waterfront, there are spectacular views over the sound to the mountains beyond, some of which are home to magnificent glaciers.