Río Natales Valley & Estancia Walk
Follow the banks of the Río Natales through valley farmland, passing a traditional Patagonian sheep estancia and native riparian woodland.
- 1
Río Natales Bridge
Begin at the bridge over the Río Natales, a clear, swift river draining the Andean foothills and feeding the Última Esperanza Sound.
- 2
Riparian Willow Groves
Native willows and calafate berry bushes line the riverbanks, their yellow autumn foliage glowing in the low Patagonian light.
- 3
Estancia Gate
A traditional wooden gate marks the entrance to a working sheep estancia — some offer tours and demonstrations of wool shearing.
- 4
Sheep Pastures
Thousands of Merino sheep graze across the rolling pastures, the backbone of the Patagonian economy for over a century.
- 5
Calafate Berry Patch
Pause to pick the tart purple calafate berries — legend holds that eating one ensures your return to Patagonia.
- 6
Valley Return Overlook
On the return, a low hillside vantage gives a sweeping view of the valley, the river, and Puerto Natales town framed by the distant fjord.