Emplacement et comment s'y rendre

Milodon Cave (Cueva del Milodón) is located approximately 24 kilometers northwest of Puerto Natales, in the Última Esperanza Province of Far Southern Chile. The cave is part of a natural monument that includes several caverns and a large rock formation resembling a milodon, an extinct prehistoric mammal.

• By car: Take Route Y-290 northwest from Puerto Natales; the drive takes about 30 minutes.
• By tour: Many local operators in Puerto Natales offer half-day excursions to the cave, often combined with visits to nearby attractions like Cerro Benítez or Laguna Sofía.
• Public transport: Limited options; taxis or private transfers are more reliable.

Heures d'ouverture et billets

The cave is generally open year-round, though hours may vary slightly by season.

• Opening hours: Typically 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM (summer months may extend slightly).
• Entrance fee: Approximately 5,000 CLP (Chilean pesos) for adults; discounts for children and seniors.
• Tickets: Purchased at the site; no online booking required.

Meilleur moment pour visiter

The cave can be visited year-round, but the summer months (December to February) offer milder weather and longer daylight hours. Mornings are quieter, while afternoons may see more tour groups.

Durée de la visite

Plan for 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the cave and its surroundings, including the interpretive trail and viewpoints.

Activités

• Explore the main cave, where remains of the prehistoric milodon were discovered.
• Walk the interpretive trail with informational panels about the area's geology and paleontology.
• Photograph the striking rock formations and surrounding Patagonian landscape.

Installations

• Restrooms available near the entrance.
• Small gift shop selling local crafts and souvenirs.
• Limited parking area for private vehicles.
• Basic accessibility: The main path is gravel and may be challenging for wheelchairs.

Ce qu'il faut apporter/vêtir

• Sturdy walking shoes for uneven terrain.
• Layered clothing—Patagonian weather can change quickly.
• Water and snacks, as there are no food vendors on-site.
• Camera for capturing the dramatic scenery.

Règles et règlements

• Do not touch or remove any rocks or fossils.
• Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile ecosystem.
• No pets allowed inside the natural monument.

Informations sur le contact

For the latest updates, check with the Puerto Natales tourism office or the official CONAF (Chilean National Forestry Corporation) website.