Puerto Natales is considered the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park.
The activity that attracted settlers to the area was sheep and cattle farming, the region’s main economic activity. The city of Puerto Natales was officially founded on May 31, 1911, by decree of President Ramón Barros Luco.
With the founding of the Puerto Bories Freezer Plant by the Tierra del Fuego Exploitation Company (SETF), many job opportunities opened up, not only in the various facilities but also on the surrounding ranches. This led to a significant influx of settlers from Chiloé Island, quickly increasing the population of the small town.
Puerto Bories is now a national monument. The museum located there summarizes the history and traditions of the region, highlighting the importance of the freezer plant in the economic development of Puerto Natales and all of Patagonia. It showcases early 20th-century machinery in perfect working condition. The original construction features late 19th-century architectural style, inspired by post-Victorian England. The Singular Hotels chain restored the Puerto Bories Freezer Plant and transformed it into a luxury hotel, ensuring its preservation over time.
