Exploring the Wonders of Patagonia: A Family Journey to Puerto Natales

Echoes of the Past: A Day Among Giants

Today, David, Aina, and I embarked on a journey that felt like stepping back millennia. We ventured into the heart of Patagonia's ancient history, exploring caves that once sheltered colossal creatures and early humans. It was a day filled with wonder, a tangible connection to the distant past that left us humbled and awestruck.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Restaurant Andres [i]. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the cozy space, setting a delightful tone for the adventures ahead. It's these simple moments, sharing a meal and planning our day, that I cherish most when traveling with my family. Fuelled and ready, we set off towards Milodon Cave Natural Monument [i].


Discover Café Restaurant Andrés in Puerto Natales – where Patagonian flavors meet stunning views in a cozy dining atmosphere.

The drive to Milodon Cave was scenic, the Patagonian landscape unfolding before us in all its glory. As we approached the monument, the wind picked up, a constant reminder of the raw, untamed nature of this region. The cave itself is nestled into the side of Cerro Benitez, and the sheer scale of the opening is immediately impressive.

Before even entering the cave, we were greeted by a life-size replica of the Mylodon, a giant ground sloth that once roamed these lands. Standing next to it, I felt a humbling sense of perspective. These creatures were truly giants, and it's difficult to imagine them thriving in this environment. Aina, of course, was fascinated, snapping photos from every angle. David, ever the historian, was engrossed in reading the informational signs detailing the cave's discovery and significance.

Entering the Milodon Cave felt like stepping into a cathedral of time. The sheer size of the cavern is breathtaking; it is more than 200 meters deep, 80 meters wide, and 30 meters high. Walking through it, I tried to imagine what it must have been like thousands of years ago when Mylodons and other extinct animals sought shelter here. The wind howled through the opening, creating an eerie, almost mournful sound that echoed the passage of time.


Discover the ancient wonders of Milodon's Cave in Patagonia, a stunning hiking area rich in history and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

The earth has music for those who listen.

It's fascinating to think that Hermann Eberhard, a German explorer, discovered this cave in 1895 and found a piece of skin so well-preserved that he thought the animal might still be alive ! That initial discovery sparked international attention and led to further exploration and research.

We spent a good hour exploring the cave, taking in the immensity of it and trying to absorb the history that permeated every corner. There's also a viewpoint located on the roof of the cave, which offers panoramic views of the Eberhard Fjord and surrounding mountains. The wind was strong, but the views were worth it. You could see for miles, the Patagonian landscape stretching out in every direction.

Next on our itinerary was Cueva del Medio. It is believed that early humans used this cave as a shelter more than 11,000 years ago. As we hiked toward the cave, the landscape shifted, becoming more rugged and wild. The wind continued to whip around us, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and distant snow.


Discover the breathtaking beauty and geological wonders of Cueva del Medio in Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, an unforgettable tourist attraction for all travelers.

Cueva del Medio is smaller than Milodon Cave, but it possesses a different kind of magic. Standing inside, imagining the lives of those early inhabitants, I was struck by their resilience and adaptability. How did they survive in such a harsh environment, with limited resources and the constant threat of the elements? It's a question that lingered in my mind long after we left.

After our exploration of the caves, we were all quite hungry. We headed to Restaurant Cormoran for a late lunch [i]. It was just what we needed after a day of exploring. The warm atmosphere was inviting, and the food was delicious. David enjoyed a hearty plate of lamb, while Aina and I opted for seafood, fresh and flavorful. We shared stories and laughed, grateful for the opportunity to experience this incredible place together.


Experience authentic Chilean flavors at Restaurant Cormoran in Puerto Natales - where local ingredients meet stunning Patagonian scenery.

As evening approached, we decided to experience the Ice Bar Natales [i]. I had read mixed reviews, some finding it less impressive than the regular bar area, but we were curious to see it for ourselves. Bundled in warm jackets provided by the bar, we stepped into a frosty wonderland of ice sculptures and icy furniture. It was certainly a unique experience, sipping cocktails in sub-zero temperatures. Aina loved it, posing for photos with the ice sculptures, while David and I chuckled at the novelty of it all.


Discover the ultimate chill at Ice Bar Natales, a unique ice-themed bar offering exquisite drinks and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Patagonia.

The Ice Bar was a fun way to end our day of exploration. Before heading back to Hotel Costaustralis, we had dinner at Austral Restorant [i]. We reminisced about the giant sloths and early humans we had encountered, feeling a deep connection to the history and natural beauty of Patagonia.


Experience authentic Chilean cuisine at Austral Restorant in Puerto Natales—where every meal tells a story inspired by Patagonia's rich culinary heritage.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit La Tehuelche and the Last Hope Distillery [i]. I am particularly interested in learning more about the local culture and traditions [i]. And perhaps David will enjoy sampling some local spirits. Aina, of course, is already planning her souvenir shopping at Regalos Vita Natales [i]!

As I sit here now, reflecting on our day, I am filled with gratitude. Patagonia has a way of stripping away the superficial and connecting you to something deeper, something ancient and enduring. It's a place that challenges you, inspires you, and leaves you forever changed. And I am so grateful to be sharing this experience with my family.

It is truly a gift to share these experiences with my family, and I know that these memories will stay with us long after we've left Patagonia. As a Namibian, I am always drawn to the raw, untamed beauty of nature, and Patagonia has exceeded all my expectations. It's a place that speaks to the soul, reminding us of our place in the grand tapestry of time.