The Singular Hotel, Puerto Natales in Chilean Patagonia

, January 22, 2024

Located alongside the Señoret Channel five miles north of Puerto Natales in Chilean Patagonia, The Singular is a unique boutique hotel with an industrial backbone. At a latitude of 51.7° S, Puerto Natales bears the brunt of the Gulf Almirante Montt, a frontage which is reflected in the determined poise of The Singular. While most visitors to the region are passing through Puerto Natales to reach Torres del Paine 75km / 46 miles to the north, stopping to embrace this southern enclave is well worth two or three nights.

The Singular Patagonia is a luxurious hotel embracing the stunning landscapes of Chilean Patagonia and its fjords. Originally built as a cold storage facility in 1915, the building was revamped and repurposed into a hotel in 2011. Expect vaulted ceilings, exposed brick, steel and aged timber surfaces.

The hotel’s history is rooted in the industrial past of Puerto Bories, a once-thriving hub for sheep farming and meat processing. This producer heritage remains intact – the hotel has several restaurants which source locally, also ensuring that vegans and vegetarians benefit from a new interpretation of the region’s livestock economy.

The Singular Patagonia is made of 57 rooms and suites, each meticulously designed within the legacy parts of the building, and a newer week inserted as part of the restoration. The rooms offer views of the fjords, mountains, and glaciers, creating an immersive experience in nature.

As well as having three on-site restaurants, the hotel includes a full spa with treatments. There is no hotel gym.

If you’re visiting for multiple days, look up Santolla which is located in town serving up a delicious menu in a freight-container complex.

Training Notes & Races

Flat, rolling trails reach out from Puerto Natales to the north. For an athletics track, look up Estadio Municipal Víctor Bórquez Miranda (Google Maps). As for running races: the Ultra Paine takes place up the road in Torres del Paine National Park in late September, with the city’s Patagonia International Marathon held in early September with Half Marathon and 10km options. Both events are organised by Racing Patagonia who arrange other events in the region.

Marathon route. Photo: Stjepan Pavicic 

Your best option is to gravel or mountain bike rental when in Puerto Natales – the trails are more interesting than the generally flat and freight-orientated main roads. Rent Merida hardtail mountain bikes from Patagonia Rent-a-Bike. The Gravel del Fuego is a 1,068km / 8,678vm gravel race that leaves from Puerto Natales, running each April. There is also a 252km / 2,666vm “Sprint” edition (maximum gradient 9.3 %).

Swimmers can enjoy the Piscina Semi Olímpica – a 25m indoor swimming pool that was completed in 2019. Location on Google Maps.

For more information, visit thesingular.com
To see a step-by-step itinerary for Argentina and Chile, visit Plot