Old Pier (Muelle Viejo) - Image 1
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Old Pier Muelle Viejo

4.6
·384 reviews·Puerto Natales, Chile

A historic pier in Puerto Natales, offering scenic views, a glimpse into the past, and a bracing Patagonian wind.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Old Pier (Muelle Viejo) - Image 1

Old Pier Muelle Viejo

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic pier in Puerto Natales, offering scenic views, a glimpse into the past, and a bracing Patagonian wind.

4.6
(384 reviews)

"Great place for an awesome pic.... Nice place to take a walk and relax."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 Layer Up for Wind

The Patagonian wind is no joke! Bring layers and a windbreaker for comfort.

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

This pier offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially with the water and historical backdrop.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Braun & Blanchard Dock

Historic Braun & Blanchard Dock

Puerto Natales Waterfront

Step back in time at this iconic pier, a testament to Puerto Natales' early economic history. Perfect for photos!

Scenic Waterfront Stroll

Scenic Waterfront Stroll

Puerto Natales Waterfront

Enjoy a relaxing walk along the water, taking in the views and the bracing Patagonian air. A peaceful escape.

Skate Park & Tiny Beach

Skate Park & Tiny Beach

Near the Old Pier

Adjacent to the pier, discover a skate park and a small beach area for a different kind of seaside fun.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Patagonian Wind

Puerto Natales' Old Pier is famously windy! Dress in layers and secure hats. It's a popular spot for photos, so expect company, especially when cruise ships dock. TikTokInstagram

A Glimpse into History

This historic dock, built by Braun & Blanchard, was crucial for the region's early 20th-century boom. It's a great place to learn about Puerto Natales' past and snap a memorable photo. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
When cruise ships dock
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Un dia en Puerto Natales #chile #puertonatales #turismochile #chileviajes #viajandoporchile #chiletravel
@rodriurzua
2.2K likes • 73.7K views

🧥 Layer Up for Wind

The Patagonian wind is no joke! Bring layers and a windbreaker for comfort. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

This pier offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially with the water and historical backdrop. Reddit

WONDER OF THE SEAS amarrado en el muelle 3 del Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico. El crucero debe zarpar después de las 8:30pm de la bahía. 📸 @crucerista327 #crucerospuertorico 🇵🇷 #cruceristasdeborinquen
cruceros_puerto_rico
78 likes • 0 views
Excelente y bendecido día para tod@s ☀️❤️🇵🇷 Nos encontramos en el Muelle del Viejo San Juan recibiendo los turistas del Carnival Mardi Gras y disfrutando de éste bello amanecer ☀️ Les esperamos 🫶🏼🌸
artesanias_nitaina
22 likes • 0 views

🚶‍♀️ Relaxing Walk

It's a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll and to soak in the atmosphere of Puerto Natales. Reddit

🚢 Cruise Ship Views

Catch impressive views of large cruise ships docking at nearby piers. Instagram+1

Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Layer Up for Wind

The Patagonian wind is no joke! Bring layers and a windbreaker for comfort. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

This pier offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially with the water and historical backdrop. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Relaxing Walk

It's a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll and to soak in the atmosphere of Puerto Natales. Reddit

🚢 Cruise Ship Views

Catch impressive views of large cruise ships docking at nearby piers. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(384 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Old Pier Muelle Viejo in Puerto Natales to be an easily accessible and historically significant spot. It's praised for its scenic beauty, making it a great location for photos and a relaxing walk. The strong Patagonian wind is a notable feature, adding to the experience for many. Reddit

"An easy to find spot in Puerto Natales, that tells some history of the southern Chilean city.

Braun & Blanchard Dock was built by the company of the same name, one of the largest economic groups in the area at the beginning of the 20th century.

During the period of great boom in the sheep and cattle industry, this dock was used to load the different products obtained from work on the ranches.

There is another old dock a little bit more to the north, which is today part of the Singular Hotel."

Sebastian Höing

"Great place for an awesome pic.... You also have a skate park down the block with a tiny beach that you can go down to"

AR Chile

"Nice place to take a walk and relax."

Luis Gerardo Baeza

What People Like

Historic charm
Great photo opportunities
Relaxing waterfront walk

What People Dislike

Strong winds can be challenging

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Old Pier (Muelle Viejo) is easily accessible on foot from the center of Puerto Natales. It's a prominent feature of the city's waterfront, often mentioned as a starting point for exploring the area. TikTok

While specific parking details aren't widely shared, the waterfront area is generally accessible by car, and street parking may be available nearby. Walking is often recommended for exploring the pier itself. Reddit

Puerto Natales has local buses, but the Old Pier is so central that walking from most accommodations is the most convenient way to reach it. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Old Pier Muelle Viejo is a public waterfront area and does not require an entrance ticket. You can visit and explore it freely. Reddit

As a public outdoor space, the Old Pier is accessible at all hours. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and views. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The pier itself offers great angles with the water and historical structures. Look for shots with the Patagonian landscape in the background and consider the unique architecture of the pier. Reddit

While sunrise and sunset can be beautiful, the strong Patagonian winds might make it challenging. Daylight hours offer clearer views and more comfortable conditions for photography. Reddit

Yes, when cruise ships are docked at nearby piers, the Old Pier provides excellent vantage points for capturing these impressive vessels. Instagram+1

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

You can take a relaxing walk, learn about the area's history, enjoy the waterfront views, and take photos. There's also a skate park and a small beach nearby. Reddit

The pier surface is generally flat, making it relatively accessible. However, some older structures might have minor unevenness. It's advisable to check locally for the most up-to-date accessibility information. Reddit

Expect strong winds, typical of Patagonia. It's advisable to dress in layers and wear windproof clothing. The weather can change quickly. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Old Pier offers a safe and engaging environment for families. Kids can enjoy the open space for a walk, and the nearby skate park and tiny beach provide opportunities for play. Reddit The historical aspect might be less engaging for very young children, but the visual appeal of the pier and the waterfront can still capture their attention. Remember to bundle up against the wind, as it can be quite strong. Reddit

Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as amenities directly on the pier are limited. The pier's accessibility makes it easy for strollers, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed, allowing families to enjoy a pleasant outing without feeling rushed.

📸 Photographers

For photographers, the Old Pier is a gem. The historic structure of the pier itself, combined with the vast Patagonian scenery, offers numerous compelling shots. Capture the textures of the weathered wood, the reflections in the water, and the dramatic skies. Reddit

When cruise ships are in port, they provide a striking contrast to the historical pier, creating unique photographic opportunities. Instagram+1 The nearby skate park and beach also offer different visual elements to incorporate into your portfolio. Be prepared for the wind, which can add a dynamic element to your shots, but also requires careful handling of equipment.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Historical Significance of the Old Pier

The Old Pier, also known as Braun & Blanchard Dock, is a significant historical landmark in Puerto Natales. Built by the Braun & Blanchard company, a major economic force in the early 20th century, the pier played a vital role during the region's boom period driven by the sheep and cattle industry. It served as a crucial loading point for agricultural products, connecting the ranches to the wider world and contributing to the city's growth and prosperity. Reddit

Today, the pier stands as a reminder of this era, offering visitors a tangible link to Puerto Natales' past. Its weathered structure and strategic location on the waterfront evoke a sense of history and the pioneering spirit of the region. It's a place where you can pause and reflect on the economic foundations that shaped this Patagonian city. Reddit

It's worth noting that another old dock, now part of the Singular Hotel, exists slightly to the north, further highlighting the historical importance of maritime infrastructure in Puerto Natales' development. Reddit

Experiencing the Patagonian Elements

One of the most defining characteristics of the Old Pier and Puerto Natales waterfront is the powerful Patagonian wind. Visitors consistently mention its presence, describing it as 'awesome' and a significant part of the experience. Reddit

This means that when planning your visit, dressing in layers is paramount. A windproof jacket is highly recommended, and securing hats is a must to prevent them from being swept away. While the wind can be bracing, it also adds to the wild and dramatic beauty of the Patagonian landscape. Reddit

Beyond the wind, the waterfront offers a refreshing atmosphere. It's a place to enjoy the open air, the sounds of the water, and the expansive views. The nearby skate park and tiny beach also provide opportunities for more active engagement with the seaside environment, offering a contrast to the historical contemplation the pier itself inspires. TikTok

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