mlgb

I don't remember PN being quite so grim. IIRC even back when I went there was a chocolate shop and a good artesania store (but there really isn't a heck of a lot to buy in Patagonia unless you want something handcrafted thing of wool or maybe leather).

There is supposed to be a bar/restaurant at the hotel down by the shore (Indigo) and you can look at the shoreline since you won't be cruising. I found the town fairly photogenic, but maybe I walked around more than some others since I spent the night.

thursdaysd

sf7307

mlgb

I did the Turismo 21 de Mayo day trip cruise up to the Balmaceda Glacier and a ranch from PN as a day trip. But these are really day trips, from PN, not a few hours.

There are a few ways to get to Torres del Paine. I took a minibus tour getting there from PN, and the public bus getting back. I met some people in one of the refugios who took a boat/ zodiac transfer from PN into the park.

They were on a package tour but I think Turismo 21 de May is one of the companies you can also book through.

mlgb

BTW my experience with printed souvenirs from Patagonia (and other places which don't have a huge population) is that the printing isn't very permanent! Expect it to be a handwash item. There might be more shops in Punta Arenas. Down by the cruise port is a sort of multi-level mall, had some delicious king crab and cheese empanadas there. Didn't really look for any souvenirs that trip, though. First trip I went to thee Salesian Museum which had a reasonably good gift store with tshirts and the B/W postcards if you happen to be in the vicinity when it's open.

rocriclach

You should not miss the moreno glacier and chalten, after torres del paine those places are great.

Here I have a playlist of the glacier and some hiking on chalten:



I live at patagonia, let me know if you have more questions.