Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument, Puerto Natales - Image 1
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Milodon Statue Puerto Natales

4.4
·146 reviews·Puerto Natales, Chile

A giant prehistoric sloth statue welcoming visitors to Puerto Natales, offering a fun photo op with stunning Patagonian mountain views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best for photos and views

CrowdMedium
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Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument, Puerto Natales - Image 1

Milodon Statue Puerto Natales

Best Time

Daytime

Best for photos and views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A giant prehistoric sloth statue welcoming visitors to Puerto Natales, offering a fun photo op with stunning Patagonian mountain views.

4.4
(146 reviews)

"Nice statue at the entrance of Puerto Natales. Good for a few photos, also across the bay are magnificent mountains."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Quick Photo Stop

Perfect for a quick photo op! Be cautious of traffic in the roundabout.

🚗 Traffic Awareness

Located in a busy roundabout, so be extra careful when crossing for photos.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Milodon Statue

Milodon Statue

A giant prehistoric sloth statue welcoming visitors to Puerto Natales. Great for a quick photo op!

Cueva del Milodón

Cueva del Milodón

Monumento Natural Cueva del Milodón

Explore the cave where remains of the giant Milodon were found. Learn about this extinct mammal!

Patagonian Mountain Views

Patagonian Mountain Views

Enjoy stunning views of the majestic mountains across the bay from the statue's location.

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Planning Your Visit

Photo Op Alert!

The Milodon Statue is a popular photo spot right at the entrance to Puerto Natales. Be mindful of traffic as it's located in a roundabout. It's a quick stop, perfect for a memorable snapshot with the Patagonian mountains in the background.

Beyond the Statue

While the statue is a quick photo op, the nearby Cueva del Milodón (Milodon Cave) offers a deeper dive into prehistoric life. It's a natural monument with fascinating insights into this extinct giant sloth.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best for photos and views
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Morning
Why
Fewer crowds for photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

La verdad de la cueva del Milodón 🦖🦣 #foryou #LoDescubriEnTikTok #fyp #puntaarenas #patagoniachilena #leyendaschilenas #puertonatales
@benjaestibill
19.4K likes • 425.9K views

📸 Quick Photo Stop

Perfect for a quick photo op! Be cautious of traffic in the roundabout. Reddit

🚗 Traffic Awareness

Located in a busy roundabout, so be extra careful when crossing for photos. Reddit

Aquí te dejo 3 Imperdibles de Torres del Paine 🏔️ y Puerto Natales de la guía @ChileturCopec @Copec 🌎 🇨🇱.
Número 1, 📍La Cueva del Milodón en Puerto Natales. Este Monumento natural, queda tan solo a 20 minutos en auto desde puerto natales. Los tours salen con frecuencia y la dificultad para recorrerlo es baja. Aquí podrás apreciar un pedacito del pasado y verás cómo y donde vivían la megafauna que ...
@benjavalenzuelawallis
3.8K likes • 82.1K views
📍 El Monumento Natural Cueva del Milodón se encuentra ubicado en la Provincia de Última Esperanza en la Región de Magallanes y Antártica Chilena Créditos para #andreaclaus1
rutaschilenas
444 likes • 5.3K views

🦥 Learn About the Milodon

The statue represents an extinct giant sloth. Learn more at the nearby cave! TikTokInstagram

⛰️ Scenic Backdrop

Enjoy the beautiful mountain views across the bay while you're there. Reddit

Día de entrenamiento in situ en Cueva del Milodón y @rupestrepatagonia para nuestros estudiantes!, esta vez a cargo de nuestro querido profesor y amigo Alfredo Prieto! #arqueología #pinturasrupestres #patagonia #puertonatales #paleontology
centroicea
103 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Quick Photo Stop

Perfect for a quick photo op! Be cautious of traffic in the roundabout. Reddit

🚗 Traffic Awareness

Located in a busy roundabout, so be extra careful when crossing for photos. Reddit

🦥 Learn About the Milodon

The statue represents an extinct giant sloth. Learn more at the nearby cave! TikTokInstagram

⛰️ Scenic Backdrop

Enjoy the beautiful mountain views across the bay while you're there. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(146 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Milodon Statue a fun and iconic photo opportunity upon entering Puerto Natales, offering a glimpse into the region's prehistoric past. While appreciated for its novelty and the scenic mountain views, some note its location in a busy roundabout requires caution. It's generally seen as a quick, worthwhile stop rather than a major attraction.

"Nice statue at the entrance of Puerto Natales. Good for a few photos, also across the bay are magnificent mountains."

charlie compton

"A popular place for photos but in the middle of a busy roundabout- traffic danger! Especially with people standing across the road to photograph the Puerto Natales name.
Nice to see the size of this extinct creature - 2.5m! It's related to the sloths and anteaters living today."

Vincent Oliver

"Cool spot to take photos. Near the water. Good info on the animal."

Danny G.

What People Like

Iconic photo spot
Prehistoric connection
Scenic mountain views

What People Dislike

Busy roundabout traffic
Quick stop only

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Milodon Statue is located at the entrance to Puerto Natales, right in a roundabout. If you're arriving by car, you'll see it immediately. Many tours also stop here briefly. TikTokReddit

Yes, it's very accessible by car. However, it's in the middle of a busy roundabout, so exercise caution when stopping for photos. Reddit

It's a bit of a walk, but doable if you enjoy a stroll. It's about 2-3 km from the city center. Taxis or colectivos are also readily available. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, viewing the Milodon Statue itself is free as it's a public monument. Reddit

The statue is visible 24/7 as it's an outdoor monument. However, daytime is best for photos. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Daytime offers the best light for photos. Early morning might have fewer people around, making it easier to get a clear shot. Reddit

Absolutely! Besides the statue, you get great views of the bay and the surrounding mountains, which make for a stunning backdrop. Reddit

Be very cautious due to its location in a roundabout. It's advised to have someone watch for traffic or take photos quickly. Reddit

ℹ️ ❓ General Information

The Milodon Statue is a large sculpture of a Milodon, an extinct species of giant ground sloth that once inhabited Patagonia. It's a symbol of the region's prehistoric past. TikTokInstagram

A Milodon was a large, herbivorous mammal related to modern sloths and anteaters. It lived in South America and became extinct thousands of years ago. TikTokInstagram

It's a quick and free photo opportunity. Many visitors find it a fun, albeit brief, stop to mark their arrival in Puerto Natales. Reddit

The main attraction nearby is the Cueva del Milodón (Milodon Cave), a natural monument where remains of the Milodon were discovered. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

📸 Photographers & Instagrammers

The Milodon Statue offers a quirky and iconic photo opportunity, especially with the Patagonian mountains as a backdrop. For the best shots, aim for daylight hours and be prepared for the traffic. Early mornings can be ideal for fewer crowds and softer light. TikTokReddit

Don't forget to capture the scale of the statue and the surrounding landscape. If you're visiting the nearby Cueva del Milodón, you'll find more opportunities for unique, nature-focused photography. Instagram

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

For those on a road trip through Patagonia or making a day trip to Puerto Natales, the Milodon Statue is a convenient and quick stop. It's easily visible upon entering or exiting the city, making it a perfect welcome or farewell photo op. TikTokReddit

Combine your visit with a stop at the Cueva del Milodón, which is just a short drive away and offers a more in-depth experience. This makes for an efficient and memorable addition to your itinerary. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Milodon: A Prehistoric Giant

The imposing statue in Puerto Natales represents the Milodon, an extinct species of giant ground sloth. These fascinating creatures roamed South America, particularly the Patagonian regions, for thousands of years. While often associated with the cave, the Milodon itself was a large, herbivorous mammal, a distant relative of today's sloths and anteaters, but significantly larger. TikTokInstagram

Discovering remains of the Milodon, including skin and hair, in the nearby cave in the late 19th century brought this prehistoric animal into public consciousness. The statue serves as a striking reminder of the ancient wildlife that once inhabited these lands, offering a unique connection to the region's deep past. TikTokInstagram

Navigating the Roundabout: Safety and Photos

The Milodon Statue's prominent location in a busy roundabout presents a unique challenge for visitors. While it's a popular spot for a quick photo, traffic safety is paramount. Travelers often mention the need to be extremely cautious when crossing the road or standing near the statue to capture the perfect shot. Reddit

To get the best photos without compromising safety, consider visiting during off-peak hours, such as early morning. Alternatively, if you're part of a tour, they might arrange a brief, safe stop. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings and prioritize your safety over a photograph. TikTokReddit