Sofía Lagoon / Benitez hill

Laguna Sofía is one of the favorite places of the Outdoor Index staff due to the countless activities that take place nearby (condor watching at the summit of Cerro Benitez, searching for rock paintings, enjoying a good horseback ride around the lagoon, kayaking, etc.) as well as the incredible scenic beauty of the place that allows you to discern, in its hills and rock formations, the series of events that shaped the creation of the Patagonian landscape. Eroded by glaciers up to 20,000 years ago and subsequently eroded by the waters of a large paleolake that covered the province to a height of approximately 150 m above sea level. This valley has stood out in the region for containing various archaeological sites that have allowed us to understand the recent past of the fauna that inhabited this area as well as the human presence, the first inhabitants of Patagonia, who settled here around 8,000 years ago.

Located 30 kilometers from Puerto Natales, this valley is one of the must-see places in the region. Perfect for spending the whole day biking, rowing, or hiking in its varied hills that will allow you to extend your view far into the horizon. To the west, you will see the Ultima Esperanza Fjord, the Prat mountain range, Cerro Ballena, and Mount Balmaceda. To the south, you will see Puerto Natales and all the mountains of the fjords, and to the east, you can glimpse the Dorotea mountain range, a natural border with Argentina.

It is very common to encounter people on weekends. Since this place is also the beach resort of Puerto Natales, as soon as the sun warms up, everyone takes out their summer outfits and gets ready to swim in the icy waters of the lagoon. I recommend taking a good hike and finishing it with a well-deserved “dip.” This way, we recover our bodies from any physical discomfort and prepare to continue our adventure.

"Located 30 kilometers from Puerto Natales, this valley is one of the must-see places in the region. Perfect for spending the whole day biking, rowing, or hiking in its varied hills that will allow you to extend your view far into the horizon."

How to get to Laguna Sofía?

To get to the lagoon, you have to take the paved road (route 9) heading towards Cerro Castillo and approximately at kilometer 30 (marked on the signs), turn left and continue on the dirt road until you reach the foot of the lagoon. Due to the distance, you might prefer to rent a car. If you don’t have that budget, you could rent a bicycle ($10,000 pesos / $17 USD per day) and get ready to enjoy the whole day. Remember to always bring food and water.

Important information about Laguna Sofía

Although the lagoon and its beach are for public use, all surrounding lands are private. For this reason, we ask that you show the utmost respect for the animals and nature of the place. Remember to take all your trash with you and under no circumstances make a fire.

A good alternative to get to know Laguna Sofía

If you want to make the most of your visit and discover those places that don’t always appear on the map, a good alternative is to do it accompanied by guides who know the area in depth. At Outdoor Index, we offer an experience in Laguna Sofía designed for you to explore this environment safely, understanding its history, geography, and wildlife, without worrying about logistics. It’s a different way to experience the place, with more context, better access, and well-spent time to focus on what really matters... enjoying Patagonia.

Book your experience at Laguna Sofía here