Of the tourism businesses surveyed in Chile's Magallanes region, 67.3% reported that their October 2026 activity fell (40.8%) or stayed flat (26.5%) compared with October 2025. Only 32.7% reported growth. In the Puerto Natales-Torres del Paine destination, more than half of the businesses consulted by the Última Esperanza Chamber of Tourism (CATUE) said demand fell or did not move, and more than 40% reported a 30% to 40% drop in bookings, according to Diálogo Sur on November 4.
*Updated November 4, 2026.* The results only reflect the businesses that answered: this is neither an official statistic nor a representative sample, and the report does not say how many businesses took part. Still, it is the first measure of how the 2026-2027 season is starting in Chilean Patagonia.
The figures from the Magallanes tourism survey
40.8%
Reported a decline
of businesses surveyed in the region
26.5%
Stayed flat
of businesses surveyed
32.7%
Reported growth
of businesses surveyed
Source: Survey of tourism businesses released by the Última Esperanza Chamber of Tourism (CATUE), via Diálogo Sur, Nov 4, 2026
View the data as a table
| Reported a decline | 40.8% · of businesses surveyed in the region |
| Stayed flat | 26.5% · of businesses surveyed |
| Reported growth | 32.7% · of businesses surveyed |
| Indicator | Result | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Businesses reporting a decline vs. October 2025 | 40.8% | Magallanes region |
| Businesses reporting flat activity | 26.5% | Magallanes region |
| Total with decline or flat activity | 67.3% | Magallanes region |
| Businesses reporting growth | 32.7% | Magallanes region |
| Businesses with falling or flat demand | Over 50% | Puerto Natales-Torres del Paine (CATUE survey) |
| Businesses with bookings down 30% to 40% | Over 40% | Puerto Natales-Torres del Paine (CATUE survey) |
Source: Diálogo Sur, November 4, 2026, with CATUE data. The drop in bookings varies by type of business and its sales capacity, the chamber notes. The outlook is better for November and December: reported bookings point to more visitors than in October, although CATUE says the improvement is still below expectations.
Why the season in Magallanes got off to a slow start
The businesses surveyed point to four factors. None is quantified in the survey: they reflect the operators' own perception.
| Factor cited by businesses | What they say |
|---|---|
| Higher fuel prices | Transfers and excursions cost more |
| Airfares to Magallanes | High fares to Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales |
| Insufficient promotion | In domestic and international markets, despite private investment |
| Information on the Puerto Natales airport | "Late and unclear" on how it will operate during the works; itineraries changed, trips were cancelled at the last minute and bookings were dropped |
| Lagging official statistics | Conaf's data on Torres del Paine entries arrive more than two months late |
"We are concerned that a significant share of businesses report a decline or stagnation in demand, because behind these results there are businesses, workers and investments that depend directly on tourism," CATUE manager Adriana Aguilar told Diálogo Sur. The chamber called for better access to the region, stronger promotion and timely publication of statistics and connectivity information.
Puerto Natales airport: the runway contract has been awarded
The flight uncertainty now has dates. The repair of the runway at Teniente Julio Gallardo airport was awarded to Constructora Vilicic for CLP 5.843 billion, ITV Patagonia reported on November 3. The regional public works secretary, Alejandro Marusic, confirmed the airport will operate partially between January and March 2027 and that the works should keep the runway safe "for at least ten years."
| Puerto Natales airport | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor | Constructora Vilicic | ITV Patagonia, Nov 3, 2026 |
| Contract amount | CLP 5.843 billion | ITV Patagonia |
| Investment announced in August | CLP 7.213 billion | Ministry of Public Works, Aug 14, 2026 |
| Restriction period | January to March 2027, partial operation | Regional public works secretary |
| Share of flights kept | 67% in January, 41% in February and 32% in March | Ministry of Public Works, August plan |
| Later project | Terminal of about 10,000 m², 2,440 m runway and apron for four aircraft | ITV Patagonia |
The calendar of days with and without commercial flights from January to March, plus the alternatives via Punta Arenas, is in our story on the Puerto Natales airport closures. The published information does not explain the gap between the investment announced in August and the awarded amount.
What we already knew about the start of the season in Magallanes
The survey confirms earlier signals. In late October we reported that the Magallanes tourist season was off to a slow start: between January and August 2026, 54,818 foreign tourists entered through the Integración Austral border crossing (-27.0%) and 69,791 through Dorotea (-13.2%), according to Sernatur, and hotel room occupancy in August was 21.8%, according to Chile's statistics institute INE.
| Earlier indicator | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign tourists via Integración Austral (Jan-Aug 2026) | 54,818 (-27.0%) | Sernatur, via Ladevi |
| Foreign tourists via Dorotea (Jan-Aug 2026) | 69,791 (-13.2%) | Sernatur, via Ladevi |
| Room occupancy in Magallanes (August 2026) | 21.8% | INE |
| Santiago-Punta Arenas passengers (September 2026) | 48,860 (+6.6%) | Civil Aviation Board (JAC) |
| Foreign tourists in all of Chile (Jan-Aug 2026) | 3,308,873 (-19.1%) | Undersecretariat of Tourism and Sernatur |
The details are in our story on the slow start of the Magallanes season. The national figure comes from the foreign tourist arrivals data of the Undersecretariat of Tourism, through August. The drop in Argentines, Chile's top market, explains much of the decline.
What it means for travelers to Magallanes and Torres del Paine
- There may be more availability than usual in November and December for lodging and excursions, based on what businesses report. Compare and ask operators directly.
- If you travel between January and March 2027, check the airport calendar before booking a flight to Puerto Natales. Flying to Punta Arenas and driving about 3 hours is the most common alternative.
- Park tickets are bought online before arrival; prices are in our Torres del Paine guide.
- The park will have a stronger police presence all season: Carabineros set up an outpost in Torres del Paine until the end of March 2027.
- Without a car, there are rural buses from Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas to other parks in the region; schedules are in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Who carried out the Magallanes tourism survey?
The results were released by the Última Esperanza Chamber of Tourism (CATUE), with a regional figure and another from its own survey in Puerto Natales-Torres del Paine. The published report does not give the number of businesses or the method.
Is it a bad time to visit Torres del Paine?
No. The survey measures business demand, not the quality of the destination. November and December are spring months with long days, and lower demand can mean more availability.
Will there be flights to Puerto Natales in summer 2027?
Yes, but with restrictions from January to March 2027 because of the runway repair. The airport will operate partially, with some days without commercial flights.
