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Cueva del Milodon

Caves & gorges ·Puerto Natales ·Closed
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#3Things to do in Puerto Natales Magallanes RegionMost reviewed in Puerto NatalesTravelers' Choice 2025
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About

Cueva del Milodon (Mylodon Cave), several caves on the slopes of Cerro Benítez, 24 km northwest of Puerto Natales, Chile.

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Cueva del Milodon — Rocky cave opening framing the trees and landscape outside

Cueva del Milodon — Rocky cave opening framing the trees and landscape outsideCueva del Milodon — Pale rock formations and layered walls inside the caveCueva del Milodon — Low rock shelf and pale rubble across the cave floorCueva del Milodon — Trees and rocky ground viewed from beneath the cave openingCueva del Milodon — Close view of layered rock and pale debris inside the caveCueva del Milodon — Rock overhang above the wooded trail near the caveCueva del Milodon — Full size Milodon replica standing inside the cave

Why go

  • The main cave, about 200 metres long, a rock cavity on the flank of Cerro Benítez
  • The Silla del Diablo rock formation among the grottoes of the monument

Opening hours

Today08:00 – 18:30Show all
Monday08:00 – 18:30
Tuesday08:00 – 18:30
Wednesday08:00 – 18:30
Thursday08:00 – 18:30
Friday08:00 – 18:30
Saturday08:00 – 18:30
Sunday08:00 – 18:30

Shorts

Interesting facts5

1/5

  1. Remains of Hippidion, Smilodon and Macrauchenia have also been found on the site.

    Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument - Wikipedia
  2. 2 tonnes

    The Mylodon was about 3.5 m long and weighed 1.5 to 2 tonnes on average.

    Monument naturel Cueva del Milodón - Wikipedia

  3. The Mylodon remains were frozen and dried, not fossilised.

    Monument naturel Cueva del Milodón - Wikipedia

  4. Bruce Chatwin's account En Patagonie also features the Mylodon and this cave.

    Monument naturel Cueva del Milodón - Wikipedia

  5. The cave and its archaeological finds are central to a short story by Francisco Coloane.

    Monument naturel Cueva del Milodón - Wikipedia

History

Its skin and bones were found in the cave in 1895 by Hermann Eberhard, a German explorer, who discovered the cave that year. Otto Nordenskjöld explored it in 1896. People lived in the cave as early as 6000 BC. Traces of their life include fire-cracked rock, stone tools and human remains. Remains of extinct animals and people have also been found in several caves of the monument.

  1. 10,200–13,560 years agoThe Mylodon, a giant ground sloth, dies. The cave later takes its name from it.
  2. 6000 BCPeople live in the cave. Traces include fire-cracked rock and stone tools.
  3. 1895Hermann Eberhard discovers the cave and finds Mylodon skin and bones.
  4. 1896Otto Nordenskjöld explores the cave.

Tips for your visit

  • Look for the life-size replica of the Mylodon ground sloth at the cave entrance.
  • The address is on route y-290, kilometre 8, about 24 km northwest of Puerto Natales.
  • The site is on the End of the World Route, a scenic touring route.

Know before you go

  • Open daily from 08:00 to 18:30.

Sources: Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument - Wikipedia · Cueva del Milodón - Wikipedia · Monument naturel Cueva del Milodón - Wikipedia · checked 26 Oct 2026

Where
Ruta y-290 kilometro 8, Puerto Natales Magallanes Region

Plan from here: Evening walk →

Questions and answers

What are the opening hours of Cueva del Milodon?

Cueva del Milodon is open every day from 08:00 to 18:30. Plan the visit within these hours.

How far is Cueva del Milodon from Puerto Natales?

Cueva del Milodon lies 24 km northwest of Puerto Natales and 270 km north of Punta Arenas, in Chilean Patagonia.

What is there to see at Cueva del Milodon?

A life-size replica of the Mylodon ground sloth stands at the entrance. Visitors can also see the main cave, about 200 metres long, and the Silla del Diablo rock formation.

Is Cueva del Milodon on the End of the World Route?

Yes. Cueva del Milodon is on the End of the World Route, a scenic touring route. Its address is on route y-290, kilometre 8.

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