The Cueva del Milodón (Mylodon Cave) 24 km northwest of Puerto Natales stands as a sublime testament to Patagonia's incredible natural history. Beyond its historical and scientific significance, this natural monument ranks among the most stunning attractions in Chilean Patagonia. Here's your guide to this unmissable Patagonian experience.

A Glimpse into History

The main cavern at this site, known as the "Mylodon Cave," stretches 200 meters in length. It was discovered in 1895 by Hermann Eberhard, a German sailor and merchant conducting land surveys across the Last Hope province.

Inside what was first named "Eberhard's Cave," Hermann Eberhard found the skin and skeleton of an extinct animal: the Mylodon (or Mylodon darwini). This massive herbivore likely disappeared at the end of the Pleistocene era (between 10,200 and 13,560 years ago). This groundbreaking discovery, combined with the cave's natural beauty, catapulted it to prominence.

The find captured scientists' attention from across the globe, who came to study the creature and conduct paleontological, archaeological, and morphological investigations. Among the traces uncovered were a claw, additional skin fragments, and dung. The cave's environmental characteristics proved ideal for preserving the animal's remains.

The site now known as Cueva del Milodón contains multiple caverns where researchers have uncovered remains of other extinct species as well as human skeletons. These latter remains belonged to Paleo-Indian civilizations, indicating human presence in this cave roughly 8,000 years ago. A life-sized replica of the mysterious prehistoric Mylodon greets visitors at the monument's entrance.

The site was declared a Historical Monument in 1948, then a National Monument in 1993. It also ranks among Chile's protected wilderness zones.

The Cave Today

The Mylodon Cave measures 30 meters high, 270 meters long, and 200 meters deep. It forms part of a rock conglomerate called Silla del Diablo (literally meaning "Devil's Chair"). This monument, located in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic regions, sits along the Route to the End of the World.

At the entrance, a replica of the Mylodon transports you back to prehistoric times. A nearby museum explores the cave's history alongside the region's paleontological, archaeological, and morphological heritage.

It has become one of the region's most celebrated tourist attractions, featuring prominently in numerous travel novels, adventure films, and exploration literature.

The Mylodon remains are currently housed in a museum in England, though other artifacts remain on display within the cave itself.

An Extraordinary Natural Monument to Explore in Chilean Patagonia

Within the main cave, also called "Cueva del Milodón," archaeologists discovered Mylodon bones—a mammal belonging to the ground sloth family. Beyond Mylodon fossils, the cave harbors various elements testifying to human occupation in the region, including fire-scorched rocks and flint used for starting fires. Remains of other extinct species were also unearthed here: a saber-toothed cat, a dwarf horse (hippidion), and a liptoterne. A life-sized replica of the Mylodon sloth, standing nearly 4 meters tall, welcomes you at the cave entrance. Two additional caverns within this impressive natural complex are open to visitors.

Located just 24 km from Puerto Natales, the cave makes a natural companion to a visit to Torres del Paine National Park. The site is surrounded by iconic Patagonian landscapes that shelter culpeo foxes, wildcat, puma, and chingue. Overhead, you may spot the caracara, eagle, and the legendary condor.

An original way to reach the cave is by horseback trek to the Milodon Cave departing from Estancia Puerto Consuelo.

The distinctive "Devil's Chair" rock formation—some say the Mylodon's throne—marks the start of trails leading to the caves and viewpoint. The viewpoint trail culminates in a cavern perched on the hilltop, offering a magnificent panorama over Eberhardt Fjord's channels. The stunning vista extends across ancient glacial lake beds, with snow-capped mountain peaks as a dramatic backdrop. From the highest point on Benítez Hill, you can even glimpse Last Hope Fjord.

Along the way, an exhibit of animals likely coexisting with Mylodons approximately 14,500 years ago showcases the saber-toothed tiger, the giant ground sloth, the dwarf horse, the Macrauchenia, the Patagonian panther, and the bear. Informational panels explain their extinction—caused by climate change, volcanic eruptions, and the arrival of early hunters.

From Puerto Natales, Milodon Cave lies 17 km to the north along Route 9. At the Milodón–Cerro Castillo junction, turn left onto Y-290. The natural monument's parking area is located 8 km further.

Taxis operate on fixed rates for this route, approximately 15,000 CLP for a round trip. For the adventurous, the journey is possible by bicycle, requiring about 2 hours of travel time.