Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument

Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument is a protected site in southern Chilean Patagonia that includes caves and rock shelters where remains of the extinct giant ground sloth known as Mylodon were found. The caves preserve paleontological and archaeological deposits dating to the Late Pleistocene and have an on-site display for visitors.

The main cave and surrounding rock formations are the attractions, with a visitor area that interprets the fossil discoveries and the site’s geology. The area around the caves also features Patagonian steppe landscapes and viewpoints over the nearby fjords and hills.

The caves attracted attention from explorers and scientists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries following the discovery of large bones and hide fragments. The site was later protected as a natural monument to preserve its paleontological significance.

The monument is located on the eastern side of the Última Esperanza Sound near the town of Puerto Natales in Chile’s Magallanes Region, within the broader southern Patagonia landscape.

• Pleistocene fossils: The site preserves fossil remains of the extinct ground sloth Mylodon as well as other Pleistocene fauna; a life-size replica Mylodon display is part of the visitor area.
• Proximity to Puerto Natales: The monument is located near Puerto Natales and is a popular short excursion for visitors exploring the southern Patagonian region.