On Isla Navarino lies Dientes de Navarino, the southernmost trekking circuit in the world. Antártica Chilena Province showcases nature and culture in very different forms: on multi-day trails, in parks and museums, and on trips to Antarctica. As you explore the region, you will also encounter its long-standing connection to the Yagán people.
Forests, Tundra and Wildlife
Parque Nacional Cabo de Hornos is located in the Archipiélago Wollaston. Its landscape combines low-growing forests dominated by Magellan's southern beech (Nothofagus betuloides), Magellanic tundra, shrub formations and narrow coastal grasslands. On June 29, 2005, UNESCO declared the park a biosphere reserve.
In the park's marine environments, you can spot leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx), whales, sea lions, elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), chungungos (Lontra felina), Peale's dolphins (Lagenorhynchus australis) and Chilean dolphins, also known as toninas (Cephalorhynchus eutropia). Marine animals are also found in Parque Nacional Yendegaia, alongside land species. These include culpeo foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus), Magellanic woodpeckers (Campephilus magellanicus), leopard seals, elephant seals (Mirounga leonina), kelp gulls and giant petrels. The two parks thus offer different glimpses into the province's wildlife.
Yagán Culture and Ecological Knowledge
In Puerto Williams, Museo Antropológico Martín Gusinde preserves the natural and cultural heritage of the Fuegian Archipelago. An important ethnographic collection is part of its work. Parque Etnobotánico Omora offers another way to engage with culture and nature. It is located three kilometers west of Puerto Williams on Isla Navarino and promotes the preservation of traditional ecological knowledge, particularly that of the Yagán.
Ruta Patrimonial Bahía Wulaia, on the western side of Isla Navarino, is also closely connected with Yagán history: the route tells the story of 7,000 years of history and use by the people. It is approximately 56 kilometers long. Cultural discoveries here are therefore not limited to collections and exhibitions, but also include the history of a specific place.
Several Days on Foot on Isla Navarino
Plan a multi-day trip for Dientes de Navarino: it takes four to five days and crosses difficult terrain with loose rock, snow and peat bogs. The trekking circuit is considered one of South America's most challenging treks. The trail starts in Puerto Williams; its starting point is two kilometers from town, beyond the bridge over the Río Róbalo. Hikers must register the beginning and end of their trek with Carabineros de Chile.
Ruta Patrimonial Bahía Wulaia is on a different scale: at approximately 56 kilometers long, it is a route in its own right, not a short detour. The two trails therefore differ considerably in length. When planning a hike, it is worth keeping the specific route and the time required in mind.
Access and Conditions on Site
Puerto Williams is the provincial capital and an important reference point for several of the places mentioned. To reach Parque Nacional Cabo de Hornos, travel by sea from Punta Arenas or fly to Puerto Williams and continue by sea. The park has a small boat landing on Isla Hornos; from there, a footpath leads to Faro Hornos.
Parque Nacional Yendegaia can be reached by sea from Puerto Williams or overland via Route Y-85, which leads to Lago Fagnano in Tierra del Fuego. The national park currently has no visitor services or infrastructure for public use. Visits to Puerto Toro are permitted on the last Sunday of each month: visits are possible by prior arrangement through the Oficina del Vecino office in Puerto Williams, and places are limited. Check the current booking requirements in advance.
Antarctic Trips: Sea Route and Day Program
Expeditions to observe elephant seals, penguins and Weddell seals are offered in Antártica Chilena. A multi-day sea voyage aboard an expedition cruise ship departs from Punta Arenas and travels through the Strait of Magellan and Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Places are limited, so booking in advance is essential.
The one-day Full Day Antártica program reaches its destination exclusively by charter flight from Punta Arenas and is subject to strict regulations and weather conditions. Guided hikes offer opportunities to observe gentoo and Adélie penguins as well as Weddell seals. If weather conditions permit, the program also includes a Zodiac trip to Collins Glacier or Ardley Island. Expedition flights land at Aeródromo Teniente Marsh (TNM) at Frei Base on King George Island. The flight takes about two hours and must be booked through a tour operator. Compared with the multi-day sea voyage, the day program offers a different way to experience Antarctica.
Discover more destinations: Cabo De Hornos, Provincia Tierra Del Fuego, Provincia Última Esperanza, Provincia Magallanes.
Return to the main travel overview: Región de Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena.
