Cabo Froward Trek

Overview

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Punta Arenas - Río Yumbel

An early morning transfer takes you, your trekking partners and your guide from Punta Arenas South - as far South as to the end of the road. Let the adventure begin! We shoulder our backpacks and start trekking right along the legendary Strait of Magellan. If you are lucky, a school of dolphins or porpoise cruises along or a curious sea lion might stick his head out of the water to check you out. From San Isidro Lighthouse, we hike for the first time into the dense, partly almost jungle-like Magellanic forest. The trail leads to Bahía del Aguila, a quiet bay, where we can find the remains of a long abandoned whaling station. Directly on the coast, passing black and blue mussel beds and wooden crosses, reminding of fishermen that were lost to the sea, we make it to Río Yumbel. Just until 1993, this place was home to the southernmost settler on the South American mainland, where he worked the surrounding land. Now, his basic house stands empty and serves us adventurers as shelter. It is here, where we pitch up our first camp to spend the night.
[L, D]

Day 2: Río Yumbel - Río Nodales

Today, start off with your first river crossing. Río Yumbel normally isn't much of a challenge – normally... On a regular day, it's a quick: Take off your shoes, wade through the ankle-deep water, put your shoes back on and off you go... After a few days of rain, things are different. Then, the water can be hip-deep at times. Nevertheless, it's not the current, but the water level and the typical Patagonian water temperatures(!) that make this an adventure. We continue along the Strait of Magellan. One beautiful bay is followed by another, embraced by thick, evergreen temperate rain forest. In some places impassable rock cliffs block the direct way on the beach and we circle them farther inland. Later, pass a high grown forest to arrive in the middle of an enormous peat bog. This wet passage is rewarded by great views over the Strait of Magellan. At Río San Nicolás, it's time for the second river crossing! We cross Río San Nicolas with the tide's favor. Here, everything from knee- to chest-deep, freezing cold water is possible. The latter is especially interesting – considering that you'll carry your backpack above your head. The rest of the day is easy. Continue along the foot of Cerro Pico Nodales, right on the coast to Río Nodales. We make camp in a hidden forest near Río Nodales.
[B, L, D]

Day 3: Cabo Froward - Cruz de los Mares/ The Cross of the Seas

Next day, next... river! Río Nodales in waiting for you. Again, wading through is the only option since there is no bridge. Continue on the beach to Bahía Rosas, the last bay before the cape that is used by fishermen to escape from the howling, Patagonian wind and to wait for better weather. After the shortcut through the evergreen forest, around the cliffs of Punta Sampaio, we make it to Mirador Piedra La Momia, a lookout, which offers the first view of Cabo Froward. Just before the cape, the trail heads into the forest and climbs up onto a rock that stands 1,200 feet above the sea. The metal cross that was erected here, reminds of Pope John Paul II 1987 visit to the region. It's called “Cruz de los Mares”, the “Cross of the Seas” - of course... it is here, where the Atlantic and the Pacific unite. At this place, the Strait of Magellan bends towards the Northwest, towards the Pacific. On the South American mainland, there is no place farther South! Before you, an incredible panorama! This view is amongst Patagonia's best: beneath us, the legendary Strait of Magellan, in the East, the mountains of Isla Dawson, Tierra del Fuego and -with a bit of luck on the weather-side- to the Southwest, Cordillera Darwin with the snow-covered double peeks of Monte Sarmiento that are emerging right out of the sea, one of the most spectacular mountains of Tierra del Fuego. Return the same way.
[B, L, D]

Day 4: Río Nodales - Río Yumbel

After breaking down camp, we begin the return hike to Río Yumbel. See day 2 for details.
[B, L, D]

Day 5: Río Yumbel - Punta Arenas

We retrace our steps to the end of the road, from where we transfer back to Punta Arenas, where we arrive late afternoon. See day 1.
[B, L]

Included Meals

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

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What's included?

Tour Includes

• Transportation and excursions according to the program
• Local, bilingual trekking guide (Spanish and English speaking)
• Obligatory gear check the evening prior to the departure
  
• Meals specified in the program (camping style)
  (see itinerary: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
• All necessary cooking equipment (stoves, pots, plates, cups etc.)

Additional Costs

• Travel arrangements/ airfare to/ from Punta Arenas, Patagonia, Chile
• Accommodation before and after this trekking tour
• Camping equipment
  
  We presume that every adventurer brings his/ her own personal gear, such as backpack, trekking boots, all-weather gear, sleeping bag, sleeping mattress, tent etc. If you don't have any of this, you can rent it for a reasonable price. Please, let us know in advance.
• Optional tips to your trekking guide

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Departure Dates & Prices

This trekking tour departs every Monday, as follows:

Prices

2 to 4 trip members: USD 699.- per person

5 to 8 trip members: USD 619.- per person

Book your Trekking Adventure to Cabo Froward