Dientes de Navarino Circuit

Overview

Join us on the Southernmost Trekking Circuit in the World. South of the main island of Tierra del Fuego, just across the Beagle Channel from Argentina, lays Isla Navarino. This Chilean island is about 60 miles long and 25 miles wide (100 x 40km). The craggy peaks of the Dientes de Navarino mountain range are the backbone of the island, separating it into two parts: the southern sub Antarctic tundra and the more moderate north. Though trekking Isla Navarino takes place on its northern part, weather can still be a critical factor. The strong Patagonian wind picks up quickly and snow is possible even in summer. This rough and astonishingly wild part of Patagonia is one of the best treks in the region and the most southerly in the world. Altitudes are not very high, but the terrain can be steep and demanding. With an average of four to six hours walking time, we have short days, but there is always good options to explore the surroundings of our camp sites. Trip members carrying their own packs is as much part of the Dientes de Navarino Circuit as pitching in and helping at camp chores.

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Punta Arenas - Puerto Williams - Laguna del Salto

Transfer from Punta Arenas to the airport. Fly to Puerto Williams, the southern-most permanent settlement in the world. The 1:15 hour flight to Isla Navarino takes you across the Strait of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego, the Darwin Mountain Range and the Beagle Channel. After lunch, we begin trekking the Dientes de Navarino Circuit. At the beginning, the trail leads through temperate rainforest to the bold, windy top of Cerro Bandera, from where we have a magnificent view of the Beagle Channel. After four to five hours we reach Laguna del Salto to pitch camp near the lake.
[L, D]

Day 2: Laguna del Salto - Laguna Escondida

Continue trekking to Paso Australia, having a great vista of Laguna del Paso. Later, we cross the Dientes Pass (2,550 feet / 765m) to enjoy a beautiful view to the Southern part of Isla Navarino. Weather permitting; we might discover Cape Horn at the distance. From here on, the weather can be even more unpredictable. The strong, cold wind picks up quickly and snow is possible even in summer. Total walking time is three and a half to four and a half hours.
[B, L, D]

Day 3: Laguna Escondida - Lago Martillo

Our goal for today is Lago Martillo, which we will reach after four hours. Once more, we will leave our sheltered spot to hike up, above the tree line to cross two passes: Paso Ventarrón, 2,330 feet (694m) and Paso Guerrico, 1,900 feet (572m). Late afternoon, we get a good chance to observe beavers that were introduced to this region in the 1950s.
[B, L, D]

Day 4: Lago Martillo - Laguna Los Guanacos

At Paso Virginia we reach the highest point of the Dientes Circuit at 2,870 feet (859m). The wind has created a scenery that looks like the surface of the moon. Our effort is awarded by views into the next valley, across the Beagle Channel and, if weather permits, the snow-covered peaks of Cordillera Darwin and Ushuaia. We spend the night in the forest, out of the wind (5 hours).
[B, L, D]

Day 5: Laguna Los Guanacos - Puerto Williams

Hike to the Beagle Channel and the last four miles (6km) back to Puerto Williams on a gravel road (5 to 6 hours total walking time). After turning in at our lovely guest house, enjoy a fresh centolla dinner (king crab, a local delicacy) at our favorite restaurant, before we call it a day.
[B, L]

Day 6: Puerto Williams - Punta Arenas

After a good breakfast, we have a little extra time to spend at leisure. Later, transfer to the airport. Fly back to Punta Arenas. Transfer to the city center of Punta Arenas or your hotel.
[B]

Take the ferry back to Punta Arenas

Instead of flying back to Punta Arenas, you can also take the weekly ferry. In this case, you will board the ferry in the evening on day 5 (Friday) to depart very early morning of day 6 (Saturday). The ferry takes about 32 hours from Puerto Williams to Punta Arenas and accommodation is very rough, but it takes you through a gorgeous and literally uninhabited area - very cool! Arrival is Sunday, late afternoon. Please contact us for further information.

Included Meals

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

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What's included?

Tour Includes

• Transportation and excursions according to the program
• Flight tickets from Punta Arenas - Puerto Williams - Punta Arenas
• Airport taxes and fees
• Local, bilingual trekking guide (Spanish and English speaking)
• 1 night in guest house in Puerto Williams (family-run hostel with dorm rooms, bunk beds, shared bathroom)
• 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
• Excess/ overweight luggage
  

  The airline allows 10kg per person (22 lbs pp). We take care of all kitchen equipment and all food. Your are responsible for all your personal equipment, incl. tent, sleeping bag, clothing etc. Price per kg extra: CLP 1,530, about USD 3.25 (April 19, 2011; this may change without prior notice).

• 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 1,499.- per person

5 to 8 trip members: USD 1,299.- per person

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