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Let us show you the Southern-most tip of the South American Continent.
This geographical extreme has been inaccessible to tourism until just
recently and now is possible in a five-day wilderness expedition. This
trek is for the more adventurous traveler, who is physically fit and
willing to shoulder his own backpack. Virtually untouched forests, river
crossings and the unpredictable weather make for a demanding, but unique
experience. We pass abandoned whaling stations, estancias and walk along
isolated bays, scarcely known, except to fishermen who patrol the shores
in search of the day's catch. This is truly the road less traveled.
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Trekking in Patagonia
© Johannes Schache
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Punta Arenas - Bahia del Indio
Pick up at the hotel in Punta Arenas. On our way South we will visit
Fort Bulnes, Chile's first Patagonian settlement. Another interesting
site is Puerto del Hambre, which was an early attempt by the Spanish
explorer Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa to colonize this remote corner of
the World. We also visit the cemetery, where Captain Pringle Stokes
former captain of the famous Beagle, found his last peace. We start
hiking alongside the legendary Straight of Magellan to the remains of
San Isidrio Lighthouse and the ruins of a Whaling Station. We pitch up
our first camp near an abandoned estancia.
[L, D]
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Trekking in Patagonia
© Johannes Schache
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Bahia del Indio - Rio Nodales
We make our way to Rio de Gennes in an expedition-styled trek. The path
leads us mainly through dense Fuegian Rain Forest and over spongy Bogs.
We'll cross Rio de Gennes with the tide's favor and with luck we may see
sea lions and porpoises on our way South. We make camp in a hidden forest
near Rio Nodales.
[B, L, D]
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Trekking in Patagonia
© Johannes Schache
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Cabo Froward - The Cross of the Seas
Cabo Froward Day! Today we leave our backpacks behind to reach The
Southern-Most Tip of Continental South America, which is also called
"Cruz de los Mares" and means: "Cross of the Seas." The 360º view from
the base of the cross, honoring the 1984 visit of Pope John Paul II to
Punta Arenas, can be one of the most spectacular in Patagonia. Before
we return to our base camp and celebrate this day with a Chilean bonfire,
we will wade across Rio Nodales as we did in the morning.
[B, L, D]
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Trekking in Patagonia
© Johannes Schache
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Rio Nodales - Bahia del Indio
After breaking down camp we begin the return hike to Rio de Gennes,
which we cross again at low tide. We retrace our steps once more,
we sight Tierra del Fuego to the East and further South the snow-white
peak of Monte Sarmiento, one of the most remarkable and difficult climbs
of the Darwin Range. Continuing on to Estancia San Nicolas, where we will
camp again.
[B, L]
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Trekking in Patagonia
© Johannes Schache
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Bahia del Indio - Punta Arenas
On the hike out to the road, according to the group's pace, we take side
trips to view both flora and fauna, which here still exist in harmony, as
they should. Transfer back to Punta Arenas, where we arrive late afternoon.
[B, L]
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Don't forget
to touch the toe...
© Gerd Anders
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Stay a Little Longer
Please let us know, if you wish to book extra nights in Punta Arenas
before and/ or after this tour, for example at
our hostel "Hospedaje Magallanes".
We are happy to modify your itinerary according to your individual wishes.
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Dientes de Navarino
Mountain Range
© Turismo Aonikenk
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Recommended extensions
We also offer other exiting trekking tours in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.
If you like this tour, you should also take a look at our
Dientes de Navarino Circuit,
a 7 day wilderness adventure from/ to Punta Arenas to the sounthern-most
trekking region in the world or our
Torres del Paine Circuit,
a suported 10 day trekking adventure from/ to Punta Arenas to one of Chile's
most celebrated national parks: Torres del Paine.
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