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South 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 and a half
to five hours walking time, we have short days, but there is always an option
for side tips. 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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Dientes de Navarino
Mountain Range
© Turismo Aonikenk
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Punta Arenas - Puerto Williams
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 Straight of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego,
the Darwin Mountain Range and the Beagle Channel. After checking into our
guesthouse, we dived the group gear, food etc. evenly amongst the tour
members and re-organize our backpacks. Later, visit Villa Ukika, which is
home to the few remaining Yagan people, or the "Museum of the End of the World".
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Dientes de Navarino
Mountain Range
© Turismo Aonikenk
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Puerto Williams - Laguna El Salto
After a good home-made breakfast, we begin trekking the Dientes 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 El Salto to pitch camp near
the lake.
[B, L, D]
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Dientes de Navarino
Mountain Range
© Turismo Aonikenk
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Laguna El 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]
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Dientes de Navarino
Mountain Range
© Turismo Aonikenk
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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 Ventarron, 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]
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Dientes de Navarino
Mountain Range
© Turismo Aonikenk
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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 (4½ to 5½ hours).
[B, L, D]
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Dientes de Navarino
Mountain Range
© Turismo Aonikenk
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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
guesthouse, enjoy a fresh centolla dinner (king crab) at our favored restaurant, before
we call it a day.
[B, L]
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Dientes de Navarino
Mountain Range
© Turismo Aonikenk
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Puerto Williams - Punta Arenas
Morning at leisure. Transfer to the airport. Flight from Puerto Williams to Punta
Arenas. Transfer from the airport to the city.
[B]
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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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Los Cuernos del Paine
© Johannes Schache
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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
Torres del Paine Circuit,
a supported 10 day trekking adventure from/ to Punta Arenas to one of Chile's
most celebrated national parks: Torres del Paine. Another wilderness
tour we offer is our
Cabo Froward Trek,
a 5 day trekking tour to the southern-most tip of continental
South America.
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