The south of the world: Six days in Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams
Updated on 5 de January, 2026
Navigation, history, and nature at the edge of the Americas
6 DAYS
Exploring the southernmost tip of Chile is an experience that redefines the word “remote.” From the historical elegance of Punta Arenas to the wild purity of Puerto Williams, the southernmost city on the planet. This six-day journey takes you through the Strait of Magellan, penguin colonies, and the stunning fjords of deep Patagonia.
DISTANCE
638 km
DAYS
6 days
DESTINATIONS
Inicio del itinerario
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
City tour in Punta Arenas
Start your adventure touring Punta Arenas, capital of the Magallanes Region and a treasure from the extreme south of Chile.
After landing at Presidente Carlos Ibáñez Airport, take a taxi or a transfer to your accommodation and then go to the Muñoz Gamero Town Square. You can visit the monumental Sara Braun Palace and the Hernando de Magallanes Monument there at whose base you’ll find a statue of a native Patagonian. The legend says that kissing its foot assures your return to the city!
Afterwards, go to the viewpoint on La Cruz Hill to get an incredible panoramic view of Punta Arenas, and then continue on to the Costanera del Estrecho (Waterfront of the Strait of Magellan) and visit the Municipal Cemetery, the most beautiful graveyard in Chile.
To conclude your day, visit some of the famous pizzerias in town before going back to your accommodation.
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
City tour in Punta Arenas
Start your adventure touring Punta Arenas, capital of the Magallanes Region and a treasure from the extreme south of Chile.
After landing at Presidente Carlos Ibáñez Airport, take a taxi or a transfer to your accommodation and then go to the Muñoz Gamero Town Square. You can visit the monumental Sara Braun Palace and the Hernando de Magallanes Monument there at whose base you’ll find a statue of a native Patagonian. The legend says that kissing its foot assures your return to the city!
Afterwards, go to the viewpoint on La Cruz Hill to get an incredible panoramic view of Punta Arenas, and then continue on to the Costanera del Estrecho (Waterfront of the Strait of Magellan) and visit the Municipal Cemetery, the most beautiful graveyard in Chile.
To conclude your day, visit some of the famous pizzerias in town before going back to your accommodation.
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Penguins on Magdalena Island
After breakfast, go to the Tres Puentes terminal to take a ferry towards the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, made up of Magdalena Island and Marta Island.
You’ll travel for around 1 hour and 30 minutes through the Strait of Magellan until you reach this protected wildlife area, where you’ll see one of the biggest Magellan penguin colonies.
This place is also inhabited by sea lions and different species of shorebirds. You could even spot dolphins and whales! Moreover, at the end of the main path there is a lighthouse where you could see all the austral beauty of the area.
Photo: @solo.expediciones
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Penguins on Magdalena Island
After breakfast, go to the Tres Puentes terminal to take a ferry towards the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, made up of Magdalena Island and Marta Island.
You’ll travel for around 1 hour and 30 minutes through the Strait of Magellan until you reach this protected wildlife area, where you’ll see one of the biggest Magellan penguin colonies.
This place is also inhabited by sea lions and different species of shorebirds. You could even spot dolphins and whales! Moreover, at the end of the main path there is a lighthouse where you could see all the austral beauty of the area.
Photo: @solo.expediciones
Attractions included on this day
Day 3
Sailing to Cabo de Hornos
We’re heading to Puerto Williams! In the north of Navarino Island you’ll find this city, which is the capital of Cabo de Hornos, the most southern town hall in the world.
Get ready, because you’ll have to sail for around 30 hours on a ferry. It’s a spectacular trip, where you’ll see the amazing fjords and glaciers of the Alberto de Agostini National Park.
Once you get to Puerto Williams, go to your accommodation and take a deserved break before following your itinerary.
Attractions included on this day
Day 3
Sailing to Cabo de Hornos
We’re heading to Puerto Williams! In the north of Navarino Island you’ll find this city, which is the capital of Cabo de Hornos, the most southern town hall in the world.
Get ready, because you’ll have to sail for around 30 hours on a ferry. It’s a spectacular trip, where you’ll see the amazing fjords and glaciers of the Alberto de Agostini National Park.
Once you get to Puerto Williams, go to your accommodation and take a deserved break before following your itinerary.
Day 4
Touring Puerto Williams
Let’s go on a tour around Puerto Williams. Our first stop will be Yagan Usi – Martín González Calderón Territorial Museum. With free entry, the site is focused on securing the patrimony of the Yaghan town, historic inhabitants of Tierra del Fuego.
Your next stop must be Omora Ethnobotanic Park. It’s a university area that protects the flora and fauna in the area, offering trips that’ll allow you to get into nature.
And to cease your hunger, you’ll find different bars and restaurants with unique products, that have the stamp from the south of the world.
Photo: Sernatur Audiovisual Bank
Day 4
Touring Puerto Williams
Let’s go on a tour around Puerto Williams. Our first stop will be Yagan Usi – Martín González Calderón Territorial Museum. With free entry, the site is focused on securing the patrimony of the Yaghan town, historic inhabitants of Tierra del Fuego.
Your next stop must be Omora Ethnobotanic Park. It’s a university area that protects the flora and fauna in the area, offering trips that’ll allow you to get into nature.
And to cease your hunger, you’ll find different bars and restaurants with unique products, that have the stamp from the south of the world.
Photo: Sernatur Audiovisual Bank
Día 5
Kayak on the Beagle Channel
Let’s go on an adventure on the Beagle Channel! Kayaking in its frozen waters is a unique experience, that’ll allow you to feel the adrenaline in the middle of amazing surroundings.
For this experience it is key that you go with a tour operator registered with Sernatur which provides you the necessary equipment and that has an accredited guide.
It is a smooth crossing, where the weather and your own rhythm will define how long it takes. Once back on land, we recommend visiting the local artisanal brewery.
Photo: @exploranavarino
Día 5
Kayak on the Beagle Channel
Let’s go on an adventure on the Beagle Channel! Kayaking in its frozen waters is a unique experience, that’ll allow you to feel the adrenaline in the middle of amazing surroundings.
For this experience it is key that you go with a tour operator registered with Sernatur which provides you the necessary equipment and that has an accredited guide.
It is a smooth crossing, where the weather and your own rhythm will define how long it takes. Once back on land, we recommend visiting the local artisanal brewery.
Photo: @exploranavarino
Attractions included on this day
Day 6
Trekking on Bandera Hill
Would you like to see the amazing Dientes de Navarino up close? A four-hour walk from Puerto Williams will get you to Bandera Hill, where you’ll be able to see this spectacular mountain range from.
It is a beautiful route where you’ll go through exuberant forests, the most extreme southern ones on the planet. It’s 3.5 km uphill until you reach the top of the hill, so it has a medium difficulty.
Photo: Sernatur Audiovisual Bank
Attractions included on this day
Day 6
Trekking on Bandera Hill
Would you like to see the amazing Dientes de Navarino up close? A four-hour walk from Puerto Williams will get you to Bandera Hill, where you’ll be able to see this spectacular mountain range from.
It is a beautiful route where you’ll go through exuberant forests, the most extreme southern ones on the planet. It’s 3.5 km uphill until you reach the top of the hill, so it has a medium difficulty.
Photo: Sernatur Audiovisual Bank
What you should know
How to get there by air
Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport (PUQ) in Punta Arenas receives daily flights from Santiago. To reach Puerto Williams, you can fly from Punta Arenas to Guardiamarina Zañartu Airport (WKK) on 1-hour and 15-minute flights, offering spectacular views of the Darwin Range and hanging glaciers.
How to get there by land
Punta Arenas connects with the rest of Chile via Argentina through the Monte Aymond border crossing (Route 5 and Route 255). It is a long journey from the north, ideal for those traveling the Argentine Route 40. In the city, you can move around using shared taxis, buses, or by renting a vehicle to explore the Strait.
Climate and clothing
Subpolar oceanic climate, very unstable. Strong winds are constant. Even in summer (January), temperatures fluctuate between 5°C and 15°C. Dress using the three-layer system: a technical base layer, a fleece, and a high-quality waterproof jacket. Hats and gloves are mandatory.
Must-Know Tips
Book the boat trip to Magdalena Island weeks in advance. In Puerto Williams, cash is essential as ATMs are scarce. Don’t forget your camera with extra batteries (the cold drains them quickly) and travel insurance that covers trekking and navigation activities in remote areas.
