Cabo Froward Trek – Self-Guided Wilderness Expedition

Let us show you the Southern-most tip of the South American Continent. This geographical extreme has been inaccessible to tourism for many years until now. 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. You 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.

Day 1: Punta Arenas – Bahia del Indio
Bus Punta Arenas – San Juan river or to end of the route. You start hiking alongside the legendary Straight of Magellan to the remains of San Isidrio Lighthouse and the ruins of a Whaling Station. Camping near an abandoned estancia.

Day 2: Bahia del Indio – Rio Nodales
You make your way to Rio de Gennes in an expedition-styled trek. The path leads us mainly through dense Fuegian Rain Forest and over spongy Bogs. You’ll cross Rio de Gennes with the tide’s favor and with luck you may see sea lions and porpoises on your way South. You make camp in a hidden forest near Rio Nodales.

Day 3: Cabo Froward – The Cross of the Seas
Cabo Froward Day! Today you leave your 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 Pope’s 1984 visit, can be one of the most spectacular in Patagonia. Return at your base camp near Rio Nodales.

Day 4: Rio Nodales – Bahia del Indio
Return to Rio de Gennes, which you cross again at low tide. You retrace your steps once more, you 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 you can camp again.

Day 5: Bahia del Indio – Punta Arenas
On the hike out to the road, you take side trips to view both flora and fauna, which here still exist in harmony, as they should. Back to Punta Arenas.

Important:

Several foxes live in campsites areas. Although they don’t attak human being, they qre likely to rip your bags up looking for food. Hang your possession on a high branch during the night and when you’re not around them!

Bus Schedule Punta Arenas – San Juan
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays – year-round
There: 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Back:  9:15 a.m. and 7:15 p.m.

Official bus price: CLP 2.000 per person, one way (about USD 3 – p/p*)

* 2019 exchange rate

Location: Southern Chile, 40 miles (65 km) south of Punta Arenas

Distance: 47 miles (75.6 km) round-trip

Time duration: 3-5 days

Activity Level: This hike is demanding. The route includes six river crossings (three each way) and some slippery and jagged rocks that can be very hazardous when wet. It is also a remote area and not frequently traveled, with no cell phone reception.

Up-to-date info and buy your map at Hospedaje Magallanes (Magallanes 570 – Punta Arenas).

If you stay at Hospedaje Magallanes, ask for your Free Map!

Whale Watching – 3 days / 2 nights

Observe Humpback Whales on Carlos III Island in Francisco Coloane Marine Park

A few years ago, a group of Chilean biologists discovered an until then unexplored feeding ground of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) on the southernmost tip of South America. Every Patagonian summer, these astonishing marine mammals return to an area around Carlos III Island, which is located right in the legendary Strait of Magellan.

Their passion for science and their love for nature has led to the creation of Chile’s first marine protected area, Francisco Coloane Marine Park.

Turismo Aonikenk has been one of the main supporters of this project from its beginning in 2004, because we believe in conservation through science and tourism.

Day 1: Sail the Strait of Magellan – Whale Watching – Carlos III Island

This whale watching adventure begins at 8:00 a.m. from Hospedaje Magallanes in Punta Arenas. The shuttle will pick you up and take you to the embark point, where you will sail the famous Strait of Magellan on board the vessel “Tanu”. On the way, pass Cape Froward, the southernmost point on the mainland of South America. After about eight hours of sailing, arrive to Carlos III Island, where the scientific eco-camp is situated in the heart of Francisco Coloane Marine Park. Here you will stay for the next two nights. Later, explore the pristine ecosystem of the surroundings of the camp and join your guide and one of the scientists on a short walk to the wildlife observatory. Weather permitting, set out for a short excursion to observe whales and seabirds. In the evening, enjoy a lecture about the camps installations, Francisco Coloane Marine Park and its marine wildlife as well as the scientific work done down here at the End of the World. [L, D]

Day 2: Whale Watching – Whale Sound – Santa Ines Glacier

In the morning, plenty of time to observe Humpback Whales, Sea Lions and an array of seabirds including Magellanic penguins, Chilean Skua, Black-browed albatross amongst others. After lunch at the camp at Isla Carlos III, sail through Whale Sound, a scenic Fueguian fjord to the amazing Santa Ines Glacierwhat a site! [B, L, D]

Day 3: Whale Watching – Carlos III Island – Punta Arenas

Enjoy some more time to observe the whales and the seabirds of this area. Return to the camp at Carlos III Island for lunch. In the afternoon, begin the return journey to Punta Arenas, where you will arrive at about 8:00 p.m. [B, L]

Included Meals

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

Note
All departure times of navigations depend on weather conditions. Changes in the program may occur without prior notice.

Tour Includes

  • Transfers according to the program
  • Bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English speaking)
  • 2 nights accommodation at the eco-camp at Carlos III Island in 2-person dome tents with wood-burning stoves; shared bathroom; sleeping bags, sheets, blankets and towels are provided
  • All meals specified in the program (see itinerary: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
  • Thermal overall/ jumpsuit for your protection from the Patagonian weather
  • Scientific lectures

Additional Costs

  • Optional tips to your guide and/ or other people working for you (e.g. the boatmen etc.)

Departures

Departures calendar

Price

USD 1,500.- per person

Single Accommodation

Single occupancy is available for 1.5 times the rate stated above (add USD 750.- per person). This surcharge only applies if you explicitly wish and book single accommodation. Single/ solo travellers may share a room/ tent without surcharge

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