Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales
Chilean Antarctic Territory
This island, shared by Chile and Argentina, gets its name from Hernando de Magallanes, the famous explorer who visited this area in 1520 and discovers the southern passage between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, a discovery that gave him worldwide recognition. Magellan navigated the strait when he faced a series of fires on the mainland, fires that protected the natives from the cold, known as Onas or Selknam. They had named the Island as "karukinka", which means "our land."
More than 4 thousand indigenous people live in the zone of the Magellanic pampa, nomadic characters, strong and of great stature that behaved in a hostile way before any interference in their territory. They created weapons (slings, bows and arrows), which allowed them to hunt to survive, but which they also used to defend their lands. They managed to do it for more than half a century, but the little organization between tribes and the colonization of the governments of Chile and Argentina will take them to the brink of extinction. In addition, many were persecuted as part of a "sport" practiced by the settlers of the time, who paid large sums of money for a pair of Ona's ears....
More than 4 thousand indigenous people live in the zone of the Magellanic pampa, nomadic characters, strong and of great stature that behaved in a hostile way before any interference in their territory. They created weapons (slings, bows and arrows), which allowed them to hunt to survive, but which they also used to defend their lands. They managed to do it for more than half a century, but the little organization between tribes and the colonization of the governments of Chile and Argentina will take them to the brink of extinction. In addition, many were persecuted as part of a "sport" practiced by the settlers of the time, who paid large sums of money for a pair of Ona's ears....
In 1945, oil was discovered in the north of the island, and since then oil rigs have been installed for drilling and underwater extraction, and other facilities to extract coal. At that time the surface of Tierra del Fuego was also used to maintain livestock.
Tierra del Fuego is located at the southern tip of the American continent and is bounded by the Strait of Magellan, the Beagle Channel, the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic.
Tierra del Fuego is located at the southern tip of the American continent and is bounded by the Strait of Magellan, the Beagle Channel, the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic.
Attractions
Get to know one of the southernmost places in the world, with its icy climate and unsurpassed landscapes. Tierra del Fuego offers everything, native forests and protected animals to lakeside hotels and places important for their history.
Activities
Tierra del Fuego and its different places allow for a series of activities for those who like adventure tourism and for those who prefer a more relaxed vacation. These include: photography, observation of flora and fauna, picnic, trekking, hiking, high mountain, sea kayaking, sailing, recreational fishing, bird watching, horseback riding and walking.
Informacion de Interes
1When to go
All year.
2Location
Strait of Magellan, east of Punta Arenas.
3How to get
It can be reached by land, sea or air. By land, take route 9 North before arriving at Punta Arenas, from where you take the CH 255 route at the height of kilometer 47. Route CH255 is connected, by ferry or ferry, to Tierra del Fuego, a path that goes straight to Porvenir.
By water, the Strait of Magellan is crossed, from Tres Puentes to 7 kms., From Punta Arenas. The ferry crosses to Chilota Bay, which is 5 km away from Porvenir. This ferry departs from Tuesday to Sunday, once a day, and it takes 2 and a half hours to cross the Strait to Tierra del Fuego.
Finally, by air, flights from Punta Arenas airport twice a day to Porvenir. It arrives in just fifteen minutes.
4Weather
Tundra. A lot of rain and strong winds, average temperatures between 5 C and 7 C.
5Services
Airport, hotels, hostels, camping, travel agencies and tours (in Porvenir, capital of Tierra del Fuego).
6Surroundings
Porvenir, Punta Arenas, Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Darwin Mountain Range, Dawson Island, Punta Dongones, Ushuaia (Argentina).
7Input Value
Gratuitous
Destinations
Codon Baquedano
White Lake
