Highlights
- Spot Peale's dolphins and seabirds on the Strait of Magellan
- See amazing wildlife at the Isla Magdalena penguin colony
- Watch for pumas in Torres del Paine National Park
- Visit the impressive Serrano Glacier on a boat tour
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Punta Arenas, Explore | Punta Arenas |
| Day 2 | See the Wildlife of the Magellan Strait | Punta Arenas |
| Day 3 | Visit the Isla Magdalena Penguin Colony | Punta Arenas |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Puerto Natales & Explore | Puerto Natales |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park, Puma Observation | Torres del Paine |
| Day 6 | Puma Observation (Day 2), Transfer to Puerto Natales | Puerto Natales |
| Day 7 | Boat Tour to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Serrano & Balmaceda Glaciers | Puerto Natales |
| Day 8 | Depart Puerto Natales |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Explore
Welcome to Punta Arenas! A driver will be waiting to bring you to the city center from the airport. Founded in 1848 on the eastern shore of the Brunswick Peninsula, Punta Arenas was home to the crème de la crème of Patagonian society in its heyday. Today, it's a popular tourist destination that provides easy access to some of the most impressive natural attractions in Patagonia.
There are several interesting sites to explore here. One of these is the Plaza Muñoz Guerrero, a leafy central plaza that's the perfect starting point for a walk around the city. Tour the Palacio Sara Braun, one of the imposing mansions fronting the plaza, to get an idea of just how much wealth the sheep trade generated in the 19th century. You could also visit the Reserva Nacional Magallanes, a 33,000-acre (13,354 ha) forested reserve known locally as the Parque Japonés. In the evening, watch the sun go down at Mirador Cerro de la Cruz. This viewpoint overlooks the city all the way out to the Strait of Magellan.
Day 2: See the Wildlife of the Magellan Strait
Today's exhilarating adventure will involve navigating the Strait of Magellan in a Zodiac boat. Journey to the San Isidro area in search of the beautiful Peale's dolphin, a species native to the waters around southern Chile that's known for its unusual black and gray coloring. It's common to find groups of up to 12 adults and see them swimming alongside the boat or soaring in acrobatic jumps. Keep an eye out for sea lion colonies, as well as a variety of seabirds, such as albatrosses, petrels, and penguins, as you hold tight and navigate the choppy seas.
The trip departs at 7 am from Punta Arenas. Your driver will pick you up and take you one hour away to the launch point, where you'll enjoy breakfast and gear up in a semi-dry suit. The 10-hour excursion includes your transport to and from Punta Arenas, complete equipment for the journey, and lunch and snacks, including good Chilean wine.
Day 3: Visit the Isla Magdalena Penguin Colony
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
This half-day tour begins bright and early in the morning. You'll transfer from downtown Punta Arenas by vehicle to a pier on the Strait of Magellan, at which point you'll board a vessel that will take you 18 miles (30 km) northeast to Isla Magdalena. On this island is Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, a protected area home to Chile's largest colony of penguins. First, though, travel to Isla Marta, home to a large number of Patagonian sea lions. These aren't the only residents on this rocky outpost—you'll also find plentiful seabirds, including cormorants, skuas, arctic pigeons, and more.
Soon, you'll arrive at Isla Magdalena, where you'll disembark and spend one hour onshore, following a 2,624-foot (800 m) path to an old lighthouse that offers sweeping views of the Strait of Magellan. On your way, be sure to enjoy the company of the island's residents: a Magellanic penguin colony that can reach up to 170,000 in number. Afterward, it's time to return to the vessel and make the journey back, reaching Punta Arenas by midday and spending the afternoon at your leisure.
Day 4: Transfer to Puerto Natales & Explore
Day 5: Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park, Puma Observation
Day 6: Puma Observation (Day 2), Transfer to Puerto Natales
Begin today bright and early, as pumas are most active at dawn and dusk. The month of your visit will affect the time you get up in the morning, and the evening before, your guide in the park will have given you a short briefing to go over today's program. You'll spend another day exploring the park alongside your guide as you search for signs of the resident pumas. Ranging between 115 and 220 pounds (52 and 100 kg), these big cats are native to the Americas, and Torres del Paine's population is estimated at around 50 to 100 animals.
As well as the elusive puma, keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready for the park's many other inhabitants, like the llama-like guanaco, the South American gray fox, and the Andean condor. After another day of wildlife watching and photography, you'll bid the park farewell and transfer back to Puerto Natales in the evening.
Day 7: Boat Tour to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Serrano & Balmaceda Glaciers
After breakfast, board a boat tour of the Seno Última Esperanza, a fjord adjacent to Puerto Natales. During the voyage, stop at many viewpoints to see glaciers, waterfalls, and cliffs, and keep an eye out for condors flying overhead. Next, you'll arrive at Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Chile's largest national park and one that few have the opportunity to visit. Here, you'll disembark for a short hike through the native forests of Coigues, Ñirres, and Ciruelillos until reaching the impressive Serrano Glacier.
Once you've taken some time to explore this beautiful and remote forest, board the boat once again and head to the nearby Estancia Perales for a filling lunch of typical Patagonian barbecue (vegetarian options are also available). Afterward, return to Puerto Natales, where you'll have the evening free to spend as you please.
Day 8: Depart Puerto Natales
More Great Patagonia Itineraries
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