At the southernmost tip of South America, a five-day trek alongside the magnificent Strait of Magellan offers hikers the unforgettable opportunity to experience the elements of nature to the hilt.
Hikers follow along cliffs, cross swollen rivers, clamber over slippery rocks and maneuver through dense forests, and then there are the isolated beaches with teams of dolphins in the distance. Though requiring low technical ability, this 50 km route is still very much a challenging trek with difficult terrain and often inclement weather including pounding wind and rains.
To get there, head south of Punta Arenas, passing the historic Fuerte Bulnes and Puerto del Hambre till you get to the end of the road. From San Isidro Lighthouse (which has a nice museum), the trail heads into jungle-like Magellanic forest and then along the coast at quiet Bahia del Aguila bay where there are the remains of an abandoned whaling station. The first day’s hike ends at Rio Yumbel with camp set up at an abandoned house of an early pioneer.
This story is from the No. 15 - Protecting the Ocean edition of Patagon Journal.
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This story is from the No. 15 - Protecting the Ocean edition of Patagon Journal.
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