Fort Bulnes and Magellan’s Strait Park Exploration

Embark on a journey through the legendary Strait of Magellan, renowned for its historical significance and dramatic weather. Explore Fort Bulnes, the site of Patagonia’s first Chilean settlement.

Start your journey by ascending Cerro de la Cruz to enjoy a panoramic vista of Chilean Patagonia’s capital city. A short, steep walk to the top offers you views of the Punta Arenas port and the distant Tierra del Fuego island.

You will then travel along the scenic coastal route for an hour to reach the sprawling Fort Bulnes. Built as a protective outpost for Southern Chile and the Strait of Magellan, this historical site was founded in 1843 by 22 colonizers, marking Chile’s territorial claims over the region. It was named after Manuel Bulnes, the President of Chile during its construction.

Upon arrival, you’ll be guided through the well-preserved buildings, including the church, chaplain’s quarters, jail, powder magazine, post office, and stables. Imagine how hard it must have been to have worked in – or been held – here. Take some time to immerse yourself in the ambiance of this remote part of the world. Short inland treks are available, offering you breathtaking vistas of the strait from Punta Santa Ana.

Enjoy a brief period of free time for photos or souvenir shopping (if available) before returning to the pier. Please note: To fully enjoy this excursion, we recommend wearing warm, layered clothing, including a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Bring gloves, sunglasses, trekking shoes, a warm hat, and a scarf.