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Chilean Patagonia |
Patagonia © Chile Tourism
It was nearly 500 years ago that Ferdinand Magellan guided four ships through the treacherous passages that are still today thought of as the End of the World. Today Patagonia is inhabited by nearly 2 million people, but is still almost entirely made up of pristine and untouched nature.
The gravel highway known as the Camino Austral is the access point to one of the world's last great expanses of wilderness that makes up northern Patagonia. It begins at the port of Chaitén and continues to the capital of the region, Coihaique, and both are good bases for trips in the area. The most popular attraction in this region, despite the difficulty and expense of getting here, is the two million-hectare (four million-acre), glacier-filled Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael, which has some of the world's most spectacular mountain and fjord scenery.
Magallanes features glacially sculpted mountains and harsh landscapes with Torres del Paine National Park the most famous of the southern region's protected areas. Further south is the town of Puerto Natales, terminus of the extraordinary ferry trip through the fjords from Puerto Montt, and exploration base for the region. Beyond the continent lies the harsh and stormy archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, stretching further south, and closer to Antarctica, than any other inhabited place.
Attractions
Tierra del Fuego © Ground Zero
Chilean Tierra del Fuego
At the very tip of Patagonia, beyond Chile and even South America, lies the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, whose name translates to 'Land of Fire'. It's a dramatic name for a dramatic place, as the harsh winds of the sub-polar climate sweep over rocky mountains, sparse tundra, and hardy forests. Tierra del Fuego is an increasingly popular ecotravel destination, and adventurous travellers come to see wildlife that includes sea lions, foxes, condors, owls, and firecrown hummingbirds. Hiking and camping are popular activities, and the archipelago offers some of the best trout fishing in South America. Much of the tourism in Tierra del Fuego revolves around 'southernmost' things: the port town of Puerto Williams claims to be the southernmost city in the world, while the southernmost cathedral and temple are located in Punta Arenas. While Cape Horn is widely thought to be the southernmost island in South America, that title actually goes to The Diego Ramírez Islands, which are nesting grounds for many species of southern seabirds, including albatross, penguins and petrels.
Magellanic Penguins © Sarah and Iain
Magdalena Island Penguin Reserve
A paradise for birdwatchers, Magdalena Island Penguin Reserve is located 21.7 miles (35km) south of Punta Arenas. Magdalena Island is a natural bird sanctuary, and is home to more than 100,000 birds, including 95 percent of the world's population of Magellanic Penguins as well as cormorants and seagulls. Because it is a sanctuary, the only facilities on Magdalena Island are for scientific research and not tourism. Guided tours are available to see the penguins in their natural habitat, and the lighthouse at the Environmental Interpretation Centre provides stunning panoramic views of the region. There are ferries available from Puntas Arenas, which take approximately two hours each way and provide snacks and coffee.
San Rafael Lagoon © Vincent Huang/Jespinos
Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael
Created in 1959, Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael covers an area of 6,726 square miles (17,420 sq km) and includes the Northern Patagonian Ice Field. It was named for the San Rafael Lagoon that was created by the retreat of the San Rafael Glacier, and has been designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. A fjord more than 10 miles (16km) long is one of the park's principle attractions, along with some of the highest peaks in Patagonia, several glaciers, lakes and a rich variety of bird and sea life. While the majority of visitors to Laguna San Rafael never set foot on land, the magificent views from the boat are such that will stay with you for a lifetime.Admission: Ch$3,000 (adults), Ch$1,000 (children)
Torres del Paine National Park
Parque Nacional Torres del Paine
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the 180,000-hectare (442-acre) park is the pride and joy of southern Chile. The park takes its name after the towering granite pillars that rise over 6,560 feet (2,000m) above the Patagonian plains. It is a hiker's paradise with many excellent, well-developed trails through astounding changes in scenery. Turquoise lakes and roaring waterfalls, forests and magnificent rambling glaciers, icy rivers, daisy-filled meadows, harsh mountain passes and plenty of wildlife, including the protected guanaco (wild relative of the llama), are some of its attractions, while visitors can try their hand at outdoor activities like horseback riding, sailing and kayaking, rock climbing and fly-fishing.Website: www.torresdelpaine.com; Telephone: (0)61 247 845 (CONAF); Opening time: Open year round 8:30am to 8:30pm.; Admission: Ch$15,000 (high season), Ch$5,000 (low season)