Whether we start in Ushuaia or in Punta Arenas our deep crossing explores the island of Tierra del Fuego in depth while connecting these two austral ports. Starting in Punta Arenas the experience crosses the Straight of Magellan at the beginning to reach the frontier town of Porvenir.
From Punta Arenas we take the ferry to the frontier town of Porvenir from where we head south towards Bahia Inutil to encounter a unique colony of King Penguins that has migrated into this bay. This striving colony of more than 100 animals and more than 40 chicks is protected in a natural park called Parque Pinguino Rey. Along the way we have also encountered rock hopper Penguins and we might be lucky enough to see them again. Further down we reach Pampa Guanaco on the way to Lago Blanco, one of the southernmost lakes in the world.
We spend the afternoon and evening in this remote lakefront Hosteria operated and serviced by the owners, a Fuegian family. Perhaps a walk around the premises can take us to a private dock in which we can try our hand at fishing Rainbow and Brown trout. A typical Patagonian Dinner is served while we enjoy our comfortable accommodations in the silence and remoteness of our private lakefront. Morning will receive us with a delightful breakfast served in the dining room with lake views. A walk to Beaver Dams around the lake before our departure to the Bella Vista crossing, will give us a chance to say farewell to the Chile side of Tierra del Fuego.
After a leisurely drive to the Bella Vista crossing, we are met with our Argentine crew that will brief us on our program. Our second day will include a stay at Estancia Rolito, a working Fuegian Ranch operated by the owners. After a welcoming talk with them, an afternoon full of estancia activities will conclude with a typical Patagonian Asado.
The next day, after breakfast, we drive towards Puerto Almanza, the island’s southernmost fishing Village on the Beagle Channel where a local family receives and invites us to board on their boat, in which we go to a special fishing spot. We stop, cast the nests and wait up to catch a good amount of crab! As we return home, the owners of the house teach us how to prepare a crab in a Patagonian style, boiled in salty sea water. We gather the spices directly from the garden and together we cook one of the richest gourmet dishes in memory.
After this unique experience we transfer to Ushuaia. Our Ushuaia to Punta Arenas Experience will be exactly the same but in the reverse order.