King Penguin Encounter

Day 1: Cross the Strait of Magellan; Visit the King Penguin Colony

Your journey begins with a private transfer from your hotel to the ferry docks at the northern end of Punta Arenas. At around 9 am, you’ll embark on a two-hour ferry crossing through the legendary Straits of Magellan, renowned for its rich history of exploration. Navigators such as Magellan, Drake, and Darwin braved these waters in harsh and dangerous conditions. 

During the crossing, you may spot seabirds like Black-browed Albatrosses, Southern Giant Petrels, Southern Fulmars, Imperial Cormorants, Dolphin Gulls, and South American Terns. Marine life, including pods of Peale’s Dolphins and curious South American Sea Lions, is also often seen.

Upon arrival, the unique landscape of Tierra del Fuego unfolds with its flat, wind-swept steppes, rolling hills, tussock grass, and low shrubs. Your local guide and driver will meet you for a stop in the town of Porvenir, where you’ll enjoy coffee or tea, snacks, and a chance to relax. The next leg of the journey is a two-hour drive along the shores of Bahia Inútil (Useless Bay). Here, you can expect to see wildlife such as guanacos, Southern Grey Foxes, Upland Geese, Chilean Flamingos, and a variety of waterfowl. Out at sea, albatrosses, petrels, gulls, and skuas patrol the bay’s choppy waters.

At Reserva Pingüino Rey, you’ll visit the only known continental King Penguin colony. This private nature reserve is dedicated to preserving these remarkable birds. You’ll have plenty of time to observe and photograph the penguins from a safe and respectful distance, following the guidelines provided by your guide.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Barlovento or similar, Porvenir

Day 2: Stromatolite Park; Laguna de Los Cisnes Nature Reserve; Ferry to Punta Arenas

In the morning, you’ll visit Stromatolite Park, a fascinating landscape that reflects the origins of life on Earth, where both nature and wildlife thrive in extreme conditions. The journey continues to the Natural Reserve Laguna de los Cisnes, where you’ll search for a variety of land and water birds sustained by the nearby lagoons. Along the way, you may also encounter local wildlife, including cururos, foxes, and guanacos.

At noon, you’ll board the ferry for the return trip across the Strait of Magellan to Punta Arenas.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch