Fort Bulnes: The Colonization of Patagonia
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Port
Punta Arenas, Chile
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$140
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Among the world's most famous bodies of water is the Strait of Magellan, famed for its weather, its sea swells and its place in history. Live the legend today as you visit Fort Bulnes -- the first Chilean settlement on the Strait of Magellan, located 40 miles south of Punta Arenas.
As you travel south, you will stop at Cerro de la Cruz for the same view over the strait that Ferdinand Magellan took in when he was here. Today's modern view encompasses the port of Punta Arenas, but the island of Tierra del Fuego -- Fireland -- remains much the same.
A beautiful scenic road skirts the Strait of Magellan on your one-hour ride to Fort Bulnes and its National Monument. Bulnes was founded in 1843, by 22 adventurers who took possession of Strait of Magellan on behalf of Chilean government. They named the area after Manuel Bulnes, President of the young Republic of Chile. They originally built the fort to protect Southern Chile and the Strait of Magellan from claims by other countries. Walk with your guide over the site to see the church, chaplain's quarters, jail, powder magazine, post office and stables. This location also offers one of the most majestic views of the strait from Punta Santa Ana.
You will have a short amount of free time to take photos or purchase souvenirs before returning to the pier.