Puerto Williams Archives - Experience Chile https://www.experiencechile.org/destination-category/puerto-williams/ Custom Travel Itineraries for Chile and South America Sun, 14 Mar 2021 23:09:42 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://www.experiencechile.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cropped-logo-new-32x32.jpg Puerto Williams Archives - Experience Chile https://www.experiencechile.org/destination-category/puerto-williams/ 32 32 Puerto Williams, Patagonia, Chile https://www.experiencechile.org/destinations/puerto-williams-patagonia-chile/ Sun, 14 Mar 2021 23:08:14 +0000 https://www.experiencechile.org/?post_type=destinations&p=47601 Introduction Puerto Williams is a Chilean village on the northern shores of the sparsely populated island of Navarino. It is diagonally opposite the much larger city of Ushuaia, in Argentina. For those who make it here, often depending on the … Continue reading →

The post Puerto Williams, Patagonia, Chile appeared first on Experience Chile.

]]>

Puerto Williams, Patagonia, Chile

Introduction

Puerto Williams is a Chilean village on the northern shores of the sparsely populated island of Navarino. It is diagonally opposite the much larger city of Ushuaia, in Argentina. For those who make it here, often depending on the weather conditions, Puerto Williams offers a starting base from which to explore the remote island wilderness, or just take a few days to chill out and be relatively “cut off” from the rest of the World.

It is the southern-most populated village on Earth (prior to reaching Antarctica), located on the northern coast of “Isla Navarino” (Navarino Island) about 50km east from Ushuaia on the opposite side of the Beagle Channel. Founded in 1953 it has a population of around 2,000 people and is a highly important Chilean Naval base.

Puerto Williams, meaning Williams Port, was named after an Irish Captain called John Williams. The village comprises a number of simple, private houses, a plaza, an airport for air connection to Punta Arenas, a small yacht marina and houses for naval personnel.

Navarino Island is an untouched, remote island in the southern tip of South America. Beyond its southern shores is the famous Cape Horn, for which in summer months there are private yachts that offer charter trips to the area (note that these trips can take several days and in rough weather).

The island stands out for its biological diversity and untouched landscapes, as well as retaining a great treasure: the presence of the ancestral, ethnic Yagán people - one of the most rudimentary indigenous cultures with regards to its material development, but at the same time one of the most surprising with its oral tradition, and in its ability to survive around glaciers, canals, strong winds and generally difficult environmental conditions.

To explore the island and area around Puerto Williams it is best to come in the Chilean summer months of January and February and book the services of a local guide. Hotel accommodation is basic, except for one hotel outside the city.

Puerto Williams is connected to mainland Chile by air and car ferry from Punta Arenas (350km north) or by zodiac dingy from Ushuaia, via Puerto Navarino (directly opposite Ushuaia).

The post Puerto Williams, Patagonia, Chile appeared first on Experience Chile.

]]> Puerto Williams, How to Get Here, Transfers and Arrivals https://www.experiencechile.org/destinations/puerto-williams-patagonia-chile/puerto-williams-how-to-get-here-transfers-and-arrivals/ Sun, 14 Mar 2021 22:54:13 +0000 https://www.experiencechile.org/?post_type=destinations&p=47548 Arrivals, Transfers & Transport Introduction Considering that Puerto Williams is on an Island the only way to get to this very small settlement is by boat or plane. Location Strategically located, Isla Navarino is 300kms south-east from Punta Arenas, but … Continue reading →

The post Puerto Williams, How to Get Here, Transfers and Arrivals appeared first on Experience Chile.

]]>

Arrivals, Transfers & Transport

Introduction

Considering that Puerto Williams is on an Island the only way to get to this very small settlement is by boat or plane.

Location

Strategically located, Isla Navarino is 300kms south-east from Punta Arenas, but only 7kms south of Ushuaia crossing Canal Beagle, and 1,000 kms from Antarctica, being the closest, populated place to the white continent.

How to Get to Puerto Williams

Considering Puerto Williams is on a remote island there are only two ways to get here. One is flying in and the other is on a boat.

From Punta Arenas Flying

Puerto Williams DAP BAE Experience Chile
Flights are operated by DAP airlines.

They operate:

  • Monday, Friday and Saturday a BAE 146 with a capacity for 90 passengers.
  • Flight Duration: 40 minutes.

And

  • On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday a Twin Otter, with a capacity for 16 people.
  • Flight Duration 1hr and 15mins.
Departure Times:
  • Punta Arenas (PUQ) to Puerto Williams (WPU) departs 10:00hrs.
  • Puerto Williams to Punta Arenas departs 11:30hrs.

Note: We can arrange this transfer as long as it is part of the rest of your itinerary that we are also arranging.

From Punta Arenas by Ferry (30hrs)

The Broom Austral ferry called Yagán operates twice a week. The trip takes 30hrs.

Note: There are only reclining seats for sleeping, therefore not particularly comfortable.

Puerto Williams Ferry Yaghan Experience Chile
From Punta Arenas to -

Puerto Williams departs on a Monday at 01:00hrs and Thursday at 18:00hrs.

From Puerto Williams to -

Punta Arenas departs on a Saturday at 16:00hrs; Tuesday at 14:00hrs and Sundays at 16:00hrs.

Note: We can arrange this transfer as long as it is part of the rest of your itinerary that we are also arranging.

From Ushuaia

Torres Del Paine Zodiac To TDP
Zodiac Dinghy

There are trips across the Beagle channel, subject to weather conditions, in a covered zodiac dinghy. Maximum 12 passengers.

The trip takes about 30 minutes and departs from the jetty in Ushuaia across to Puerto Navarino, which is about 50km from Puerto Williams. Therefore, there is a road transfer to get to Puerto Williams and this, allowing for difficult terrain, takes about 1.5hrs.

However, in order to make this journey you need to be very flexible regarding dates and have built in spare days in the event that you cannot cross, and you need to stay extra nights in Ushuaia.

For the return it is the reverse order, and you need to have extra nights in Puerto Williams built into your itinerary in the event that you cannot get across due to bad weather.

Note: We can arrange this transfer as long as it is part of the rest of your itinerary that we are also arranging.

The post Puerto Williams, How to Get Here, Transfers and Arrivals appeared first on Experience Chile.

]]> Places of Interest, Puerto Williams, Patagonia https://www.experiencechile.org/destinations/puerto-williams-patagonia-chile/places-of-interest-puerto-williams-patagonia/ Sun, 14 Mar 2021 22:48:01 +0000 https://www.experiencechile.org/?post_type=destinations&p=47561 Introduction This island is a place for nature lovers and those who really enjoy the outdoors and who are not afraid of “real weather”. Yes, it will likely rain, be windy and cold too. There are many interesting, outdoor things … Continue reading →

The post Places of Interest, Puerto Williams, Patagonia appeared first on Experience Chile.

]]>

Places of Interest, Puerto Williams, Patagonia

Introduction

This island is a place for nature lovers and those who really enjoy the outdoors and who are not afraid of “real weather”. Yes, it will likely rain, be windy and cold too. There are many interesting, outdoor things to do and places to explore.

Here below, are only the better-known ones.

Details

Best Time: December to March.

Trekkers: You CAN buy gas cookers at hardware stores and one particular place called Shila where you can also rent other, required equipment for camping and trekking.

Main places of interest

Trekking Circuit “Dientes de Navarino”

Details

  • Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
  • Distance: 35km
  • Accommodation: Own tent and camping equipment required.
  • Start: West of the village at the River Robalo.
  • End: At the old Maclean fishing terminal, at the eastern side of the village.

Note: This trail passes through very remote territory and, as you can see above, take a few days to complete. During this time the weather can change and close in at any time, therefore you must be prepared to take shelter if need be.

Description

The “Dientes de Navarino” (means the Teeth of Navarino) is the name given to a series of jagged “teeth like” mountain peaks on the Navarino Island. This is a southern-most trekking trail in the World. On clear days from the highest part of the trail there are great views of the Beagle Channel and even the Cape Horn Island.

However, it is not for the “light trekker”, no, on this trek you need to be fully equipped for bad weather and any dangerous situation. Therefore, you need to have the right clothing and the right gear and, ideally, a guide.

Along the trail there are areas cleared for camping, in the event that you need to shelter from the elements. The weather can be extreme for long periods.

Trek La Bandera Cerro (or Hill)

This hill has a flagpole flying the Chilean flag and from the summit there is a fine view over the Beagle channel and Puerto Williams village.

The length of the trail is 4.5km, which starts and ends at Puerto Williams village. It is considered to be easy, even though there is a steady incline. The first part will pass by a waterfall called “La Virgin”, located 3km west of the village.

Description

To get to the Virgin Waterfall you walk from the central plaza along a street called “Lewaia” in a south-west direction until you get to the street called Muñoz. From here the path turns west along the street called “Cabo de Hornos”, whereupon at the end of this street is the “Cascada” street. There will be the Plaza Virgin, then, going in a north westerly direction, towards the airport, there will be a continuation of the street called “Cascada”. If you take this street and walk 3km you will come to the start of the trail for the “Dientes de Navarino” where there is a marker that says “Hito” 1 (76km). Take this trail head to the right and you will come across another marker for the trail to “Cerro La Bandera”.

From the main Puerto Williams Plaza to the trail head will take about 40 mins to 1hr walking.

Then, about 3km up the trail there is a panoramic view over Puerto Williams, the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego Island to the north, and to the south the “Dientes de Navarno” (Teeth of Navarino).

Navigation to the Glaciers Cordillera Darwin

From Puerto Williams the navigation heads east to the northern arm of the Beagle channel where the glaciers come down from the Darwin mountains. These glaciers come down from the southern-most ice field in the World and form part of the Alberto de Agostini National Park, the final park in that make up the “Rutas de los Parques de la Patagonia”.

Other places of interest

Villa Ukika

This is a small settlement inhabited by descendants of the native Yagan people. There is a “Kipa Akar” workshop where artisan craft is made.

The Yacht Club

In the marina there is an old, half-sunken, steam ship that operates a great bar from within one of the central deck areas. If you feel like experiencing a totally unique place to have a beer or other drink, then a visit here is highly recommended.

Beagle Channel Navigation

Weather permitting there is an option to paddle in canoes on the Beagle Channel. Parts of the route will trace the same navigational path of Charles Darwin, when he discovered these waters and islands in 1826 and then returned in 1830.

Trek Bahia Virginia (Virginia Bay)

The start of this trail is 6km from Puerto Williams west of the village where there is an ECO Lodge. After hiking 2km you will arrive to the Bahia Virginia. In this area there are a number of birds such as: woodpeckers, caranchos (caracara plancus), tiuques (chimango caracara), caiquenes (magellan goose / chloephaga picta) and penguins; and, sometimes whales.

Further along there are archaeological sites depicting the life of the Yagan people.

Etnobotánico Omora Park

This park is a natural laboratory whereupon scientists can study the southern-most forest in the World. The park is open for visitors who are not scientists, as long as they respect the environment.

Horse Riding at the End of the World

From Puerto Williams there is the possibility to horse ride around the areas near the village. On clear days you will get nice views of the Beagle Channel, and the “Dientes de Navarino”. During the ride there are also some archaeological sites that mark the presence of the Yagan people.

Trek Punta Gusano, Laguna Zañartu & Bahía Róbalo

The start of this trek is on the beach close to the airport, 3.1km west from Puerto Williams.

The trail is on a bank of Puerto Williams bay where there are costal and marine birds. From here there is a view back to Puerto Williams, the Yacht Club “Micalvi” and the “Dientes de Navarino” in the distance.

Laguna Zañartu is located on a peninsula where the immediate landscape is that of pampa and Humedal. The view from here is of a view of the Beagle channel, and in the distance on the other side the city of Ushuaia and the Andes mountains.

Note: Experience Chile can arrange the above activities as part of the rest of your itinerary that we will have arranged. However, we do not arrange these services as standalones.

The post Places of Interest, Puerto Williams, Patagonia appeared first on Experience Chile.

]]> Puerto Williams Accommodation https://www.experiencechile.org/destinations/puerto-williams-patagonia-chile/puerto-williams-accommodation/ Wed, 10 Mar 2021 23:07:15 +0000 https://www.experiencechile.org/?post_type=destinations&p=47536 Introduction Puerto Williams is a very small village. In terms of accommodation there are a handful of bed and breakfast offerings and these vary from the very basic to the acceptable. However, there are two, one could say “proper hotels” … Continue reading →

The post Puerto Williams Accommodation appeared first on Experience Chile.

]]>

Introduction

Puerto Williams is a very small village. In terms of accommodation there are a handful of bed and breakfast offerings and these vary from the very basic to the acceptable.

However, there are two, one could say “proper hotels” here. One is called Lakutaia and the other is Errante Lodge.

The Lakutaia lodge is located 2km west from the village on the road to the airport. It is a simple hotel, but modern. The 24 bedrooms rooms are spacious, warmly decorated and the hotel offers a restaurant, bar and activities.

Note: Experience Chile will include either of the above hotels, or even a bed and breakfast option in Puerto Williams village, as part of your itinerary as long as we are also handling the rest of your itinerary.

We will not make reservations on a standalone basis.

The post Puerto Williams Accommodation appeared first on Experience Chile.

]]>