Patagonia
Puerto Williams,
Cape Horn Commune,
Chile
Puerto Williams is the southernmost city of the world and the jumping
off point for Antarctica. Located on Navarino Island, it is separated
from the mainland by the Beagle Channel, so named after Charles
Darwin's ship.
The area was once inhabited by Yagan Indians and other nomads who
sailed through the southern channels in search of game and fish.
Outside town
Around Puerto Williams the Andean range is dismembered into an
archipelago as long as the distance separating Rome and Copenhagen.
This archipelago is even in width: thousands of islands covered with
flourishing vegetation, snow capped mountains and Andean volcanoes, but
behind the interior valleys covered in jungle and strong current
rivers, the vast plains of the pampa.
Thousands of places, still nameless, await the traveler. From the
Strait of Magellan Southwards, the land is inspiring and tells of
legends that ends in Cape Horn. Here the Andean range sinks into
the Drake Sea to reappear 800 km further South, in the Antarctic.
This large region of incredible scenery, where silence of uninhabited
lands reigns over all, is a suggestion for adventure.
PORT WILLIAMS
Translated from Spanish from http://www.cabodehornos.8k.com/
COMMUNE OF CAPE HORN
We Are At the end of the world where America ends or begins, where the
Pacific and the Atlantic are found as one to create a single sea,
where the word "distance" is manifested in its maximum
expression. Cape Horn was discovered by the Dutch
Outfitters, Shouten and Le Maire in 1616, when they sought a new route
to access the Pacific Ocean. During the centuries since it has
been the maximum challenge for sailors that encounter one of their
highest feats of navigation in the rounding it. Here is found, a
sculpture (the Cape Horn Monument) which is represented by an
Albatross in flight and was built in honor of the
sea men of all nations, who lost their lives fighting against
the inclemency of this difficult route. Cape Horn is located
to 400 miles from Punta Arenas and 60 miles from Port
Williams. One can arrive there by air or ferry.
NAVARINO ISLAND
is located in the extreme southern part of the American continent,
facing the South coast of the Island of Fireland (Tierra Del
Fuego) and immediately to the North of the Wollaston Island group and
Cape Horn.
The Island is characterized by its great geographical diversity,
and the presence of the String of of the Teeth of Navarino
(Dientes) whose heights exceed 1.100 meters. This string is found among
Magellanic green forests, toward the South the slope of the land
gives rise to an extensive plain of peat bog which permits the
existence of lakes and spaces with abundant associated flora.
Navarino Island was the center of the Yaghán Culture
of which the latest studies have permitted documenting more than
500 archaeological sites to date, all concentrated very near the coast.
PORT WILLIAMS
Is the Capital one of the Province Chilean Antarctica, nailed in the
North bank of the Island Navarino, at the edge of the Beagle
Channel. It is a natural door to the white continent, with a
population that exceeds 2.000 persons, a young and growing
city. Its foundation dates from 1953 and was baptized in
memory of Juan Williams Rebolledo, who took possession of the
Strait of Magellan, in name of the Chilean Government of the
epoch. This beautiful port encircled by unforgettable virgin
landscapes can be reached from Punta Arenas air port 3-6
times a week canceling not more than US$70 one way. By
maritime travel the trip is a great deal more attractive since
imposing ventisqueros (glaciers) of celestial
beauty can be appreciated which are called: Italy,
Romanche, Spain, Holland, among others. This section is 36
hours approx; has a value of US$150 and is carried out every
7 days. Port Williams, has a variable
climate with temperatures that do not surpass 18º C and
do not descend less than -5º C during the year. It is
recommended to visit the zone with good warm clothes (parkas,
caps, gloves) and footwear for trekking. The city possesses
all the elementary services that you may need: Mail, telephone calls
Centers, Internet, markets, hardware stores, satellite Television,
Banks, Police, Hospital, Restaurants and Bed and Breakfasts, etc.
MARTÍN GUSINDE MUSEUM
As you travel through this Museum you will discover the History of
the Yaghán and in part about how this southern Region was
populated, and also about the flora and
fauna existing in the sector. Gusinde was an
Anthropologist and priest who worked with the Yaghán
between 1918 and 1923.
It is Open: from Monday thru Thursday from 09.30 to 12.30 hrs. – 15.00 to 17.00 hrs. – Saturday from 14.30 to 18.00 hrs.
VILLAGE
UKIKA Located to 2 Km. of the center of the city
this village is found inhabited by the
last descendants of the Yaghán. Today they
are dedicated to fishing and craft. In this place the Kipa
Akar (Yagán Craft sale Center) is
found.
PARK ETNOBOTÁNICO " OMORA "
The
Park "Omora" is located 5 kms from Port Williams,
its wealth of botany of the zone can be appreciated fused with the
Yaghán Culture. It is a free air classroom with food for
students and school masters, Universities students and for
visitors interested in nature, landscapes and
cultures. A natural laboratory to study the
ecology of the southernmost forests of the planet,
including the processes and effects of global climate
changes in the Commune of Cape Horn. A public space where one
may practice forms of contact based on solidarity and
respect among diverse human beings and diverse biological
species.
THE YAGHÁN
They were the first inhabitants occupying these
southern grounds with its severe conditions of the Beagle Channel
and adjacent channels tas far as Cape Horn. Their stature
was low, 1.58 meters. for the men and 1.47 meters for the women.
They were used to walking completely naked in winter at which
times they only carried a piece of guanaco or fox
skin on their back. They lived by hunting and fishing and also
they were used to collecting mushrooms, fruits, and
roots when they were in season. The
families remained for great part of their time in canoes
that were built with bark of Lenga (Beech) in which they
cooked with reed baskets in the center over stones using
moss to constantly maintain the fire. The Yaghán did not form
social groups freely. The Evangelization of the same was carried out by
the English Missionaries whose contact along with early Gold
miners and sailors brought the illnesses of the white
man to the zone which finally finished bringing down the
population of these canoe Indians.
SPORTS FISHING
In the zone exist various lakes, the lake Navarino being one of
them, located in the flat Oriental center of the Island, is the most
southern body of fresh water in America, can be reached in vehicle
arriving to Caleta Eugenia, and later with a specialized guide, in
six hours of hiking one arrives at its bank. It is recommended to
go for more than a day. In its water inhabits the trucha
salmonídea (trout and salmon). The lakes Windhound, Rilushejan
and Laguna Rojas among others, are also apt to practice sports
fishing. To enjoy them one should count on all the elements
of camping necessary for staying in the sector.
THE BEAVERS:
Among the fauna is found the beaver, a small rodent that was
introduced in the year 1950 on Tierra Del Fuego Island, a
species of North American origin that has adapted with great
facility to the cold climate of the zone though is certain, that its
presence has contributed to worsen the flow of rivers and the
environment in which inhabits. In the island many places exist
where they can be seen working on their
constructions.
CALETA OF MEJILLONES
A Bay located to 30 Km. to the West of Port Williams, was
the last native camp of the Province, where nearly a hundred of
representatives and descendants of the Yaghán people
inhabited until the year 1967, later the State transferred
them to Village Ukika, to offer them greater welfare in
Health and Education. This sector is of great cultural
interest due to its Native Cemetery being
the largest in the Province, which was declared National
Monument the year 1978.
TEETH OF NAVARINO
It is the most southern trekking route of of the world and consists of
the surrounding string of the Teeth of Navarino whose steep
summits exceed 1000 meters in height. In this manner
one travels in the middle of an imposing landscape of
mountains dominated by frozen gaps, snowy peaks, slopes of rocks,
with the impressive view of the Beagle Channel and the South
sector of the island towards the Horn. In this
zone beautiful phenomena can be appreciated tied with the
fusion of snow, giving birth to torrents and subterranean rivers.
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
21ST OF JUNE “THE LONGEST NIGHT” (18 hours) COMMUNAL ARTISTIC
EVENT AND RECREATION THAT is CARRIED OUT EACH YEAR FOR THE PURPOSE OF
RECEIVING THE WINTER SEASON
29TH OF JUNE “ FESTIVITY OF SAN PEDRO” EVENT OF
RELIGIOUS CHARACTER ORGANIZED BY THE PESCADORES (FISHERSMEN) USING
THEIR BOATS TO YIELD TRIBUTE TO THEIR PATRON SAINT.
LAST HALF OF JULY “PARTY OF THE SNOW” THIS IS THE IMPORTANT
EVENT OF THE YEAR AND THE ONE THAT BRINGS THE LARGEST QUANTITY OF
PERSONS IN PORT WILLIAMS. IS AN ARTISTIC, COMPETITIVE ACTIVITY OF
CHARACTER AND RECREATION. IT INCLUDES DIFFERENT COMPETITION LINKED WITH
THE WINTER SEASON, WITH THE ELECTION OF A QUEEN AND MUSICAL NUMBERS.
EXTENDS FOR A WEEK.
18TH AND 19TH OF SEPTEMBER “ COUNTRY'S PARTY”
CELEBRATION OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF CHILE, INCLUDES OFFICIAL RAMADAS AND
TYPICAL CHILEAN FOODS
21ST
OF NOVEMBER “ ANNIVERSARY OF PORT WILLIAMS
” ACTIVITY OF CELEBRATION OF THE FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY
PORT WILLIAMS, THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL OF THE VOICE, YOUTH
LIVE, FLEA MARKET, COFFEE, RECITAL OF DECLAMATIONS AND
POEMS.
LIST OF TOURIST CIRCUITS
CIRCUIT SENDERISMO “FLAG HILL” is initiated from Port Williams,
specifically beginning at the waterfall “The Virgin”, located to 3 Kms.
of the center of the city, its duration is approximately of 3 hours
(departure and return), its difficulty is low average. From the
summit one can make out the imposing landscape of the Beagle
Channel, the Islands of Tierra Del Fuego and Gable and the Teeth
of Navarino with its gaps.
CIRCUIT “ TEETH OF NAVARINO” An ideal Setting for
practicing mountaineering, path-finding and escalation of rocks.
It is the most southern trekking route in the world, surrounded by a
cord of jagged peaks, its duration is 4 days you travel through 53 kms
with an average to high difficulty passing Laguna El Salto, Laguna
Escondida, Laguna Martillo y Laguna Los Guanacos. (Waterfall lake,
Hidden Lake, Lake Hammer and Lake of The Guanacos). It begins and
finishes in Port Williams. It is necessary to indicate that the
climatic conditions are absolutely determinant in the ability to carry
out the circuit (September – April)
CIRCUITS WITH LITTLE USED PATHS
- Circuit Caleta Union to Caleta Wulaia
- Circuit Punta Rosales to Lake Windhond -
- Circuit Caleta Eugenia to Port Toro
CIRCUITS FOR EXPLORATION
Caleta Mejillones to Caleta Wulaia
Port Williams (Village Ukika) to Lake Windhond
Caleta Eugenia to Lake Navarino
Port Toro to Caleta Beban (Bahia Windhond)
CIRCUITS OF NAVIGATION
Circuit VENTISQUEROS (Glaciers)
0 Port Williams
Ø Northwest Branch
Ø Canal Thompson
Ø Southwest Branch
Ø Port Williams
Circuit NAVARINO
Ø Port Williams
Ø Bahia Windhond
Ø Canal Murray
Ø Port Williams
CAPE HORN Circuit
Ø Port Williams
Ø Island Picton, Nueva and Lenox
Ø south Sector Island Navarino
Ø Port Williams
NAUTICAL Excursions (Victory Travel)
Ø Cape Horn (7 days)
Ø Glaciers of the Darwin mountain Range (7 days)
Ø Antarctica (1 month) Price US$180 to 220 /day
0 Antarctica by plane or cruiser 1-10 days
GUIDED Tours by Victory Travel:
- Hike to places of interest. Duration: Characteristically 2 hours:
Spanish, English. Value: US$10 per person
- Park Etnobotánico “OMORA” Guided tour inside the Park:
Includes transfer inside and out, realizable in Spanish, English Value:
US$15 per person (does not include entrance to the Park.
END OF Patagonian news for November
More Patagonian News featuring Cape Horn:
CAPE HORN THE TERRIBLE
Historic Orange Bay, just 20 miles North of False Cape Horn
The Wollastan Islands, just 10 miles North of Cape Horn
The Arctic, Antarctica and Cape Horn 
