Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chileans from the island of Chiloé, who also came for fishing work. Today's population
is a unique combination of the two.
Sights
Museo de Tierra del Fuego
MUSEUM
( 581800;
www.museoporvenir.cl
; Zavattaro 402; admission CH$500; 8am-5pm Mon-Thu,
8am-4pm Fri, 10:30am-1:30pm & 3-5pm Sat & Sun)
On the Plaza de Armas, this intriguing mu-
seum has some unexpected materials, including Selk'nam skulls and mummies, musical
instruments used by the mission inhabitants on Isla Dawson and an exhibit on early
Chilean cinematography.
Tours
Though little-known as a wildlife-watching destination, Chilean Tierra del Fuego has
abundant marine and bird life, which includes Peale's dolphins around Bahía Chilota and
king penguins, found seasonally in Bahía Inútil. This new king penguin colony has cre-
ated quite a stir. As of yet, there's little procedure in place to protect the penguins from
over-visitation. Please make your visit with a reputable agency, give the penguins ample
berth and respect the nesting season.
Gold-panning, horseback riding and 4WD tours can be arranged through the tourist of-
fice.
Far South Expeditions
OUTDOORS
(
www.fsexpeditions.com
; 4-passenger tours CH$80,000)
Offers transport to the king penguin
colony or guided naturalist-run tours, with packages from Punta Arenas available.
Sleeping & Eating
Hostería Yendegaia
B&B $$$
(
581919;
www.hosteriayendegaia.com
;
Croacia 702; s/d/tr CH$25,000/40,000/50,000;
)
Everything a B&B should be, with naturalist books (some authored by the owner) to
browse, abundant breakfast, views of the strait and spacious rooms with thick down
duvets. This historic Magellanic home (the first lodging in Porvenir) has been lovingly
restored, and its family of hosts are helpful. Its tour agency, Far South Expeditions, runs
naturalist-led trips.
