Isla Navarino - Dientes Circuit

The Southernmost Trekking Circuit in the World - 6 nights, 7 days
2350 USD 1-3 trekkers / 2100 USD 3-6 trekkers

Summary:
Billed as the southernmost trekking opportunity in the world, the rugged Dientes Circuit on Isla Navarino is miles beyond any ordinary trekking experience. Just getting to Isla Navarino is part of the adventure itself.  The flight over Tierra del Fuego and the Strait of Magellan is majestically scenic. For the serious trekker, the five-day Dientes Circuit is a chance to experience unique terrain at what is literally the last scrap of land before the legendary Cape Horn and Antarctic Sea. And while the route offers many worthy experiences, like awesome views that stretch as far as the Cape Horn straits, it is also impressive for what it lacks, like crowded trails, clearly defined paths and busy refugios (because there are none!)
 

    South of the main island of Tierra del Fuego, just across the Beagle Channel from Argentina, lays Isla Navarino. This Chilean island is about 60 miles long and 25 miles wide (100 x 40km). The craggy peaks of the Dientes de Navarino mountain range are the backbone of the island, separating it into two parts: the southern sub Antarctic tundra and the more moderate north. Though trekking Isla Navarino takes place on its northern part, weather can still be a critical factor. The strong Patagonian wind picks up quickly and snow is possible even in summer. This rough and astonishingly wild part of Patagonia is one of the best treks in the region and the most southerly in the world. Altitudes are not very high, but the terrain can be steep and demanding. With an average of four to six hours walking time, we have short days, but there is always good options to explore the surroundings of our camp sites. Trip members carrying their own packs is as much part of the Dientes de Navarino Circuit as pitching in and helping at camp chores.
 

    Due to the difficulty of the route and Isla Navarino’s distance from the typical tourists path, the Dientes Circuit receives a fraction of Chile’s annual trekking visitors. The trail is more than 53 kilometers in length and assends four significant passes, mazes of beaver ponds and dams throughout the valleys. Weather is a major factor, in particular, winds sweeping up from Antarctica can make Paso Virginia very dangerous. This trek is for the dedicated and extra adventurous, but offers quiet, uninhibited Patagonian exploration.

Itinerary:
Day 1: Punta Arenas - Puerto Williams - Laguna del Salto
Transfer from Punta Arenas to the airport. Fly to Puerto Williams, the southern-most permanent settlement in the world. The 1:15 hour flight to Isla Navarino takes you across the Strait of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego, the Darwin Mountain Range and the Beagle Channel. After lunch, we begin trekking the Dientes de Navarino Circuit. At the beginning, the trail leads through temperate rainforest to the bold, windy top of Cerro Bandera, from where we have a magnificent view of the Beagle Channel. After four to five hours we reach Laguna del Salto to pitch camp near the lake.

Day 2: Laguna del Salto - Laguna Escondida
Continue trekking to Paso Australia, having a great vista of Laguna del Paso. Later, we cross the Dientes Pass (2,550 feet / 765m) to enjoy a beautiful view to the Southern part of Isla Navarino. Weather permitting; we might discover Cape Horn at the distance. From here on, the weather can be even more unpredictable. The strong, cold wind picks up quickly and snow is possible even in summer. Total walking time is three and a half to four and a half hours.

Day 3: Laguna Escondida - Lago Martillo
Our goal for today is Lago Martillo, which we will reach after four hours. Once more, we will leave our sheltered spot to hike up, above the tree line to cross two passes: Paso Ventarrón, 2,330 feet (694m) and Paso Guerrico, 1,900 feet (572m). Late afternoon, we get a good chance to observe beavers that were introduced to this region in the 1950s.

Day 4: Lago Martillo - Laguna Los Guanacos
At Paso Virginia we reach the highest point of the Dientes Circuit at 2,870 feet (859m). The wind has created a scenery that looks like the surface of the moon. Our effort is awarded by views into the next valley, across the Beagle Channel and, if weather permits, the snow-covered peaks of Cordillera Darwin and Ushuaia. We spend the night in the forest, out of the wind (5 hours).

Day 5: Laguna Los Guanacos - Puerto Williams
Hike to the Beagle Channel and the last four miles (6km) back to Puerto Williams on a gravel road (5 to 6 hours total walking time). After turning in at our lovely guest house, enjoy a fresh centolla dinner (king crab, a local delicacy) at our favorite restaurant, before we call it a day.

Day 6: Puerto Williams - Punta Arenas
After a good breakfast, we have a little extra time to spend at leisure. Later, transfer to the airport. Fly back to Punta Arenas. Transfer to the city center of Punta Arenas or your hotel.

*Taking the ferry back to Punta Arenas
Instead of flying back to Punta Arenas, you can also take the weekly ferry. In this case, you will board the ferry in the evening on day 5 (Friday) to depart very early morning of day 6 (Saturday). The ferry takes about 32 hours from Puerto Williams to Punta Arenas and accommodation is very rough, but it takes you through a gorgeous and literally uninhabited area - very cool! Arrival is Sunday, late afternoon. Please contact us for further information.

Tour Includes:
Transportation and excursions according to program
Flight tickets from Punta Arenas - Puerto Williams - Punta Arenas
Airport taxes and fees
Local, bilingual trekking guide (Spanish and English speaking)
1 night in guest house in Puerto Williams (family-run hostel with dorm rooms, bunk beds, shared bathroom)
Meals specified in the program (camping style)
All necessary cooking equipment (stoves, pots, plates, cups etc.)

Additional Costs:
Travel arrangements/ airfare to/ from Punta Arenas, Patagonia, Chile
Accommodation before and after this trekking tour
Excess/ overweight luggage

The airline allows 10kg per person (22 lbs pp). We take care of all kitchen equipment and all food. Your are responsible for all your personal equipment, incl. tent, sleeping bag, clothing etc. Price per kg extra: CLP 1,530, about USD 3.25.
   
Camping equipment
We presume that every adventurer brings his/ her own personal gear, such as backpack, trekking boots, all-weather gear, sleeping bag, sleeping mattress, tent etc. If you don't have any of this, you can rent it for a reasonable price. Please, let us know in advance.