King Penguin Natural Reserve

ACTIVITIES: NATURE AND ECOTOURISM - OBSERVATION OF FLORA, FAUNA, AND LANDSCAPES

Updated on 24 de November, 2025

The kingdom of the king penguin

Located in Tierra del Fuego, the King Penguin Natural Reserve protects one of the few colonies of this species that inhabits South America. Considered the second largest penguin species in the world, they arrived in the area in 2010 and since then the reserve was created for their conservation.

Get ready for action, but from a distance! The golden rule is to respect the penguins' space. Keep your eyes wide open, because in addition to the kings of the place, the sea is full of surprises such as dolphins and sea lions. In addition, the reserve has educational programs that will teach you how to actively protect this incredible natural sanctuary.

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Plan your trip to King Penguin Natural Reserve

How to get there

How to get there by air

Land at Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport (PUQ) in Punta Arenas. From there, you can opt for a 15-minute flight to Capitán Fuentes Martínez Aerodrome (WPR) in Porvenir, or take the ferry that crosses the Strait of Magellan. Once in Porvenir, a 115 km journey along Route Y-85 awaits you to reach the reserve.

How to get there by land

From Punta Arenas, the most common way to access it is by taking the ferry to Porvenir, a journey of approximately 2 hours. Once on the island, drive 115 km along Route Y-85 south (Bahía Inútil). You can make the trip in a private vehicle or by hiring a specialized tour, which is the most comfortable and safe way to visit the colony.

Must-Know Tips

The reserve is usually only open between October and May, so you should plan your trip in advance. Remember that, as it is a natural environment, it is essential that you take care of and respect the environment.