Guide for a trip to the home of the King Penguin
Updated on 26 de November, 2025
Explore the only king penguin colony in South America
2 DAYS
Get ready to get up close and personal with the only King Penguin colony that inhabits South America. This two-day itinerary will take you on an adventure from
DISTANCIA
550 km
CANTIDAD DE DÍAS
2 days
DESTINOS
PAISAJE
TEMPORADA RECOMENDADA
ATRACTIVOS
Inicio del itinerario
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Trip to the King Penguin Reserve
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, where you will board the ferry that crosses the historic Strait of Magellan to Porvenir, the capital of Tierra del Fuego, in two hours. After disembarking and having lunch in this picturesque town, you will take the route along a gravel road that borders the immensity of Bahía Inútil.
The steppe landscape will accompany you during the 115 kilometers of travel until you reach the King Penguin Reserve. Here you will have time to observe and photograph this majestic bird in its natural habitat, always maintaining a safe distance. It is a unique experience and a privilege to witness the conservation efforts being carried out in the area.
At the end of the visit, you will begin the journey back to Porvenir. Enjoy a restorative dinner and rest in one of its cozy accommodations, preparing for the second part of your exploration of the island.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Trip to the King Penguin Reserve
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, where you will board the ferry that crosses the historic Strait of Magellan to Porvenir, the capital of Tierra del Fuego, in two hours. After disembarking and having lunch in this picturesque town, you will take the route along a gravel road that borders the immensity of Bahía Inútil.
The steppe landscape will accompany you during the 115 kilometers of travel until you reach the King Penguin Reserve. Here you will have time to observe and photograph this majestic bird in its natural habitat, always maintaining a safe distance. It is a unique experience and a privilege to witness the conservation efforts being carried out in the area.
At the end of the visit, you will begin the journey back to Porvenir. Enjoy a restorative dinner and rest in one of its cozy accommodations, preparing for the second part of your exploration of the island.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Exploration in Porvenir
The morning is dedicated to exploring Porvenir. You can visit the Fernando Cordero Rusque Museum to learn about the history of the settlers and the gold rush in the region, or take a walk along the waterfront. It is an opportunity to get to know life in one of the most isolated corners of Chile.
After noon, you will begin the return trip to the mainland, but this time by a different route to complete the circuit. You will drive east across the island until you reach the Bahía Azul crossing, where you will take a much shorter ferry (20 minutes) that will take you to Punta Delgada.
Once on solid ground, the last leg of the trip awaits you, a journey of approximately two and a half hours through the Patagonian steppe until you return to Punta Arenas. This is a road adventure that will allow you to appreciate the vastness and solitary beauty of this legendary land.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Exploration in Porvenir
The morning is dedicated to exploring Porvenir. You can visit the Fernando Cordero Rusque Museum to learn about the history of the settlers and the gold rush in the region, or take a walk along the waterfront. It is an opportunity to get to know life in one of the most isolated corners of Chile.
After noon, you will begin the return trip to the mainland, but this time by a different route to complete the circuit. You will drive east across the island until you reach the Bahía Azul crossing, where you will take a much shorter ferry (20 minutes) that will take you to Punta Delgada.
Once on solid ground, the last leg of the trip awaits you, a journey of approximately two and a half hours through the Patagonian steppe until you return to Punta Arenas. This is a road adventure that will allow you to appreciate the vastness and solitary beauty of this legendary land.
What you should know
How to get there by air
The main airport in the region is Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo (PUQ) in Punta Arenas, which will be your starting and arrival point for this land and sea adventure.
How to get there by land
This itinerary is designed as a vehicle circuit. It is essential to hire a tour or rent a car in Punta Arenas to be able to travel with complete freedom, ideally a SUV or 4×4 type for comfort on the gravel roads.
Climate and clothing
The wind is a constant factor and the weather can change in minutes. Dress in layers, always including a windproof and waterproof jacket. It is essential to use a hat, gloves and sunglasses.
Must-Know Tips
To protect the penguins, remain silent and always respect the limits. The reserve operates from August to May, so we recommend that you check their hours online and book the ferry in advance to ensure your visit to the colony.
