Cross the Straight of Magellan by boat then begin pedaling across Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego: the land of fire. Look for black-faced ibis, flamingos, and (if you're up for a detour) South America's only colony of King Penguins!
From central Punta Arenas, head northeast for ~5 km to Tres Puentes harbor. Av. Espana and Ruta 9 are the most direct roads from the city to the harbor. From Tres Puentes, catch a TABSA ferry across the Strait of Magellan to Porvenir. Crossings run daily (except Monday).
Welcome to Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego! Legend has it that the island was given the name "land of fire" by Ferdinand Magellan, during his 1520 global circumnavigation voyage because, while sailing through the strait, he observed many billows of smoke rising from the island's coast. The TABSA ferry will drop you at Embarcadero Bahia Chilota, located ~5 km west of Porvenir. Follow the coastal road (Y-625) eastward to town.
Water Warning!
All water on Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego collected from natural water sources must be treated before consumption. In 1946, fifty North American beavers were introduced to the island in a misguided attempt to create a fur trade. History has proven this to be a catastrophically terrible decision – the beavers now number in the hundreds-0f-thousands, damming rivers (which causes irregular flooding) and spreading giardia.
Ferry Crossing
Punta Arenas to Porvenir
The ferry leaves from Tres Puentes, the port 5km north of central Punta Arenas. You can purchase tickets in the ticketing office, located north of the docks off of Ruta 9 (-53.114203, -70.878664), not far from a Shell gas station. The ticketing office is closed during lunch hours. As of 2017, the office is cash only (or bank transfer).
Operates Tuesday through Sunday
(no service on Mondays)
$6,200 CLP per person
(plus ~$6,000 CLP per bike)
Duration: ~2 hours
Directions
 |
Punta Arenas |
|
|---|---|---|
| Head northeast toward Tres Puentes harbor (coastal Ruta 9 or Av. Espana are most direct) | ||
| 5 km | Board ferry at Tres Puentes bound for Embarcadero Bahia Chilota (Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego) | |
| Head east on Y-625 following north shore of Porvenir bay | ||
| 10 km | Porvenir | |
| 11 km | Exit town to the south, cross Río Porvenir and join Y-71 before a short-but-steep climb (+60 m / 1 km) | |
| 23 km | Reunite with Strait of Magellan | |
| 36 km | Route bends east-northeast, entering Bahia Inútil | |
| 67 km | Turn right (east) to stay on Y-71 | |
| 107 km | Stay straight onto Ruta 257 or turn right (south) onto Y-85 for Paso Río Bella Vista/Parque Pingüino Rey Alternate Route. | |
| 110 km | Construction zone begins. Road soon to be paved between here and San Sebastian border crossing. | |
| 149 km | Exit Chile at Paso Fronterizo San Sebastian | |
| 152 km | Chile/Argentina border | |
| 162.5 km | San Sebastian; officially enter Argentina by visiting Gendarmeria Nacional building | |
| 163 km | Atlantic Ocean (Bahía San Sebastian); route turns southeast and begins gradual ascent (+100 m / 6 km) | |
| 223 km | Short climb (+40 m / 1.5 km) | |
|
Río Grande |
Camping Recommendation
Atlantic Ocean Beach Camp
Tranquil beach area with sand dunes and massive cliffs for (some) wind protection. Located ~15 km north of Río Grande. From Ruta 3, follow the dirt road past the Gauchito Gil shrine. Don't miss out on the short (steep) hike up the cliffs for amazing views of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego and Río Grande.
Location |
|---|
| -53.689531, -67.843871 |
Category |
|---|
| Wild |
Cost |
|---|
| Free |
Water Source |
|---|
| BYOW (bring your own water) |
Highlights |
|---|
| Cliff hike Atlantic Ocean |
Alternate Route
Parque Pingüino Rey and Paso Bella Vista
If you choose to visit Parque Pingüino Rey (recommended especially if you are not planning on taking any other penguin excursions), you have the option to take on Tierra del Fuego backroads looping south before reuniting with the Bicycle Patagonia tour just south of Río Grande. Note that this route is challenging, with high winds and off the beaten track. Water sources and wild camping can be found; however, all water must be treated (thanks to the North American beaver invasion). Ensure you have ample food and water supplies before embarking.
| From the route, turn right/southwest onto Y-85 at the Onaisin Bus Stop | ||
| 6.5 km | Keep Right on Y-85 toward the bay | |
| 14.5 km | Parque Pingüino Rey | |
| 16 km | Small stream, potentially good for water | |
| 18 km | Follow the bay coastline for ~20km; some slight ups and downs | |
| 47.5 km | Turn off for the small village of Caméron | |
| 48 km | Turn west; Climb (+310m, 20km) | |
| 110 km | Small village on Río Grande | |
| 131 km | Pampa Guanaco; Keep left/east toward the border | |
| 146 km | Border Crossing | |
| 153 km | Turn right/northeast | |
| 216 km | Ruta 3 intersection; left for Río Grande (~15km), right for Tolhuin |
Tour Total
Explore Nearby
The above route information is intended to be used as a guide in conjunction with your own due diligence. Although Bicycle Patagonia is a product of extensive research, we make no representations, guarantees nor assurances as to the accuracy of the above information or the associated .gpx and .kml files. Prior to beginning the route, be sure to check local weather forecasts & road conditions. While out riding, respect Patagonia – follow all public and private land use restrictions, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and always #leavenotrace.