Puerto Williams

The Dientes de Navarino ('The teeth of Navarino') mountain range that look over Puerto Williams instantly tempts hikers out to explore its trails, and there are plenty of day hikes to spectacular locations. These include Cerro Bandera which has sublime panoramic views across the Beagle Channel, the waterfall of Cascada Los Bronces and along the coast to the peaceful bay of Bahía Virginia.

For those wanting to really test themselves, the mountains are also home to the southernmost multi-day trek in the world: the brilliantly remote Dientes de Navarino trek, which spends five days wild camping to exploring the island's passes, lakes and forests. It's a tough but rewarding challenge on trails few have ever hiked.

Navarino Island's crinkled coastline offers great kayaking day trips in the bays of the Beagle Channel.

Out on the water there are often opportunities for wildlife encounters with sea lions and even the occasional dolphin or penguin.

There are traces of history at archaeological sites, with large middens of oyster and mussel shells, built up over the decades and centuries by the Yaghan people. Visitors in modern weatherproof gear may reflect on the toughness of the Yaghans who wore skins and greased their bodies with seal fat to protect themselves against the elements.

Puerto Williams might have barely 3000 inhabitants, but it definitely has a friendly oversized charm. Any tour here takes in the fisherman’s wharf, where local boats land catches of enormous king crabs, the first house and church built on the island, and the heart of the still-thriving Yaghan community in Villa Ukika.

The Museo Antropológico Martin Gusinde is a highlight of any visit, with its impressive ethnographic displays about the the Yaghan, who have lived on Navarino Island for some 10,000 years.

The main port is home to the Chilean Navy, but the government has plans to develop for Antarctic tourism and lure more cruise ships here from Ushuaia, so Puerto Williams is expected to grow further in the next few years. 

There are two options to stay around Puerto Williams. 

The Cormorant at 55 South is a new luxury hotel from Silversea designed to support their ships using Puerto Williams as a base for Fly & Cruise Antarctic trips. From January 2026, all cruises on the ships Silver Endeavour, Silver Wind or Silver Cloud will include a night here at the start and end of their trips. Please note that The Cormorant at 55 South is exclusive to Silversea cruises guests and cannot be booked independently.

Other Antarctic travellers wanting to visit Puerto Williams and Navarino Island have the option of the excellent Errante EcoLodge, which has stunning views over the Beagle Channel. It offers a wide variety of hikes and excursions, plus locally-sourced organic food that's some of the best in Tierra del Fuego.

Puerto Williams (airport code WPU) is connected by air with scheduled flight most days to Punta Arenas (PUQ, 45 minutes), and private charter flights direct Santiago (SCL, four hours). All Fly & Cruise Antarctic trips departing from Puerto Williams use these private charters to bring their travellers from Santiago. 

Adventurous travellers may consider crossing the Beagle Channel to Ushuaia on one of the small daily ferries from either Puerto Williams or nearby Puerto Navarino. The boats carry around 20 passengers and take 3-4 hours. It's a great way to travel, with mountains rising up on either side of the water and the chance of seeing dolphins.