Cabo Froward, or the beginning of the world: Gonzalo Fuenzalida's experience - Chile Nativo

Cabo Froward, or the beginning of the world: Gonzalo Fuenzalida’s experience

At the southernmost tip of the American continent, Cabo Froward feels like the edge of the world. But for Gonzalo Fuenzalida, founder of Chile Nativo, it’s not the end—it’s the beginning.

A trekking adventure for the brave

A trekking adventure for the bold Reaching Cabo Froward isn’t for everyone. The trek is tough—cold, humid, full of river crossings and tricky terrain that push even the most seasoned hikers. There’s no phone signal, no comfy amenities, just pure wilderness.

“You get muddy, wet, sleep in shared tents, and carry everything you need on your back,” says Gonzalo. But that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s Patagonia in its rawest, most authentic form.

For him, the best part is the complete disconnection: “No phone, no distractions. You have to live in the moment, focus on each step, make sure you don’t slip, and take in the scenery.” He recalls spotting whales and dolphins in the strait while walking, the landscape so untouched that it felt like something out of a prehistoric world.

Unique wildlife and landscapes

Wildlife and landscapes like no other Cabo Froward is a paradise for nature lovers. Humpback whales, southern dolphins, penguins, and all kinds of birds and mammals thrive in the Strait of Magellan.

From the iconic Cross of the Seas, perched at the southernmost point of the continent, the view is unforgettable. You can see Tierra del Fuego, Monte Sarmiento, and the vast ocean stretching endlessly into the horizon.

Gonzalo still remembers his first visit more than 15 years ago: “We were sitting on the beach having lunch when suddenly a group of southern dolphins started jumping in front of us.” The view of Monte Sarmiento is another highlight—it’s one of the most breathtaking sights in the region.

Unique wildlife and landscapes

Wildlife and landscapes like no other Cabo Froward is a paradise for nature lovers. Humpback whales, southern dolphins, penguins, and all kinds of birds and mammals thrive in the Strait of Magellan.

From the iconic Cross of the Seas, perched at the southernmost point of the continent, the view is unforgettable. You can see Tierra del Fuego, Monte Sarmiento, and the vast ocean stretching endlessly into the horizon.

Gonzalo still remembers his first visit more than 15 years ago: “We were sitting on the beach having lunch when suddenly a group of southern dolphins started jumping in front of us.” The view of Monte Sarmiento is another highlight—it’s one of the most breathtaking sights in the region.

Responsible tourism and conservation

Adventure with purpose Chile Nativo runs its Cabo Froward expeditions with a strong commitment to conservation. “We don’t even leave organic waste on the trail,” Gonzalo emphasizes. The goal is to protect this pristine place and keep it wild for future generations.

The area is also part of a bigger conservation effort. Rewilding Chile has acquired this land to donate it to the State and turn it into a National Park, adding it to Patagonia’s famous Route of Parks.

A destination for adventure lovers

For those who crave real adventure Cabo Froward isn’t your typical tourist spot. It’s for those who want a deep, immersive experience in nature and are ready to embrace the challenges that come with it.

“If you’re looking for something truly special—far from civilization, in a place that feels untouched—this is it,” says Gonzalo.

It’s a trip back in time, into Patagonia’s wildest landscapes. A challenge that strips things down to the essentials, testing your limits and reconnecting you with nature. For those who seek adventure in its purest form, Cabo Froward is waiting.

Written by: Ángela Uribe

SY Joyce Kan
SY Joyce Kan
2023-03-07
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Amazing trip! We joined the Torres Del Paine 7 day O trek tour - note that this tour is not a complete O Trek but skipping the part from Camp Frances to Las Torres, which worked in our favour as our holiday is limited and we won’t miss much. Our guide, Debbie was knowledgeable and amicable, and very passionate about hiking. Unfortunately I fell sick during the hike and wished to leave a day earlier than planned. Debbie and Chile Nativo quickly rearranged transportation for us and was very helpful. Throughout the whole process Chile Nativo was very responsive. We had a memorable journey and I would highly recommend Chile Nativo.
Jim Garvin
Jim Garvin
2023-03-02
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Fantastic experience! We were booked with Chile Nativo via Swoop and had a wonderful experience. Our guides, Tim & Lucile, were awesome. We really enjoyed their company. They were very knowledgeable about the region (the history, animals, landscape, etc). Highly recommend.
Olivia Evans
Olivia Evans
2023-02-15
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I booked the independent, self-guided Torres Del Paine trek with Chile Nativo’s help and was so glad I did. When I looked to book on my own, everything was all reserved in Torres Del Paine and Chile Nativo was the only agency that could help me find a spot still. To still be able to go on the trip when I wanted to go, to not have to spend so much time planning all the logistics, to get a local’s recommendations on the best way to do the trek…but STILL get to do the trek on my own was amazing and worth every penny. In particular Paolina at the agency was incredibly helpful. I would recommend this agency to anyone looking to hike in Torres del Paine.
Chiloe Natural (chiloenatural)
Chiloe Natural (chiloenatural)
2023-02-10
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Serious, professional, and friendly Tour Agency in Puerto Natales that will cater your needs in Patagonia and Torres del Paine.
Kevin Jobst
Kevin Jobst
2023-01-27
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Hiking in Torres with Pepa is like walking with your smartest and wisest friend. She has an incredible depth of knowledge in everything from mycology to government, from geology to history. She is fiercely passionate about conservation and our planet and has dedicated her life to making our world a better place. Our two porters Filipe and Bastian were both incredibly strong and highly professional. Always in the know on where to set up the tent, they picked the best spot in every site we were at. Also, they were an absolute blast to hang out with after the long days hiking. I cannot recommend this particular team highly enough and if you are passionate about the environment, making the world a better place, learning everything there is to know about glaciers, mushrooms, Patagonia, the history of Chile, magma intrusions and edible berries request them by name. Thank you to all three of you for making our experience so special and I hope our paths cross again.
Brad Smith
Brad Smith
2023-01-15
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our Torres Del Paine Plus trip was fantastic! A great crew of newly-made friends, guided by Izabella “La Professora”, on a journey beyond expectations. What a great time, a balance of hiking and touring. DO NOT miss the pumas!!! I will definitely go with the Chile Nativo team again, and thanks to Nestor & Juan too!
Senga Simpson
Senga Simpson
2023-01-09
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent service. Thank you Vicky
Lukas Winegarner
Lukas Winegarner
2022-11-28
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Camilo is ledged! Chile Nativo is extremely experienced and knowledgeable - I would highly recommend booking directly through them. We were a group of 8 doing the O 7 day hike and everything was great! Thanks to Camilo & Tomas and all of our porters!

OPERATION OFFICE

Monday – Friday
9 am to 1 pm / 3 pm to 7 pm
Saturday: 9 am to 1 pm

+56 61 2411835

SALES OFFICE

Monday to Friday
9 am to 2 pm / 3 pm to 7 pm

🇺🇸  +1 800 6498776
🇨🇱  +56 61 2691391

 
Adventure Unleashed:
Bi-monthly News Updates!
EN