Overview
This cycling adventure is the perfect fit for those short on time wanting an alternative adventure exploring the extreme landscapes and regions of Tierra del Fuego! A MTB experience of 3 unforgettable days visiting the wonders and the one-of-a-kind landscapes at the end of the world on the grand island. Explore the nature in which the native Selk’Nam people lived and learn about the special history of the pioneers of this island. Pedal routes and distances of your choosing with vehicle support along the way. A journey for those searching for a relaxing yet active outdoor adventure! Great for beginner – intermediate riders who will pedal along rarely visited routes and spend their evenings in Porvenir and an authentic ranch home!
Trip Highlights
• Cross the Strait of Magellan & the Narrowest Part of the Strait
• Visit the Only King Penguin Colony Outside the Sub-Antarctic Islands
• Choose Your Ride & Activity on Day 2
• Tour the Towns of Porvenir, Cameron, & Cerro Sombrero
• Stay at an Authentic Working Ranch or Living Museum Home
• Ride 100 – 125 km ( on Quiet Trails in at the End of The World!
DOWNLOAD YOUR MAPS:
• PUNTA ARENAS
• PORVENIR
• TIERRA DEL FUEGO
DOWNLOAD YOUR PACK LIST:
• MULTISPORT PACK LIST
Itinerary
Day 1
Pick-Up from Hotel – Ferry Crossing to Porvenir – MTB Baquedano Range & Visit to Stromatolites Park
- 2.5 Hour Ferry Crossing
- 5 Hours Riding, 41 km / 25.4 mi MTB through Baquedano Range
- 2 Hour Private Transfer to Porvenir
- Night in local hotel or hostel in Porvenir
- (BL – D)
We will start our journey with a private transfer from your hotel in Punta Arenas to the ferry docks located at the northern side of Punta Arenas.
At approximately 9AM, we will begin our 2.5-hour crossing through the mythic waters of the Straits of Magellan; these world-famous seaways are very rich in terms of history of exploration.
Magellan, Drake, Cavendish, Bougainville, Fitz Roy and Darwin, among several other sailors and explorers, surveyed this region, most of the times, in really harsh and dangerous conditions.
You will see an interesting array of seabirds, including Black-browed Albatrosses, Southern Giant Petrels, Southern Fulmars, King Cormorants, Dolphin Gulls and South American Terns.
It is very likely to see interesting marine mammals such as pods of Peale’s Dolphin and inquisitive South American Sea Lions.
Upon arrival, we will begin our excursion on bike pedaling through the Baquedano range where we will visit dredges and inland roads taking us to the Laguna de los Cisnes and Lago Verde and on to the Estromatolitos (Stromatolites) Park.
This highly unique and fascinating park displays the natural stromatolites – layered mounds of sedimentary rocks originally formed by the growth of layer upon layer cyanobacteria – single-celled photosynthesizing microbe. These fossilized stromatolites are records of ancient life that inhabited and helped form this area.
We’ll have plenty of time for photos and to enjoy our box lunch before we return to Porvenir where we arrive to our first accommodation for the night in a local hostel or hotel.
We’ll enjoy dinner and a relaxing end to our first days´ ride.
Day 2
Visit to King Penguin Colony – Pedaling Rocky Forests MTB – OR – Beach & Forest Ride
- 1.5 Hour Transfer to King Penguin Reserve
- 30 Minute Private Transfer
- 2-5 Hour MTB Ride, 26 – 60 km / 16.2 – 27.2 mi
- Night at Wild Camping
- (B – BL – D)
Today offers riders the option to choose between two distinct activities and MTB rides.
Our first option begins with a visit to the King Penguin Colony – a private nature reserve which aims to preserve the small number of Kings that visit the area and even remain year-round here, taking advantage of the excellent feeding conditions of the surrounding seas.
We will keep a fair distance admiring the penguins from behind the infrastructure, careful not to disturb them or their environment. This respectful, close proximity between visitor and penguin makes for a unique experience! After visiting with the penguins we will transfer to the access of to Estancia San Sebastián – our access point where we will begin today’s cycling.
Along our path we can see the petrified trees among this distinct and extreme landscape.
Our vehicle support allows us to ride as much or little as we want depending on our stamina, the weather conditions, and how we are feeling.
Once we finish with our ride, we will have the opportunity of experiencing life on a living estancia (ranch) where we will also be staying for the evening.
We will have the pleasure of staying at Estancia Kaitien where we will watch unique demonstrations such as sheep shearing & herding and enjoy a traditional asado (Barbeque)! Here we will also have the options to fish, horseback ride, or tour the fields of the ranch by bike before we rest at this wonderful estancia.
Additionally, we may choose to visit the village of Cameron after visiting the King Penguin Colony. Here in the village, we will have the possibility to pedal along a dirt road that later turns into a singletrack trail.
Along the way we will cross rivers and ranches and ride between pampas, forests and along the stretching coast.
We will see archaeological sites of the Kawésqar people who first inhabited these lands and who have a rich history of the culture on the island and in Patagonia.
Soon after our pedaling journey, we will arrive at Estancia Yartou and our destination for the evening, Casa Museo Alberto Baeriswyl, where we will enjoy dinner by the sea. Rather than a hotel, Casa Museo Alberto Baeriswyl is a living museum that intertwines the concepts of museum and home, featuring 1920’s decor and allowing guests to spend the night in a traditional early 19th Century abode.
Named for Alberto Baeriswyl Pittet, the Swiss pioneer who was instrumental in the region, the house was once the main home at Puerto Yartou, the region’s first timber factory, in a time in which that what was once an extremely lucrative initiative and necessary for heating and housing at the harsh pre-modern end of the world.
At Casa Museo Alberto Baeriswyl bathrooms are shared and there are a number of common areas and dining room to enjoy.
Day 3
Visit to Cerro Sombrero – Ferry Crossing of Primera Angostura – Transfer to Punta Arenas
- 2 Hour Private Transfer to Cerro Sombrero
- 20 Minute Ferry Crossing
- 2 Hour Private Transfer to Punta Arenas
- (B-BL)
After a delicious breakfast shared together, you may have the option for a short bike ride before we take our transfer to the village of Cerro Sombrero where will we visit the city and its attractions.
Later we will board the Bahía Azul ferry crossing the Strait of Magellan via Primera Angostura – the narrowest passing in the strait.
If we are lucky we will be able to see land and marine fauna during our short ferry ride.
Once back in the continent we will stop at the San Gregorio ranch – once a major regional livestock region – to learn a bit of its history and enjoy some unique photo opportunities.
Our journey ends as we arrive back to Punta Arenas in the evening.
INCLUDED
- All Private Transportation Indicated in Schedule
- All Meals Indicated in Schedule (B: Breakfast, BL: Box Lunch, D: Dinner)
- All Ferry Fares Indicated in Schedule
- One Night Lodging at Local Hotel or Hostel in Porvenir (Double Occupancy Rooms)
- One Night wild camping
- Vehicle Support As Indicated in Schedule
- Trek Fuel MTB Bicycle Model EX 5 29 2019, Helmet, & Gloves
- Local Guide with Knowledge of Mechanics & First Aid
NOT INCLUDED
- Any Additional Nights
- Park Entry Fees
- Medical Expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Alcohol During Meals
- Gratuities for Guide/ Driver
Lodgings
Dates & Prices
Program prices are determined on the final number of confirmed guests in a group. The per person price lowers as more guests join the group. Chile Nativo operates with a maximum of 8 guests per departure which allows for a high level of individualized service and an unforgettable personalized experience.
PRICES FOR SEASON 2024/2025: (Valid until April 2025)
USD $ 1.595 per person.-
DEPARTURES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST!
FAQ's
Q: What technical & physical level is this ride?
A: If you like to ride on dirt roads and wide dirt trails (ATV or doubletrack), but still do not have the skills and confidence to ride narrow paths with roots, rocks, sharp turns, trees and slopes, then this program is suitable for you as it involves wide open trails easy to navigate. Regarding physical capability – if you feel comfortable and can agree to the following details, then this ride is just right for you!
– You exercise regularly, on average 2-4 hours per week.
– You feel comfortable with sustained pedaling at a relaxed pace for 2-4 hours a day.
– You can pedal 2 or 3 days in a row for no more than 2-3 hours a day.
– You can tolerate pedaling 1 or more climbs of up to 300 meters of elevation gain (660 feet).
– You tolerate short sections where you have to push and / or walk uphill on the bike.
– Your exercise regimen includes a combination of resistance training like biking and strength training.
Q: What are the specifications of the bike we will be using in this excursion?
A: During this excursion we will be using a Trek Fuel EX 5 29 2019 mountain bike.
Frame: Aluminum Alpha Platinum, ABP, Boost148, Knock Block, Full Floater, EVO link, Mino Link, Freak internal routing, 130 mm of travel
Fork: RockShox Recon RL, Solo Air, Motion Control, Boost110, 130 mm travel
Rear shock: RockShox Deluxe RL, 210 x 52.5 mm
Wheels
Front hub: Bontrager Boost110
Rear hub: Sealed Bontrager, Boost148
Rings: Bontrager Connection double wall 32 holes
Tyres: Bontrager XR3, 29×2.30˝
Shift gear
Derrailleur: Shimano Deore M6000, 10 speed, shadow plus
Cranks: Race Face Ride, 30T Cinch
Through axle: PF92
Rear hub: SunRace, 11-42, 10 velocidades
Pedals: CaneCreek Stamp 1, platforms
Seat post: Bontrager, 2 screws head, 31.6 mm.
Handle bar: Bontrager, 31.8 mm, 15 mm de heihgt, 720 mm wide
Stem: Bontrager Rhythm Comp, 31.8 mm, 0 degree
Brakes: Shimano hydraulic Disc MT200
Weight: Medium frame – 14.97 kg / 33 lbs
Weight Limit: This bike has a manufacturer total weight limit. Combined weight among rider, bike and gears is 300lbs (136 kgs)