Chile: Travel Tips for Tierra del Fuego
I was prepared for a lot of what I needed for Tierra del Fuego, but I also learned a lot along the way. Here are a few of my top tips for travel on this amazing island.
Make plans months in advance: There are very few places to stay on the island and the best ones book out months in advance. I recommend a minimum of one month advance to reserve places to stay. This is especially true for lodges and cabins south of Porvenir, though in town you can always find something, even last minute. You also need to book any tours you want to do well in advance. I went with Viejo Lobo de Mar to see elephant seals and had a fantastic time. You can contact Viejo Lobo de Mar Expediciones on Instagram.
Bring everything you need for travel south of town: Unless you have made prior arrangements for your lodging to cook for you, bring all of your own food. There are no places to buy food south of Porvenir.
Bring extra gas for your car: There are no gas stations south of Porvenir. The logging company at Russfin will sell gas 7:30-1pm and 2:30 - 6:30 but they’re not a gas station. Buy a 20 liter jug at the gas station in Porvenir for emergencies.
Be prepared for all kinds of weather: Patagonia is famous for dishing up all four seasons in one day and the island of Tierra del Fuego is no exception. In March, which is fall in the south, I camped during a -5C (23F) night and the next day it was warm enough to wear a t-shirt - for about an hour, before it started snowing.
Bring cash: Credit card machines need cell service. South of Pampa Guanaco there is no cell service. However, if you buy gas at Russfin, they only accept credit card.
Bring wine: The people on Tierra del Fuego were infinitely kind and generous to me. I highly recommend taking a bottle of good Chilean wine with you if you plan to visit any of the people who live there. (My favorite wine shop in Porvenir was Lucho’s).
Recommended guides
For boat tours of glaciers in Tierra del Fuego, contact Viejo Lobo de Mar Expediciones on Instagram or vldmexpediciones@gmail.com
For personalized tours, contact KaNaturaleza kanaturaleza@gmail.com or WhatsApp+56923960855
KaNaturaleza owners Katalina Carretta & Ignacio Carrasco have three Instagram accounts @katarukinka @nachoexplorador @kanaturaleza
Check out my Top 25 Things to do in Chile published by Fodor’s Travel!
