Page 71 - Cruise Manual travelArt

PUNTA ARENAS

A piece of patagonian history – (Half-day)
Fuerte Bulnes and patagonian pioneers

You will be welcomed at the pier by your local guide and then head to the geographical centre of Chile.
The Magellan Region seems to be the most remote region of continental Chile, but counting the Chilean part
of the Antarctic, the Magellan Region is located right in the “middle” of Chile, half way between Arica and the
South Pole, with a distance of 4000 km to each. The exact location of the geographical centre is in San Juan,
56km from Punta Arenas. Afterwards, you go on to Fuerte Bulnes, which was the first Chilean outpost in the
Magellan Strait region. It was constructed in 1843, on the order of President Bulnes, who wanted to lay claim to
this southern territory for Chile. The first pioneers lived here under tough conditions for five hard years, before
a more promising location was found for establishing Punta Arenas in 1848. Today, the fortress is an open-air
museum.
Last stop of the day is the pioneer mansion “Casona Patronal Rio de Los Ciervos”, about 5 km outside Punta
Arenas. This place combines culture, tourism and family traditions, where guests can learn about the pioneer´s
daily life and the Patagonian history. After a guided tour you may enjoy some drinks while watching a folkloric
show. Afterwards, you will be brought back to the pier.

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Estancia Olga Teresa - Condor in Patagonia (Half-day)

On this tour, you will follow the traces of condors, the national bird of Chile. You will start the excursion
travelling approximately 100km to Estancia Olga Teresa, stopping along the road to observe guanacos, ñandús,
flamingos, and occasionally foxes and skunks. Within the fields of the estancia there is a little hill called Cerro
Palomares, whose slopes shelter a condor colony. There you can view adult specimens, both males and females,
and also young condors. The latter have greyish brown plumage, unlike the adult condors that have black
feathers. Male condors are identified by a red crest and a white collar on their neck. You will arrive by bus to
the base of the hill. After a 10-minute walk, you will reach an ascent that will take you near to the condors.
The condors are usually found resting or flying around the hill. There have been up to 70 condors flying
simultaneously. You will also be able to see a large number of other bird species such as gulls, owls, caiquenes
(wild geese), thrushes, and eagles, to name a few. Occasionally, you can also see guanacos. The place is windy,
so you will need to bring warm clothing with you; also wear comfortable soled shoes suitable for walking on
uneven terrain.