Fort Bulnes & Magellan´s Strait Park

Explore Fort Bulnes, the first Chilean settlement by the Magellan straight, 62 km (38 mi) south of Punta Arenas and enjoy majestic views of the straight.

Stop at Cerro de la Cruz, a viewpoint from where you’ll see how the city of Punta Arenas looks today, and imagine what Ferdinand Magellan saw when he was there.

Head south on a scenic road always skirting the Strait of Magellan to Fort Bulnes, the first Chilean settlement in Patagonia, founded in 1843 with only 21 inhabitants. After an approximately 1-hour ride, you’ll reach this national monument, originally built to protect Southern Chile and the Strait of Magellan from claims by other countries. The reconstructed fort shows you how these first men and women lived on this rugged land. See the church, chaplain's quarters, jail, powder magazine, post office and stables, along with the explanations of your guide. Enjoy one of the most majestic views of the strait from Punta Santa Ana and free time for pictures or getting some souvenirs.