A Voyage into the Past: Magellan's Discovery
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Port
Punta Arenas, Chile
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$99.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Only 18 members survived Magellan’s 1519 expedition, which circumnavigated the globe and put Tierra del Fuego on the map. The territory you’ll cover today played a significant role in Magellan’s epic voyage, and your outing will introduce you to the saga and the first inhabitants of Fireland (Tierra del Fuego).
Your guide will first show you some points of interest in Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in the world, but the major highlights are found in the rugged, scenic beauty outside of the city.
You will head to the Nao Victoria Museum, which contains a life-size replica of Ferdinand Magellan’s ship -- the vessel in which he circumnavigated the globe. The ship replica recreates all the original structural features and, unlike many museums, offers a very tactile experience, as visitors are encouraged to hear the sounds of yesteryear and touch the replica everyday objects, including navigation instruments and artillery.
The next stop is at the Maggiorino Borgatello Museum, founded by Salesian missionaries. This facility provides a comprehensive overview of regional flora and fauna, the habitat of the local indigenous people, and local history.
From here, you will drive to the Cerro la Cruz viewpoint and take in the same view of the Strait of Magellan that Ferdinand Magellan himself had when he was here. You’ll also see the port and the legendary Tierra del Fuego Island -- known as Fireland.
On your way back to town, stop at Plaza de Armas (the main square) before returning to the pier.
Notes:
Terrain includes a long flight of stairs to reach some of the displays at the Maggiorino Borgatello Museum. At the Nao Victoria Museum most of the exhibit interpretive panels are written in Spanish only.