Chile - Cape Froward Trek 1/2006
Group Leader - Rustyn from Erratic Rock Guide Service
Group of Four: Rustyn, Max, ...., and myself
Geographical Significance
Cape Horn is widely considered to be the southern most point of South America; it is not a true cape of the American mainland, however, as it is actually situated on a small island, Hoorn Island (Isla Hornos), which is the most southerly of the Hermite Islands. The southernmost point of land on the continental shelf of South America is in the Diego Ramirez Islands. Cape Froward is the southernmost point on the South American mainland. In children terms Cape Froward is the end of the earth.
Trek Description by Erratic Rock
A true adventure: To reach the southern most tip of the South American continent, a five-day expedition-style trek is the only way to go...literally!This expedition style journey begins in Punta Arenas with a van tour of some historical sites and national monuments on the way to the road's end. Fort Bulnes and Puerto de Hambre are the first settlements established by the Chilean government to tame the wild coast of the Straight of Magellan. Our trek begins where the dirt road ends, and continues along the isolated beaches, coves, and bays. This trek offers you a variety of hiking terrain. Aside from the many quiet beaches, we enter dense forests, cross open "turba" (a cross between tundra and moss), and cross two rivers. Our daily travel must be carefully timed to coincide with the low tides, in order to make crossing the Rio Genes and the Rio Nodoles as safe as possible. Our ultimate goal is the giant white cross that marks the tip of the South American land mass.
This trek is a self-sufficient tour, which means that each person is responsible for carrying his or her share of food and equipment. We camp every night along rivers, near deserted whaling stations, and abandoned ranch houses, and in Patagonian forests. Roughing it is the name of the game, and is what make this a truly unique experience. Bird and sea life abound, and, weather permitting, there are wonderful views of Dawson Island, the Darwin Range, and the twin peaks of Mt. Saremiento. This trek isn't for everyone, but it is guaranteed to be a memorable one. A climb up Mt. Tarn can also be added to the trip, as well as a one-way transport courtesy of local fishing boats.
Lighthouse - San Isidro
Lighthouse on Island seen from route
south side from a boat
The historic Lighthouse, the first most southern of on the continent. Located 90 kilometers south of Punta Arenas in the Brunswick Peninsula. A major point of reference for ships sailing thru the Strait of Magellan some centuries ago.
Compared to other Chilean lighthouse, it is the second highest tower after Dungeness Lighthouse. It has same details of Punta Delgada Lighthouse, emphasizing the construction of a reinforced masonry slab and concrete between the first second volume, forming an arched ceiling inside and an important terrace outside.
Day tour of lighthouse have been conducted by Turismo Yamana of Punta Arenas. www.yamana.cl
The Goal - The End of the Earth
At the southern termas, one is greeted by the "Cruz de los Mares" (Cross of the Seas) which was put up in 1984 to honor the Pope´s visit to Chile.
My Photos
Instructions on Viewing & Coping
