Puerto Williams travel guide
Puerto Williams is the main town on Navarino Island, in Chile's Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Region, on the south shore of the Beagle Channel across from Ushuaia. It is the capital of the Cabo de Hornos commune and the access point to Cabo de Hornos National Park, the southernmost protected wilderness area on Earth according to CONAF.
The Dientes de Navarino circuit starts here: a demanding four-to-five-day trek over loose rock, snow and peat bogs, beginning 2 km from town across the bridge over the Róbalo River. There are also boat trips on the Beagle Channel and the route to Cape Horn, which takes about 12 hours of sailing from Puerto Williams.
This is not a mass-tourism destination: it is small and remote, for people who come to hike, sail and learn about Yaghan territory. You get here by plane from Punta Arenas, by ferry, or by boat across the channel from Ushuaia.
Things to do in Puerto Williams
- 1
Dientes de Navarino circuit
The southernmost trekking route you can walk: four to five days over loose rock, snow and peat bogs. Chile Travel rates it as highly demanding and asks for good fitness and quality gear. You must register your start and finish at the Carabineros de Chile office in Puerto Williams. The trail begins 2 km from town, across the bridge over the Róbalo River.
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Cabo de Hornos National Park
Created in 1945, it protects 63,093 hectares of the Wollaston archipelago and has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2005. Vegetation is low Magellan coigüe forest, tundra and peat bogs; at sea there are sea lions, seals, dolphins and whales. It is open daily 9 am to 6 pm. The park has no lodging, food or emergency services: those are in Puerto Williams or Punta Arenas. The trail to the Cape Horn lighthouse is closed in winter.
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Beagle Channel boat trips
Boat excursions on the Beagle Channel leave from Puerto Williams, along with cruises that continue to Cape Horn. The trip to the park takes about 12 hours of sailing, so it depends on the weather and the operator.
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Yaghan territory and museum
Navarino Island is part of the historic territory of the Yaghan people. Puerto Williams has a museum devoted to their culture that was renovated and renamed: check the official Chilean museums website for its current name and opening hours before you go.
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Puerto Williams weather
| Month | High | Low | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C 55°F | 6°C 42°F | 16.6 h |
| Feb | 13°C 55°F | 6°C 42°F | 14.7 h |
| Mar | 11°C 52°F | 4°C 40°F | 12.5 h |
| Apr | 8°C 46°F | 2°C 36°F | 10.3 h |
| May | 6°C 42°F | 1°C 33°F | 8.3 h |
| Jun | 3°C 37°F | -2°C 29°F | 7.3 h |
| Jul | 3°C 37°F | -3°C 27°F | 7.8 h |
| Aug | 3°C 38°F | -2°C 28°F | 9.6 h |
| Sep | 6°C 42°F | -1°C 31°F | 11.7 h |
| Oct | 8°C 47°F | 1°C 35°F | 13.9 h |
| Nov | 11°C 52°F | 4°C 38°F | 16.0 h |
| Dec | 12°C 54°F | 5°C 40°F | 17.2 h |
2015–2024 averages calculated from Open-Meteo historical data (ERA5 reanalysis). They may differ by one or two degrees from the local weather station.
Best time to visit Puerto Williams
December to February is the season for the Dientes trek and for sailing toward Cape Horn: there is more daylight and the lighthouse trail is open. In winter that trail closes and snow makes trekking harder.
Summer
December to February
High season for the Dientes circuit and boat trips. Book tickets and excursions ahead.
Autumn and spring
March to April and October to November
Fewer visitors and shorter days. Weather changes fast: bring layers for wind, rain and snow.
Winter
May to September
Snow at altitude and the Cape Horn lighthouse trail is closed. Very little tourist activity.
How to get to Puerto Williams
By air from Punta Arenas
Fly to Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo airport (PUQ) in Punta Arenas, then on to Puerto Williams (WPU) in about 1 h 15 min. It is the fastest way from mainland Chile.
By ferry from Punta Arenas
The ferry takes about 30 hours.
From Ushuaia
You cross the Beagle Channel by boat, followed by a land transfer to Puerto Williams. Schedules and companies change: confirm with the operators at the Ushuaia pier and bring your passport, since you cross an international border.
How many days in Puerto Williams
Three to five days cover the town, the Beagle Channel and a short hike. Add the Dientes de Navarino circuit (4 to 5 days) and plan about a week in total.
Day 1
Arrival, walk around Puerto Williams, and register with Carabineros if you plan to trek.
Day 2
Museum and Yaghan territory, plus a short hike from town.
Day 3
Boat excursion on the Beagle Channel.
Days 4 and 5
Optional: start the Dientes de Navarino circuit, or sail toward Cabo de Hornos National Park.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Puerto Williams?
On Navarino Island, in Chile's Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Region, on the south shore of the Beagle Channel across from Ushuaia.
How do you get to Puerto Williams?
By plane from Punta Arenas (about 1 h 15 min), by ferry from Punta Arenas (about 30 hours), or by boat across the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia.
How long is the Dientes de Navarino circuit?
Four to five days according to Chile Travel. It is highly demanding and you must register your departure and return with Carabineros de Chile in Puerto Williams.
How do you get to Cape Horn?
By sea: about 12 hours of sailing from Puerto Williams. Boat circuits also run from Punta Arenas. It depends on the weather.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Williams?
December to February, when there is more daylight and the Cape Horn lighthouse trail is open; it closes in winter.
Do I need a passport to cross from Ushuaia?
Yes, crossing the Beagle Channel is an international border crossing between Argentina and Chile. Check current requirements before you travel.