Located 52 kilometers south of Punta Arenas, Parque del Estrecho is a unique place where history and nature come together in a privileged setting on the shores of the legendary Strait of Magellan. With extensive native forests, over five kilometers of coastline, and a network of trails and viewpoints, the park preserves some of the most significant milestones of Chilean colonization and sovereignty in the far south of the continent.
One of its main attractions is the historic Fuerte Bulnes, a reconstruction of the first permanent Chilean settlement in the area, founded on September 21, 1843, by order of President Manuel Bulnes. Nearby lies the site of Puerto del Hambre (“Port Famine”), an early Spanish colonization attempt led by Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa in the 16th century—one of the Strait’s most dramatic historical episodes.
The park stands out not only for its heritage, but also for its outstanding natural richness. As it is located on a coastal peninsula, visitors may spot seabirds such as cormorants and various duck species, as well as Peale’s dolphins and even whales during favorable seasons. In the Magellanic forest area, it is possible to see native species such as lenga, ñirre, and Magellanic coigüe, along with typical shrubs like calafate and michay.
The viewpoints, strategically distributed throughout the park, offer panoramic views of Dawson Island, Tierra del Fuego, and the Strait of Magellan itself, making the visit both a scenic and cultural experience. The tour is complemented by the modern Museo del Estrecho, located on the upper part of the peninsula, which provides deeper insight into the history, geography, and life in this southern territory. The site also features a café with a varied food offering, where you can enjoy a privileged panoramic view over the Strait of Magellan.