Fuerte Bulnes and Strait of Magellan Park

Plan your visit

Plan Your Visit

Prepare for strong winds and changing weather. Getting to the park requires planning since public transport is not an option.

Fuerte Bulnes and Strait of Magellan Park

Km 52 Sur, Ruta 9, Punta Santa Ana, Punta Arenas

GPS -53.6303, -70.9172

Open directions

Getting there

Drive or take a tour to reach the park.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Car: Drive south from Punta Arenas on Route 9 for 52 km to the park entrance.	1 hour		The road is fully paved and easy to navigate. Driving allows for maximum flexibility to explore Puerto del Hambre and various trails at your own pace.
Tour: Book a half-day guided tour from local operators in Punta Arenas, which includes round-trip hotel transfers.	4-5 hours	approx 36,000 CLP	Guided tours provide valuable historical context. The park entrance fee (about 20,000–22,000 CLP for foreigners) is usually paid separately on site.
Bus: Public bus routes do not reach Fuerte Bulnes directly.			Bus transport is not a viable option; visitors must use a tour, taxi, or rental car.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

The park is open year-round. Visit between October and April for the best experience. These Southern Hemisphere summer months offer milder weather and longer daylight.

What to bring

Windproof and waterproof jacket (Patagonia winds are famously strong)
Warm fleece or thermal mid-layer
Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for unpaved trails
Sunscreen and sunglasses for glare off the water
Warm hat or beanie to protect ears from the wind
Camera or smartphone with extra battery power (cold drains batteries fast)
Reusable water bottle
Credit or debit card to pay the entrance fee (cash is sometimes not accepted)
Light daypack for carrying layers as the weather fluctuates

Your ticks are saved in this browser only.

Cold drains batteries quickly.

Bring a power bank for your phone or camera.

How the day runs

How to structure your time at the park.

A typical 4-hour visit focusing on the main fort and museum.

09:00
Depart Punta Arenas
Drive 52 km south on Route 9.
10:00
Visitor Center
Pay your fee and view the interpretive exhibition for 45 minutes.
11:00
Fuerte Bulnes
Walk the reconstructed 1843 fort and hold your hat in the wind.
12:00
Mirador del Estrecho
Take photos at the main panoramic viewpoint.
12:30
Return trip
Head back to Punta Arenas.

Practical Advice

Dress in layers. The extreme wind on the Santa Ana Peninsula requires a windproof and waterproof jacket. Bring a warm hat to protect your ears.

Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile flora and archaeological sites. Do not climb on the historical reconstructions or cannons.

Easiest way to do it

Ornate mausoleums and manicured conical evergreen trees in a cemetery

Punta Arenas Signature Shore Experience

6 h to 8 h 4.8 (151)

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Local guide
Bottled water
Lunch

From$257per person

Viator$257 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

Can you drive to Fuerte Bulnes?

Yes. The park is a 52 km drive south from Punta Arenas on Route 9. The road is fully paved. Driving gives you flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Are there bathrooms at Fuerte Bulnes?

Yes. The state-of-the-art visitor center has restroom facilities. Use them before heading out onto the coastal trails or the fort peninsula.

What to pack for Fuerte Bulnes?

Bring a windproof jacket, thermal layers, sturdy walking shoes, and sunglasses. You will also need a credit or debit card for the entrance fee.