The wildlife you will meet
Sea, steppe, forest and volcanoes, all a few hours from the hotel. Here are three locals worth looking for:
- Magellanic penguin: arrives in October and leaves in March. It nests in burrows dug into the ground. You will see it on Magdalena Island.
- Guanaco: lives in herds on the steppe. It runs fast and jumps fences. Look for it on the pampa, on the way to Pali Aike or Torres del Paine.
- Andean condor: it can glide for hours without flapping, on wings spanning about 3 metres. Look towards the mountains.
Magdalena Island: walk among penguins
This is the most requested trip. The island is part of Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, managed by CONAF, and in season it hosts thousands of Magellanic penguin pairs. You walk along a marked trail with penguins just a few metres away.
- Season: October to March.
- Boat ride: 1 h 30 to 2 h each way. The authorised visit on the island is about one hour.
- Difficulty: easy, great for families.
- Departure: the terminal is 5–10 minutes by car from Almasur.
What to bring: windproof jacket, hat and gloves, comfortable shoes, water and a camera. Follow the trail rules and keep your distance from the animals.
Heads-up: the Seno Otway penguin colony is closed. To see penguins from Punta Arenas, Magdalena Island is the option.
Almasur recommends: ask reception for an early breakfast. We will have it ready before you sail.
Francisco Coloane Marine Park: whales and glaciers
A full day at sea. It is Chile’s first marine park and a feeding ground for humpback whales, which arrive during the southern summer. You will also see Peale’s dolphins, sea lions and the glaciers of Santa Inés Island, near Cape Froward, the southernmost point of the American mainland.
- The departure point is about 50 km south: 45 to 60 minutes by car to the pier.
- It can only be reached by sea, with local operators. The trip takes the whole day.
- Whale-watching dates vary each year: confirm them with the operator.
Almasur recommends: book ahead. We will pack an early breakfast for you.
Kayaking in Agua Fresca Bay
Half a day paddling along the coast of the Strait, about 27 km south (30 minutes by car). With luck, Peale’s dolphins will swim close by. It is done with a guide and gear, and always depends on sea and wind conditions.
Hiking to San Isidro Lighthouse
A coastal walk through forest and pebble beaches to one of the southernmost lighthouses on the continent. It is about 75 km south (1 h 15 min by car), plus around 5 km on foot. Effort is low to moderate. Check the forecast: this is a very windy area.
Pali Aike National Park: volcanoes on the steppe
A landscape of extinct volcanoes. You walk among craters, caves and lava rocks in the San Gregorio district, right by the Argentine border. It is managed by CONAF and has short trails, like the one to Pali Aike Cave, and longer ones to Morada del Diablo and Laguna Ana.
- It is about 195 km north of Almasur: 2 h 30 min by car. The last stretch is gravel.
- There are few services on the way. Leave with water, food and a full tank.
- It opens in the spring and summer season; check dates with CONAF before you go.
Summary: nature trips from Almasur
| Trip | Distance and time | Length | Season | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magdalena Island | Terminal 5–10 min by car + 1 h 30–2 h by boat | Half day | October to March | Easy |
| Francisco Coloane Marine Park | ~50 km south, 45–60 min to the pier | Full day | Southern summer (check with operator) | Easy (boat) |
| Agua Fresca Bay kayak | ~27 km south, 30 min | Half day | Weather permitting | Low, guided |
| San Isidro Lighthouse | ~75 km south, 1 h 15 min + ~5 km on foot | Full day | Weather permitting | Low to moderate |
| Pali Aike National Park | ~195 km north, 2 h 30 min | Full day | Spring and summer | Low to moderate |
More time? See how to reach Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas. If you would rather stay in town, explore the historic centre on foot, and before heading out read our tips on weather and what to pack.
