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Picture of Puerto Williams, Cabo de Hornos, Chile

Travel Guide for
Puerto Williams

Chile

Cool, subpolar oceanic

Introduction

Puerto Williams, located on Navarino Island at the southern tip of Chile, is the world’s southernmost city. Founded in the 1950s as a naval base, it now blends Yaghan indigenous heritage with modern Patagonian culture.

In mid-December, expect cool, breezy weather—perfect for exploring dramatic landscapes with friends. Enjoy luxury lodges, gourmet Patagonian cuisine, guided treks along the Dientes de Navarino, and private yacht trips through the Beagle Channel. This is a unique, adventure-packed destination for those seeking exclusivity at the edge of the world.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleTravelling with friends

Dates15-22 December 2025

BudgetHigh budget

AccommodationResort, hotel

Interests and Activities:

outdoor adventuressightseeing and toursgastronomy

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Picture of Puerto Williams, Cabo de Hornos, Chile

Key Facts

Location

Magallanes Region

Currency

Chilean Peso (CLP)

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Population

3,000

Language

Spanish, English

Electricity

220V, 50Hz, Type C/L

Time zone

UTCCLT (UTC-4)

Country code

+56

Internet access

Available, moderate speed

Climate

Cool, subpolar oceanic

See More Chile Facts

Language:

Spanish

  • hello

    hola (OH-lah)
  • goodbye

    adiós (ah-DEE-ohs)
  • yes

    (see)
  • no

    no (noh)
  • how much

    ¿cuánto cuesta? (KWAN-toh KWEHS-tah)
  • please

    por favor (por fa-VOR)
  • thank you

    gracias (GRAH-syahs)
  • excuse me

    perdón (pehr-DON)

Map

Logistics

To reach Puerto Williams, the southernmost town in the world, the best option for high-budget travelers is to fly from Punta Arenas. Regular small aircraft flights (around 2 hours) offer stunning views over the Beagle Channel and are the quickest, most comfortable choice. Luxury travelers may also consider private charters.

Alternatively, you can take a multi-day ferry from Punta Arenas, which is a scenic adventure through the fjords. During December, weather in this remote region can cause delays or cancellations for both flights and ferries, so flexibility and advance reservations are recommended. No trains or direct buses serve the region due to its isolated and rugged geography.

Weather

Puerto Williams, located on Navarino Island at the southern tip of Chile, has a subpolar oceanic climate. Weather is generally cool and windy year-round, with temperatures rarely exceeding 15°C (59°F) in summer or dropping far below freezing in winter. Rainfall is steady, and clouds are common, contributing to a lush landscape.

From December 15 to December 22, it’s the start of summer. Expect temperatures between 6°C (43°F) and 14°C (57°F) and up to 18 hours of daylight, perfect for outdoor adventures and long sightseeing tours. Extreme weather is uncommon this week, but sudden rain showers and gusty winds can occur, so pack accordingly. Gastronomy options feature local seafood and Patagonian cuisine—ideal after a day exploring.

Food & Drink

Puerto Williams offers delicious southern Chilean cuisine, with Patagonian lamb, king crab (centolla), and fresh fish as highlights. Local dishes often feature hearty stews and unique ingredients like calafate berries. Craft beer and Chilean wines are popular drinks, perfectly paired with meals after a day of exploring.

For an upscale experience, try Restaurante Lakutaia or Lodge Errante Ecolodge, both known for excellent service and fine regional flavors. Café Croata is a cozy spot for coffee and homemade pastries, while Club Naval provides seafood and classic Chilean fare in a convivial setting. Reservations are recommended in peak season due to limited seating.

Vegetarian options can be limited, so advance notice to your chosen restaurant helps. Tipping around 10% is customary unless included on the bill. Most eateries cater to international visitors, ensuring a memorable dining experience at the world’s southernmost city.

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Cazuela

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Chorrillana

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Pastel de Choclo

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Accommodation

Puerto Williams is remote, but it offers a handful of charming boutique hotels and lodges with stunning views of the Beagle Channel. Hotel Lakutaia stands out, offering comfortable rooms, gourmet dining, and adventure excursions—perfect for high-budget, group travel. Booking through Hotels.com ensures secure reservations and often features guest reviews and flexible cancellation policies.

You’ll find most hotels clustered around the port area, making it easy to explore town and nearby nature trails. December 15–22 is peak season, so book early—properties fill quickly due to limited choices. For a premium stay, check for full-service lodges with all-inclusive packages and group amenities for friends traveling together.

Itinerary

Begin your southernmost adventure with your friends by setting foot in Puerto Williams, embracing the local Patagonian atmosphere and settling into the rhythm of this unique island town.

Stroll Along the Waterfront: Muelle Guardiamarina Zañartu

Begin by walking with your friends along the scenic Muelle Guardiamarina Zañartu. This wooden pier offers stunning views of the Beagle Channel and the distant mountains. Perfect for your first photos and soaking up the island’s crisp, fresh air.

Welcome Dinner with Patagonian Gastronomy at Restaurante Costa Australis

Celebrate your arrival with a high-end Patagonian dinner at Restaurante Costa Australis. Indulge in specialties like king crab (centolla) and freshly caught seafood, paired with Chilean wines. Reservations are recommended for a memorable start.

Guided Walking Tour of Puerto Williams Town

Join a private guided tour to discover Puerto Williams' history, hidden corners, and vibrant street art. This is an excellent way to get oriented, hear fascinating local stories, and meet the welcoming community.

Guided Half Day Kayak Tour with Picnic in Villa la Angostura

Guided Half Day Kayak Tour with Picnic in Villa la Angostura

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

We offer guided kayak tours in Nahuel Huapi National Park. We will have the possibility of paddling in turquoise waters of glacier origin, watching waterfowl, and great diversity of flora associated with the moist forest surrounding the lake. In addition we will see large rocky outcrops with traces of glacial erosion and deposits of volcanic ash deep in the lake. All our tours are safe and support families, couples, friends, and solo people, no matter if you are a beginner, or, expert. The excursion includes information on geology, history, flora, and fauna. We also explore natural attractions that will surprise you, and we will stop for a picnic and rest in a unique place. We are enabled by Nahuel Huapi National Park and PNA. Mariano, our main guide is a Bachelor of Tourism, ACA (American Canoe Association) Kayak instructor, with experience guiding in Antarctica, Norway, and Greece.

5.0 (95 reviews)

From $115 USD

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Experiences

Farming Experience in Chile
volunteering

Farming Experience in Chile

Minimum 1 week

Chile

$495/week

Learn More
Renovation and Construction in Chile
volunteering

Renovation and Construction in Chile

Minimum 1 week

Chile

$495/week

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English Teaching in Chile
teaching

English Teaching in Chile

Minimum 1 week

Chile

$495/week

Learn More

Attractions

5.0 (35 reviews)
Crossing the Salt Route on a Rowing Surfboard

Crossing the Salt Route on a Rowing Surfboard

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

We are concerned about our environment by doing responsible low-impact tourism, the rowing salt route is one of the best ways to learn about the history of the place from the perspective of the water, a place where we can watch birds, and enjoy this beautiful place. .

From $50 USD

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FAQ

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