Fuerte Bulnes Shore Tour: Fort & Strait Views

A reconstructed fort, a viewpoint over the Strait of Magellan, and the geographical marker that splits Chile in two

This shore tour from Punta Arenas takes you to Fuerte Bulnes, a historical reconstruction of the fort founded in 1843 that anchored Chile's claim to the Strait of Magellan. You'll explore the fort itself, stand at the Mirador del Estrecho de Magallanes for views across the water, visit an interpretive center on the region's human and natural history, and stop at the "Midpoint of Chile" marker. The tour runs about four and a half hours and includes an air-conditioned vehicle and a guide who speaks English or Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Fuerte Bulnes and surroundings

• Meet at Punta Arenas port
• Travel 50 minutes to Fuerte Bulnes
• Explore Fuerte Bulnes historical site
• Visit Mirador del Estrecho de Magallanes
• Tour interpretive center
• See Midpoint of Chile marker
• Return 50 minutes to Punta Arenas

The experience

The tour starts at the port in Punta Arenas and takes roughly 50 minutes to reach Fuerte Bulnes. Once there, you walk through the reconstructed fort to learn how Bernardo O'Higgins envisioned this outpost as proof of Chile's sovereignty over the Strait of Magellan: a strategic claim that shaped the region's early history.

After the fort, you head to the Mirador del Estrecho de Magallanes, a viewpoint where the strait spreads out in front of you and you can photograph the landscape. Then comes the interpretive center, which traces both the human settlement and the natural environment of the strait over time. A stop at the "Midpoint of Chile" marker follows: a geographical landmark that marks the country's span from its northern border all the way to the southern pole, a detail that makes the scale of Chile tangible in a single moment.

The return journey takes you back to Punta Arenas with the same air-conditioned vehicle. A live guide in English or Spanish narrates throughout, so you're not navigating the history on your own.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle.
• local guide in English or Spanish.
• entry to Fuerte Bulnes and the interpretive center.
• stops at the Mirador del Estrecho de Magallanes and the Midpoint of Chile marker.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 25

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Yellow Penguin

Is this one for you?The tour is a steady pace of walking and standing at viewpoints over four and a half hours, with no water entry or early start required. It suits anyone who wants the history and views without a strenuous day.

Traveler reviews

4.78★★★★★★★★★★

18 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the drive to Fuerte Bulnes take from Punta Arenas?

The drive to Fuerte Bulnes takes approximately 50 minutes from the port meeting point in Punta Arenas.

What is Fuerte Bulnes and why does it matter?

Fuerte Bulnes is a historical reconstruction of the fort founded in 1843, built to establish Chile's claim over the Strait of Magellan under Bernardo O'Higgins' vision. The tour explores how this outpost shaped the region's early history and sovereignty.

What stops are included in the tour besides the fort itself?

The tour includes the Mirador del Estrecho de Magallanes viewpoint overlooking the strait, an interpretive center covering the human and natural history of the region, and the "Midpoint of Chile" geographical marker.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility needs?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and all areas and surfaces at the sites are accessible. If you're bringing a wheelchair, electric scooter, or need child seating, notify the operator at least 48 hours in advance.