Magallanes Reserve Hiking: Mount Fenton Trek from Punta Arenas

Two hikes in one morning: from coal-mining history to Patagonian peaks

This 3.5-hour hiking tour from Punta Arenas takes you into Magallanes National Reserve, 8 kilometers west of the city, on two different treks with a live guide. The first walk crosses a flat path to the Las Minas estuary, where you see native lengas and coigüe trees and learn about the region's coal-mining past. The second, longer trek climbs Mount Fenton for panoramic views of the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego. Park entry and air-conditioned van transport are included. The tour runs September to April only and is subject to wind conditions.

The experience

How much of the Magallanes Reserve can you actually see in a morning? This tour answers that by stacking two separate hikes into one outing: you get the historical walk and the mountain views without choosing between them. After a short drive along a gravel road, you start at El Mirador on a flat trekking path that runs less than a kilometer to the Las Minas estuary. The place matters here. It was the center of coal extraction in the first half of the 20th century, and your guide walks you through that story while you move through native vegetation: lengas and coigüe trees, and if conditions allow, native fauna. Then you return to the van.

The second trek is the climb. You drive to the park entrance and head up the Mount Fenton trail for almost 2 kilometers to the summit. The payoff is the view: the city of Punta Arenas below, the Strait of Magellan stretching out, and on clear days, Tierra del Fuego on the horizon. After a short rest at the top, you descend the same path and return by van to Punta Arenas. The whole outing takes 3.5 hours. Wind is a factor here (Patagonia's weather can close trails or make the hike harder), and in winter (May to August) some sections shut down entirely. Trekking shoes and outdoor clothing are essential.

Your guide speaks English or Spanish and travels with the group throughout. The van is air-conditioned, so the drive between hikes is a real break. Park entry is included in the price. This tour runs only during high season, September to April, and is not available to cruise passengers.

What’s included

• Park entry to Magallanes National Reserve.
• air-conditioned van transport to and from Punta Arenas and between the two treks.
• a live guide in English or Spanish throughout the hike.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 31 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Tangol

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English or Spanish, so you follow the commentary comfortably in whichever language you choose. This tour suits anyone with good health and trekking shoes who wants to see both the historical and scenic sides of the reserve in one morning, though wind and weather can change the difficulty on any given day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What's the Las Minas estuary, and why does it matter on this hike?

Las Minas was the most important coal-mining area in the region during the first half of the 20th century. The estuary itself is the destination of the first, shorter trek: a flat walk of less than a kilometer where your guide explains that history while you move through the native vegetation that has since reclaimed the land.

How steep is Mount Fenton, and how long does it take to reach the top?

Mount Fenton is the longer and more difficult of the two treks. The climb covers almost 2 kilometers to the summit, and the hike is steep enough that good health and trekking shoes are necessary. After you reach the top and rest, you descend the same route.

Will I see wildlife on this hike?

Native animals live in the reserve, but sightings depend on luck and conditions. Your guide will point out the native vegetation (lengas and coigüe trees), which you will definitely see. The best chance for fauna comes during the quieter first trek to Las Minas.

What time of year can I do this tour?

The tour runs only during high season, from September to April. In winter, some trails close due to weather. Even during the operating season, wind conditions can affect the hike or close sections of the trail, so your guide will assess conditions on the day.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

Park entry and van transport are included, but food and drinks are not. Bring water and snacks for the hikes, especially for the longer Mount Fenton climb.