San Isidro Lighthouse trek from Punta Arenas: Guided coastal hike

One of the world's southernmost trails runs on pebble beach along the Strait of Magellan.

This guided trek to San Isidro Lighthouse departs from Punta Arenas and follows a coastal path to one of the continent's southernmost points. A bilingual guide leads the 5.5 km walk along the Strait of Magellan, where you may spot sea lions, dolphins and seabirds. Hotel pickup is included, along with safety guidance before the hike begins and return transport to your accommodation.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to San Isidro Lighthouse

• Pickup from accommodation in Punta Arenas
• Travel along Strait of Magellan coast
• Enjoy wildlife and sea views
• Safety briefing at Punta Árbol
• Hike 5.5 km along coastal pebble beach
• Return by vehicle to Punta Arenas
• Drop-off at accommodation or central point

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in Punta Arenas between 8:00 and 8:30. The drive follows the coast toward Route 9 Sur, skirting the Strait of Magellan and the Patagonian landscape. Along the way, watch for sea lions, Magellanic dolphins, tonins, whales and a variety of seabirds: penguins are possible, though not guaranteed. The vehicle takes you to Punta Árbol, where the road ends and the walk begins.

Before starting, your guide gives a brief safety induction and general guidance. The trek itself covers approximately 5.5 km on a pebble beach, taking about 2 hours. You walk surrounded by coastal flora and fauna typical of the region, with constant views across the Strait. The guide speaks both English and Spanish, so the commentary reaches everyone in the group. Bring snacks of your choice. The pace allows time to stop and take in the landscape.

The return journey retraces the route by vehicle from Punta Árbol back to Punta Arenas, with drop-off at your original hotel or a pre-arranged central point. The full outing takes around 8 hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel in Punta Arenas.
• a bilingual expert guide leading the entire trek.
• safety induction and general guidance before the walk begins.
• return transport to your accommodation or a central point.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 08:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 85 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 38 pickup points.

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Caminos Tours LTDA

Is this one for you?The full outing takes 8 hours from pickup to return, which fills most of a day in Punta Arenas but leaves the morning or evening free for other plans. The trek itself is moderate in difficulty and suits travelers with a reasonable level of fitness. The pebble beach terrain and 2-hour walk require steady legs but no technical climbing or scrambling.

Traveler reviews

4.00★★★★★★★★★★

3 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: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

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.

What wildlife might I see on the trek to San Isidro Lighthouse?

Sea lions, Magellanic dolphins, tonins, whales and a wide variety of seabirds inhabit the Strait of Magellan coast. Penguins are sometimes spotted, though sightings are not guaranteed. You'll see them in their natural habitat during the coastal walk and the drive along the strait.

How long is the walk to San Isidro Lighthouse?

The trek covers approximately 5.5 km on a pebble beach and takes about 2 hours. The path runs along the Strait of Magellan with constant views of the water and surrounding landscape.

Is hotel pickup included in this trek?

Yes, pickup is included from your accommodation within the urban area of Punta Arenas between 8:00 and 8:30. Return transport to your hotel or a pre-arranged central point is also included.

What should I bring on the hike?

Bring snacks of your choice to sustain yourself during the walk. The guide will offer suggestions on appropriate equipment before the trek begins, and you'll have time to rest and eat along the route.