Porvenir is a town overlooking the Strait of Magellan and the largest settlement within the Chilean portion of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. The town was founded by prospectors from Croatia and Chiloé during Tierra del Fuego's (fleeting) gold rush in the late-19th century.
Located on Tierra del Fuego's west coast, Porvenir is home to a regiment of the Chilean army and a high security prison. Most visitors reach Porvenir via a short ferry ride from Punta Arenas.
Best in Porvenir
Eat
La Maskada
The favorite restaurant of military members stationed in Porvenir, this reliable eatery features an extensive menu of typical Chilean fast food. Prices are reasonable and portions are generous.
Stay
Hospedaje Bellavista
Simple and clean accommodation, close to Porvenir Bay. This hostel has great views of the Strait of Magellan and serves an exceptional breakfast (breakfast included in nightly rate). Miguel is a warm and informative host whom is knowledgable about the area and can even direct guests to a local shop that sells tasty, fresh (reasonably-priced) salmon.
Parque Pingüino Rey
South America's only colony of King Penguins. Since 2008, the colony has utilized Bahia Inútil as a breeding ground. In 2011, a park was established around the colony. Since then, the colony has continued to grow, with each summer bringing greater and greater numbers of the magnificent bird to Tierra del Fuego's west coast. The park is located ~110 km southeast of Porvenir.
Details
Rate: $12,000 CLP
Hours: 11:00 to 18:00 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Viewing Distance: ~50 meters
Website: pinguinorey.com
How to Get There
Check out our detailed cycle route page: Punta Arenas to Río Grande
Rent a car in Punta Arenas and drive (cheaper ferry crossings available via Punta Delgada)
Book a tour from Punta Arenas through Sernatur (park entrance fee not included in tour price)
Spotlight: King Penguin
The King Penguin (Pinguino Rey) is one of the largest species of penguin, second only in size to the Emperor Penguin. King Penguins eat squid and small fish (especially lanternfish). Fully-grown adults average 70-100 cm (30-40 inches) in height and 10- 18 kg (22-40 lb) in weight. Predators include leopard seals and orcas. Chicks and unhatched eggs are also prey for large marine birds (i.e. giant petrels)
Juvenile King Penguins reach reproductive maturity between 3 and 6 years of age and their reproductive cycle lasts 14-15 months. Breeding adults have only one mate each year, and usually return to that mate the next breeding season. Parents feed their chicks by eating food, partially digesting it, then vomiting the food into the chick's mouth.
