Fuerte Bulnes is a Chilean fort located by the Strait of Magellan, 62 km south of Punta Arenas. It was founded in 1843 over a rocky hill at Punta Santa Ana, under the command of President Manuel Bulnes Prieto.

Inspired by the constant preoccupation of don Bernardo O'Higgins, the Chilean government decided to make effective the dominion of the Patagonian and Tierra del Fuego in 1843. For that he organized an expedition that started in Ancud, in the schooner of the same name, captained by Juan Williams, with 23 persons on board arriving in Punta Santa Ana, the 21st of September of 1843, in the afternoon of that same day, Williams with the solemnity of rigor, took effective possession of the Magellan Channel and is territories, establishing FUERTE BULNES (Bulnes Fort), first Chilean town in the Channel, that has its name in honor of general Manuel Bulnes, president of the republic in that epoch.

The fort was built, using mainly logs and dirt & grass 'bricks'. Due to the harsh weather, it was not possible to gather a large and stable population. Once people finished moving and settled down in Punta Arenas, the fort was left aside Between 1941 and 1943 the fort was rebuilt, and it was declared a national monument in 1968.

On the way you will have the chance to enjoy the beautiful wild life like dolphins, birds, sea lions and others and you will stop in the monument that mark exactly the middle of Chile and the end of the American continent surrounded by a wonderful native forest and great views to the Magellan strait and fire land.

Driving back to the town center, your next stop will be at the Plaza de Armas Square where you can view and photograph the Hernando de Magallanes Monument or browse at the souvenir stalls and from them back to the ship.

Optional lunch at local restaurant or Lamb Barbecue at the Estancia ( Ranch) available

Notes; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.