The Circuito Histórico Cultural is a journey through the many facets of Feugian history, from ancient indigenous sites to modern-day gold prospectors.

The road departs Porvenir towards Cordón Baquedano. At this mountain range's highest point, 500 meters (1625 feet), you can view the Straits of Magellan. The road wends past abandoned gold dredges from the early-20th century explorations and the sod huts of pirquineros, today's hunters yet panning the streams for the precious metal.

The road comes out to the international Ruta Y-71, which leads to the ruins of Puerto Nuevo, the port that served Estancia Caleta Josefina. Just past Puerto Nuevo is the estancia and Onaisín, where several buildings and the community cemetery remain.

At kilometer 110 on this road is the Marazzi site, excavated by French archaeologist Annette Laming-Emperaire in 1965. This location was used over 9000 years ago by the original inhabitants of this land.

Location:
Porvenir, Chile

Other Activity

Getting There
The only way to traverse the Circuito Histórico Cultural is on tour or if you have your own means of transportation (car or bike). A hired car from Porvenir would cost from $200.

Travel Tips: The circuit as far as Marazzi is 115 kilometers (69 miles) and takes about 5 hours. If driving, be sure you leave with a full tank of gas. There is a gas station on the Argentine side of the border at Paso San Sebastián. If you continue along Ruta Y-71 to Paso San Sebastián on the Argentine border, you can visit Estancia Sebastián and its cemetery. Twenty kilometers (12 miles) southwest of San Sebastián is the 10280-11800 year old Tres Arroyos archaeological site.

Relative price: Mid-Range

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring:

Stroll around the town, taking in the Fuegian architecture or walk along the costanera; visit Museo Provincial Fernando Cordero Rusque; bird watch at Monumental Natural Laguna de los Cisnes or take a boat tour of Bahía de Porvenir to see dolphins. Hit other circuits through the surrounding countryside: de Oro and de Petróleo. Go fishing at Lago Blanco, or trek the Cordillera Darwin, Parque Nacional Alberto de Agostini and other reserves.

Currencies accepted
Chilean Peso

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 25 May 2009

Updated: 29 May 2009

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