Brazil
Argentina
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Historical site · Punta Arenas, Magalhães e Antártica Chilena
Fuerte Bulnes
Reconstruction of the 1843 fort that marked Chilean possession of the Estreito de Magalhães, in the Parque del Estrecho de Magallanes, about 55 km south of Punta Arenas.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Fuerte Bulnes
Fuerte Bulnes is located on Punta Santa Ana, about 55 km south of Punta Arenas, on a hill above the Strait of Magellan. There, in 1843, the crew of the schooner Ancud built a fort of logs and turf blocks to secure Chilean possession of the strait, one day before a French ship arrived.
The harsh climate and isolation emptied the settlement, and in 1848 the residents moved to the site where Punta Arenas was founded. The original fort was lost; the one visitors see is a reconstruction built between 1941 and 1943, with a palisade, chapel, barracks and cannons. It has been a national monument since 1968.
The fort is part of the Parque del Estrecho de Magallanes, an area of about 250 hectares with a visitor center, an exhibition on the history of the strait and trails with viewpoints over the sea. Nearby is the site of Puerto del Hambre, where Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa established a Spanish settlement in 1584 whose inhabitants died of starvation.
From the top of Punta Santa Ana you can see the strait toward Tierra do Fogo. Along the way, the coastal road passes stony beaches where dolphins and seabirds sometimes appear.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours in the park; half a day including the roundtrip from Punta Arenas.
Best time
From October to April, with longer days and milder temperatures. It also operates during part of the winter; check opening days before you go.
How to get there
Head south from Punta Arenas along Ruta 9 Sur, the coastal road, for about 55 km. There is no regular public transport; go by rental car or with a tour.
Tip
Allow half a day and combine it with Puerto del Hambre on the same route. The fort's hill is very exposed to the wind: bring a windbreaker and a hat.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Fuerte Bulnes
Is Fuerte Bulnes original?
No. The 1843 fort was lost, and the one visitors see is a reconstruction made between 1941 and 1943, declared a national monument in 1968.
Can you get to Fuerte Bulnes by bus?
There is no regular service. Go by car along the coastal road south of Punta Arenas or with a tour.
What is Puerto del Hambre?
The site of the Spanish colony founded in 1584 by Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa, whose inhabitants died of starvation. It is near Fuerte Bulnes.