'''Cabo Froward''' (Cape Froward) is the southernmost point in the American mainland.

Understand

The cape is accessible by boat, or by a 4+ day round trip challenging trek, the details of which are explained below. On the hill above the cape is a large cross, '''Cruz de los Mares''', marking the the end of the American continent.

The trek is exteremely challenging, with rocky beaches and river crossings which must be timed with low tides. The trek covers remote territory where help could be days away, especially considering waiting for low tides to cross the rivers (one of which is still waist deep). For this reason it is not advisable to go alone. Ships occasionally pass in the distance, so with proper signalling equipment it may be possible to signal help from ships (which cannot help you themselves but can call for help) in case of an emergency.

The path is not well marked, but if you get lost you can always follow the coast (when possible -- and paralleling the coast inland otherwise) to find your way back.

It is critically important that you look up the tide tables at shoa.cl [http://shoa.cl/] (go to Servicios -> Mareas, then get the tide tables for Punta Arenas for the dates you will be trekking). The tide tables for Punta Arenas should be close enough.

Flora and fauna

Seagulls and an occasional seal may be seen.

Climate

This is the end of the world, folks. Expect cool temps, rain, and the straight of Magellan_Ls infamous winds even in midsummer.

Get in

The trek begins at Rio San Pedro, near Fuerte Bulnes, the end of the road. You can get a transfer from Punta Arenas (for instance, the tourist office next to Sernatur) or hitchhike. The path is sometimes marked with orange or blue tape / markers. These usually mark the path but also mark the Refugio or a couple camping zones.

What follows is a a descriptions of each stretch with a time estimate. Times in bold indicate it is slower going at high tide (for instance, you might have to climb more on rocks at high tide). Times in bold italics indicate that the stretch is extremely slow or impassible at high tide.

Part 1: Rio San Pedro to Lighthouse (about 2:30 hrs)

  • 1:15 hrs: dirt road
  • 1:15 hrs: along beach
  • Pass the hostel (they have a map that you can ask to photograph)

    Part 2: Lighthouse to Refugio/first river (about 2:30 hrs)

  • 0:45 hrs: forest path (marked, easy to find)
  • '''''1:00 hrs''''': along beach. '''''Much slower during high tide.''''' Seagull Island Lookout along the way makes a nice side attraction.
  • 0:20 hrs: forest path (marked with orange and blue. easy to find)
  • 0:25 hrs: along beach to first river
  • The Refugio is just before the first river. A path marked orange leads into the trees to the Refugio. The first river can be crossed ankle-high at low tide and a bit above knee-high at high tide.

    Part 3: Refugio/first river to second river (about 2:45 hrs)

  • 0:15 hrs: along beach
  • 0:20 hrs: forest path
  • '''0:35 hrs''': along beach ('''somewhat slower at high tide''')
  • 1:15 hrs: forest path
  • 0:20 hrs: along beach
  • Part 4: Second river to third river (about 3:00 hrs)

  • '''''0:15 hrs''''': '''''second river crossing'''''. Waist deep at low tide (must strip down and carry backpack over head). '''''Impassible at high tide.'''''
  • '''''0:30 hrs''''': along beach, '''''very slow to impossible at high tide.'''''
  • 2:15 hrs: along beach, but probably passible at high tide.
  • Part 5: Third river to cross (about 5:15 hrs)

  • '''''0:15 hrs''''': '''''third river crossing'''''. knee-deep at low tide, '''''impassible at high tide'''''.
  • '''1:30 hrs''': on the beach '''(much slower at high tide)'''
  • 0:45 hrs: on the beach, to first point from which cross can be seen
  • 0:45 hrs: on the beach
  • 0:20 hrs: forest path (marked)
  • 0:25 hrs: along beach, to base of cross.
  • 1:15 hrs: climbing up to the cross.
  • ----

    As a summary for planning with the tides, these are the places where it is impossible or very very slow at high tide, so you should coordinate these with the tide tables.

    Total 16 hours hiking.

  • 3:15 hrs (0:00 hrs in): Rio San Pedro to slow beach
  • '''1:00 hrs (3:15 hrs in): along beach, slow at high tide'''
  • 3:30 hrs (4:15 hrs in): to before second river (may be more like 4:00 hrs during high tide)
  • '''0:45 hrs (7:45 hrs in): second river crossing and next 0:30 hrs. impassible at high tide.'''
  • 2:15 hrs (8:30 hrs in): to third river
  • '''1:45 hrs (10:45 hrs in): third river crossing and next 1:30 hrs. impassible/much slower at high tide.'''
  • 3:30 hrs (12:30 hrs in): to cross.
  • Sleep

    Primitive camping is possible along the way, in designated camp areas or otherwise.

    Stay safe

    As mentioned above, it is best to go with two or three others. The trek is very challenging. One must climb over slippery boulders and cross cold rivers. Add to this the infamous weather of the Straight of Magellan -- cold, rainy and very windy weather even in the summer -- and the remoteness of the trek -- it is not to be taken lightly. This is the end of world.