Backpack Dientes de Navarino Classic Route

The trailhead is in the forest. There should be a path that is accessible by car until a certain point, next to a reservoir. That’s where the first signpost should be. The coordinates are 54°56'55.1S, 67°38’24.3W.

The first part of the hike will take us up Bandera Hill, crossing an old forest and above the tree line before reaching the summit where hikers will have the best views of Tierra del Fuego island, the Beagle Channel, Puerto Williams and Ushuaia. This is also where you will have the first views of the Dientes de Navarino mountain range before arriving at Laguna Salto (Camp 1).

On the second day, you will cross the Dientes de Navarino mountain range from its northern side, across three different passes to arrive at its southern side – Paso Primero (695 m.a.s.l / 2,280 ft), Paso Australia (805 m.a.s.l / 2,641 ft) and Paso de los Dientes (765 m.a.s.l / 2,509 ft). Hikers will have their first views of Cape Horn as well. I recommend taking a detour from the main trail and head south towards a campsite in the forest. From here, you can walk to the top of Mt. Bettinelli, where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the Dientes de Navarino, its lagoons, the Wollaston Islands and Cape Horn. This will be an additional hour uphill and another back down to camp.

The hike on day 3 will take you along several lagoons, across old glacial valleys, into the forest before climbing above the tree line of Paso Ventarron and Paso Guerrico. These are windy passes with open views towards the western side of the island. This will be one of the more demanding days because of the diverse environments we will encounter. Camp 3 will be set along the shores of Laguna Martillo.

On day 4, after crossing a couple of valleys, you will hike uphill to arrive at Paso Virginia, the highest point of the route. It is a great summit where you will have the chance to see the entire Dientes de Navarino mountain range and all the way to Beagle Channel and Tierra del Fuego island. You will then hike down from the pass to your last camp near the Laguna Guanaco.

On the last morning of the hike, the trail will take you towards the north of Navarino Island and towards sea level, crossing into farmland as you descend from the mountain. You can arrange for a pick-up service at Pesqueria MacLean or hitchhike back to Puerto Williams.