Major city · Chile
Puerto Williams
Spend 1–2 days in Puerto Williams to see the church, museum and a short trek; longer only for multi‑day trekking.
Puerto Williams is the southernmost town on Navarino Island, a gateway to remote Patagonian nature. The town itself is small, so a day or two covers the main sights; extended trekking requires extra nights.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CLP
- Best months
- Dec–Mar (summer, best trekking weather)
- avoid Jun–Aug (cold, limited services)
- Airport
- WPU
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Chile ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Chile's National Migration Service or a Chilean consulate; keep the entry slip or digital record you receive.
- Chile ↗Torres del Paine: campsites and refugios on the W and O treks must be booked in advance, and the park requires an entry ticket bought ahead; check the official park (CONAF) channels.
- Chile ↗Chile strictly controls food imports: declare fruit, meat, dairy, seeds and honey on arrival, or throw them away before customs.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Puerto Williams133 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Puerto Williams, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Chilean peso (CLP, $).Chile-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEntel, Movistar, WOM and Claro sell prepaid SIMs; foreign phones may need IMEI registration after a period — check.Chile-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in most cities; boil or filter in rural areas and on treks.Chile-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% suggested on the bill; you may decline.Chile-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/L. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Chile-wide
- SafetyPuerto Williams is safe for tourists; main risks are cold weather, remote terrain, and limited medical facilities—carry a basic first‑aid kit.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPaper in the bin in older buildings; bus terminals charge.Chile-wide
- Emergency numbers133 police · 131 fire and ambulance · 133 Carabineros (national police) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany businesses close on 18–19 September; Sunday trading is limited in small towns.Chile-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportWPU Guardiamarina Zañartu Airport (5–6 flights weekly from Punta Arenas (Aerovías DAP)).
- Getting aroundTown is walkable; taxis available at the ferry terminal; for remote treks arrange transport with local operators.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCLP 1,500–2,500
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entryCLP 2,000–3,000
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personCLP 12,000
- Mid-range bedPrivate room (2‑person), a night, per roomCLP 35,000
- High-end bedPrivate room (2‑person), a night, per roomCLP 50,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CLP 15,000 · Mid CLP 25,000 · High CLP 40,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- WPU Guardiamarina Zañartu Airport (5–6 flights weekly from Punta Arenas (Aerovías DAP))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Feb
Best
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Mar
Best
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Apr
not flagged
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
May
not flagged
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Jun
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Jul
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Aug
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Sep
not flagged
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Oct
not flagged
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Nov
not flagged
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Dec
Best
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Best: Dec–Mar. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)), coolest Jul (−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Jul (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Puerto Williams: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
12 rd
Feb
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
12 rd
Mar
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
12 rd
Apr
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
10 rd
May
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
8 rd
Jun
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
6 rd
Jul
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
5 rd
Aug
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
5 rd
Sep
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
6 rd
Oct
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
8 rd
Nov
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
10 rd
Dec
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Town is walkable; taxis available at the ferry terminal; for remote treks arrange transport with local operators.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Cerro de la Bandera
goDoor to door: ≈45 min round trip
Walk from town center, about 30 min ascent
Best in summer; bring warm layers.
Ukika village
goDoor to door: ≈1 h
Local taxi or organized tour, ~20 km (12 mi)Local taxi or organized tour, ~12 mi (20 km)
Visit the last Yamana descendants.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hostal El Resto del Sur
Hostel with cafe, free Wi‑Fi; approx US$15 per night
Hostal El Padrino
Backpacker hostel opposite ferry terminal, kitchen
Hostal Camblor
Simple rooms, central location
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- CLP 15,000–20,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- CLP 20,000–35,000 excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hostel dorm bed1 × 1 night × CLP 15,000 | CLP 15,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × CLP 25,000 | CLP 25,000 |
| Ferry Punta Arenas → Puerto Williams (reclining seat)1 × CLP 195,000 · check | CLP 195,000 |
| eSIM data (1 week)1 × CLP 30,000 · check | CLP 30,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CLP 26,500 |
| Trip total≈ CLP 291,500 per person per day, bed included | CLP 291,500 |
2026 estimate in Chilean pesos; flights and international transport excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | CLP 1,500–2,500 |
| Meal at a hostel café | CLP 4,000–7,000 |
| Ferry ticket (reclining seat)check | CLP 195,000 |
| Museum entry | CLP 2,000–3,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ferry from Punta Arenas runs 1–2 times weekly; plan around the schedule.
- Winter weather can close roads to trekking areas; check local forecasts.
- Currency exchange rates are better than Santiago but still higher than mainland.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 133
- Fire and ambulance
- 131
- Carabineros (national police)
- 133
Pocket card
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Puerto WilliamsPuerto Williams
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police133
- Fire and ambulance131
Embassy
US consulate is in Punta Arenas; Chilean police stations in Puerto Williams can assist visitors.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Punta Arenas → Puerto Williams ferry: ≈ CLP 195,000 for reclining seat, 32 h journey (check)
- Guardiamarina Zañartu Airport → town: Taxi ≈ CLP 12,000–15,000 (10 min)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (disculpe)
- Gracias — Thank you (graˈθjas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (kwanˈto ˈkwes.ta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (ˈdon.de esˈta el ˈba.ɲo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Puerto Williams. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Mar (summer, best trekking weather) · avoid Jun–Aug (cold, limited services) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a multi‑day trekking package (e.g., Dientes Circuit) for adventure travelers.
- Provide ferry‑ticket booking assistance for Punta Arenas connections.
Sources
Ask about Puerto Williams
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