Photo Gallery

The sky over Patagonia looks different than anywhere else. Often it is veiled by very light clouds that let a strange light shine through. Sometimes the wind blows in violent gusts, triggering sandstorms. Then it is necessary to seek shelter immediately in order to escape the turmoil of the elements. A yellowish light enhances the sense of threat that the traveler sees. - Fishermen are on their way with their ship on Megellanstrasse, in the Chilean part of Tierra del Fuego. - 1973

On 21 October 1520, Ferdinand Magellan and a fleet of four ships entered a strait separating Patagonia from Tierra del Fuego, which today bears his name. On 28 November of the same year, the Portuguese navigator's sailors reached the Pacific Ocean. The passage had taken thirty-six days. This achievement was one stage in the first voyage around the world, an adventure that was to end in death for Magellan and most of the men in his crew. Today, traversing the Strait of Magellan offers no difficulties, despite the harsh weather in these regions. A ferry connects the mainland with the large southern island. The areas on both sides of the strait belong to Chile. Tierra del Fuego owes its name to the navigator Magellan, who was astonished to notice Indian fires all along the shores. Today, instead of the Indian fires, the columns of flames from the oil drilling sites glow there. The National Road 3 leads to the northern shore of the strait and continues over there. - 1973