January 02, 2025

We set out on our bikes for Puerto Natales, located on a Pacific fjord, 60 km away.
Just two days ago, we were in Rio Gallegos on the Atlantic, and now, after 340 km, we’re on the other ocean. South America is definitely starting to narrow.

Today’s plan includes 120 km (60 km to get there and the same for the return).
The road is called the “Ruta del Fin del Mundo” because the world ends where the road does.

Along the way, we encounter Gauchos on horseback driving a herd, then wild horses , and an endless field of daisies. These flowers seem to dance wildly, whipped by the wind. They’re so stunning that we can’t resist stopping to sing Margherita by Riccardo Cocciante.

After three hours of cycling against the wind (20 km/h), we arrive in Puerto Natales.
We’re greeted by the town’s iconic symbols:

The statue of the enormous sloth, whose remains were discovered just a few decades ago.

The giant hand welcoming those arriving from the sea.

The town’s sign.

At 12:30, exhausted, we head to a lovely traditional restaurant, Escondita , with a stunning sea view —although even that doesn’t stop Stefano from taking a well-earned nap.

After lunch, we visit the Museum of Patagonian History, where we learn that the indigenous Tehuelche people were captured and exhibited in zoos in Paris, London, and Genoa as late as 1881!

After the museum, most of the group is too tired to bike back and opts to visit the Last Hope gin distillery.
However, the afternoon is beautiful, and I decide to ride back on my own.

Good night,
Fabio