San Isidro Lighthouse

We decide to hitch hike and then hike to the famous lighthouse of San Isidro.
The morning is somewhat slower than anticipated but we meet a nice, interesting German scientist who is preparing her expedition to Antarctica to investigate the impact of tourism there.
Fabian, our (and everyone’s) favourite host of Patagonia drives us to the outskirts of Punta Arenas where we start the journey.
The first driver is Marcello, who simply decided to use his work break to drive us about 40 minutes for free to the park entrance. This incredible gesture touches us and makes us reflect on our own behaviour in Switzerland. We are all so caught up in “efficiency” and our own avenues that we would never think about doing something like this.
It takes us two more car rides (one with an educator driving to a lunch with his colleagues and one with a German couple in a huge, mint coloured van to get to the start of the trail.
A sign indicates the 4 km trail to the lighthouse but we quickly realise that there is no real trail but we need to walk along the pebble’s/ sandy beach which makes it definitely harder. We are both a little bit tired but enjoy being so close to the sea. The view from the lighthouse is beautiful but no luck with spotting marine wildlife. An American grandma is walking the same hike and we meet several time. She is alone, valiantly plodding her way with no food or water with her. She let her son and grandson who could not follow her behind and is a total badass.
We find our way back in 0.5 seconds on the parking lot at the end of the trail and are (speedily) driven back by 4 Chilean teenagers who just came there to take a dip in the ocean. They play traditional Chilean music remixes for Gen Z and are adorable.
Tomorrow is a rest, planning day with family calls and a run for me. The guides for the whale tour will come to our hostel to give us the last instructions.Læs mere