Private Half-day Patagonian Forest Hike In Punta Arenas

We did the private half day forest hike on new year's day. It was a very nice experience. We got to hike a part of Punta Arenas we wouldn't have gotten to without Manuel. The hike was about 3 miles total, with some short uphill stretches but because it's a private tour we were able to go at our own relaxed pace. We got to the top and sat for a snack (provided by our guide) while enjoying the beautiful views. All along the way Manuel shared valuable information about the regions history, customs, and nature. We then stopped for lunch at a local restaurant (also covered by our guide). This was overall a wonderful experience that we would highly recommend!

We had originally planned a forest hike for our first day in Punta Arenas, but the weather was not cooperating. We woke up to a very rainy day! But Manuel was very accommodating and able to pivot in real-time to an alternate location that would avoid most of the rain (and mud). We ended up taking a lovely hike along a river through glorious fields of lupine. We were able to make the most of the rainy day!

This was the best hike tour I've ever been on. Not only were Manny and Jamie so incredibly amiable and knowledgeable - they were caring and attentive as well. Don't forget to ask them how they met, it's a story as lovely as the hike. Can't thank them enough for the wonderful experience!

Jamie was waiting for me at the cruise port with a sign. She informed me that I had booked a private guided hike which was news to me. So happy that it was but in looking over the booking, the word “private” is not in there. I was not disappointed that it was a private tour but pointing it out so Jamie knows. I think more people would book her tour if they knew it was private. I couldn’t be happier with my choice. Jamie is warm, friendly, knowledgeable and a very positive person. She supported me throughout the hike and made me happy. Her background in biology and birds and her love of nature were other pluses. We engaged in forest bathing and were blessed with a wonderful peaceful experience. So much better than the 2 large buses that we met coming in on our way out. She came equipped with walking sticks and wonderful local snacks. After a hike, Jamie brought me to a wonderful local restaurant were I experienced local seafood and pisco sour! I haven’t received my photos that Jamie took but I am hopeful that she will find me and send them. They would be a wonderful additional memory of my great day in the Patagonia forest!

I took a very informative hike with Manuel. The day was very, very windy and he suggested an alternate hike that was safer. I am glad that he did as I had heard from hikers earlier that with high winds the original route could get dangerous. We hiked through the forest and Manual knew the horticulture and the history of the area and this made the hike very special. We did hike to the top of the hill and stood in the wind and surveyed the mountains surrounding Punta Arenas. After the hike we had a wonderful lunch at one of the local restaurants that I might not have ordered for myself but was very good. A very enjoyable day.

First rate organisation. We were met as we passed through security at the dock. A very friendly welcome and introduction and soon on our way to the starting point for the hike. Expert, friendly guide who assessed our walking ability and sensibly clothing was suitable for a more challenging walk. Very informative, safe and enjoyable throughout. After the walk we were taken to a local restaurant for a very enjoyable meal with drinks. Super time - strongly recommend.

We were disappointed that our ship was not able to dock, and therefore we were unable to do the hike. However, this company maintained good communication through the whole process and promptly refunded our money. Hoping to use them again if the opportunity presents itself!

It was a beautiful and varied hike through the Patagonian forest. Our extremely charming and competent hiking guide entertained us with little anecdotes and conveyed many interesting facts about the different ecosystems. In a relaxed atmosphere we walked through the forest where we learned a lot about the different mushrooms and other plants. At the end we had local specialities which were really delicious. And I was lucky: although I hadn't announced it, there was a gluten-free version for me. Altogether a nice excursion, especially because of the nice hiking guide.

An absolutely wonderful day… Hiking in a beautiful forest with our guide, Jamie, and a small group, ending with a wonderful picnic and beautiful view! I would highly recommend this adventure for anyone. The hike was a perfect length and never too strenuous! Jamie was a delightful guide!

Well organized tour with Jamie. Originally from Canada English of course was great.She was very knowledgeable about flora and area and history. I had a bad knee and was able to keep up with use of trekking pole. Lovely sandwich, drink and treat when we finished. One other couple with us and was taken by van to gangplank.

We really enjoyed this trek. The sun was out and we had an amazing guide with us. She was extremely knowledgeable about the area and flora and fauna, despite being a Canadian! A friendly group and a lovely packed lunch, couldn't be better!

Beautiful and easy hike with delicious lunch. Loved every minute! Thank you! Picked us up at pier, comfortable van.....absolutely wonderful experience!

Our cruise was very late to dock but Jamie was happy to wait for us . We drove to the Patagonian forest and had a lovely walk through the forest . It was great to have fresh air ! Jamie knew so much about the fauna and Flora of the area so we learnt a lot!Also it was good to have a conversation about Chile’s history and the cultural side of the country. We ended with a picnic lunch in the sun. A lovely few hours.

We had a very nice hike with Manuel. He was waiting for us as we exited the port and took us immediately to the park for the hike. He was very knowledgeable about the local plants and wildlife. Someone in the group had a health issue and he helped get him to the end of the hike. We would go again!

Upon our arrival with the tender boat in the harbour of Punta Arenas, Jamie from Borealis Adventures Patagonia was already waiting for us with her cheerful friendly smile. We had booked via Tripadvisor and the communication in advance via Messenger worked out great (English). Our small group (4 girlfriends) was completed by an American couple and we took a large taxi through the city to the starting point of the hike in the 'Reserva Nacional Magallanes'. Jamie is a very knowledgeable and informative hiking guide, who is very happy to provide information about plants, mushrooms and animals along the picturesque forest trail. Sensational views of the surrounding area are not missed out on this excursion either. So be sure to pack your camera! The hike itself is very easy thanks to the hiking poles provided by Jamie (but of course you can also do it without them). You should wear sturdy shoes such as hiking or trekking shoes, as you will partly walk through bumpy terrain. Unfortunately, we did not see the very shy puma, but we did see his legacy... At the end of the way through the seemingly enchanted Patagonian fairy tale forest, which seems to have just flown by, we strengthened ourselves with sandwiches, cookies and drinks made by Jamie. At the agreed meeting point we were reliably picked up by our very prudent taxi driver (with whom Jamie regularly works) and brought back to the city. Enriched with unforgettable nature impressions and a lot of fun we would like to recommend this tour to every cruiser who wants to make excursions not only by the ship's organization in large groups. Individualists ahead!!!

Tried to cancel due to illness. Was in quarantine on ship medical Bay. Tried texting, replying to your email etc. Had no luck. Still have not heard back

The tour was late due to some guests cruise was late, so we had to rush because we had a cruise to catch after the hike. The tour operator did everything to help us to get back in time so we appreciate the effort and the communication was excellent. However, the forest was not the most interesting, good exercise and that's it.

Pick up at the cruise terminal was smooth even though we were late in port, our guide kept us well informed during the hike and to care of us with a small lunch. Returned to the terminal as promissed.

We had a wonderful 3-4 mile hike in the forest. This was easy to arrange, pick up went smoothly, and we were returned to our ship refreshed. I would recommend this for anyone wanting to get away for some peace and quiet, and for some time to enjoy the outdoors of Patagonia. We even saw falcons! So happy we arranged this outing with locals instead of spending our money on a cruise ship excursion.

Delightful! Our guide, a young woman (sorry can’t remember the name) was Attentive, caring, well-informed, and simply charming. A beautiful route, not difficult, There were a couple of short stretches there that required some effort and the guide and fellow hikers were very attentive to each other needs. We ascended to a beautiful windy spot with a great view. Upon the completion of the route we had a delicious picnic under the tree when we spoke about the nature, literature, and music. A pure pleasure!

I did the half-day forest hike with Borealis Adventures today (Jan 1). We are on an Antarctic cruise and have experienced (or in some cases endured) tours – both independent and cruise affiliated – in several ports on this trip. And while we often prefer to explore on our own, we have used tour companies for a few other cruises as well as many trips abroad. So, let me start by saying this is the most enjoyable experience I have ever had with a tour company. I had initially booked this tour through Viator for Dec 1 in error, and when I tried to correct the date, I was told by Viator that there were no openings on Jan 1. A couple of weeks later I received a very nice email from Jamie, one of the owners of Borealis Adventures, informing me that there was in fact an opening. She and I emailed back and forth a couple more times to confirm arrangements. She was extremely helpful, and her positive and endearing personality came shining through. Jamie picked me up right on time at the cruise terminal and it was a pleasure to meet her. We had a small group of 5 on our hike, and she managed to get the group, who had just met, interacting immediately like long-time friends. We had a great hike. Jamie entertained us with information about the flora and fauna, stopping frequently to point things out. She also shared storied and information about the local history, culture, politics and local life in general. She took group photos of us at a couple of scenic spots along the trail, which she will be emailing to us – a nice touch. She provided tasty sandwiches for lunch, made by her husband (and co-owner) Manuel, who was off guiding another hiking group. On the way back Jamie had the driver stop at a scenic overlook of the port and the downtown – a nice surprise – and then dropped us off wherever we liked. By the end I felt that we had made a lot of new friends, including Jamie and Manuel. I strongly and highly recommend booking a tour with Borealis Adventures.

We did a half day forest hike with Jaime with a small group from our cruise ship. She was a joy to walk with. Never rushed us. Explained and answered everyone’s questions and comments. She also made a nice picnic lunch for us. Scenery and tour was wonderful. I would recommend this for anyone visiting Punta Arenas!

We spent a wonderful half day with Jaime in the forrest, learned a lot about local flora and life in Patagonia, practised our beginner‘s level spanish skills with her mother-in-law Ruth who was our most friendly driver there and back into town, and the cook behind the wonderful lunch we got to enjoy. Very much recommended to everyone who would like to enjoy some nice few hours in the woods with spectacular views!

My wife and I were on a South American cruise this January that included a stop at Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia. I searched the internet for a tour within our time constraints and found Boreal Penguin Adventures. I called, and from my first telephone contact with Jamie, I knew we had picked the right tour company to immerse us in the beauty and biodiversity of the Reserva Forestal Magallanes. During the planning stages, Jamie was super helpful answering my questions, including volunteering information beyond the scope of our tour. When we arrived in Punta Arenas, we were joyfully greeted by Jaime and husband Manuel. She took us on a fact-filled city highlights tour before beginning our wonderful hike in the Reserva. During the hike, Jamie, loaded with hiking gear and food for our picnic lunch, explained the history and flora and fauna of the area. It felt like we were hiking with a knowledgeable relative or old friend. Mid-hike Jaime broke out our specially designed picnic lunch; a meal for my wife and a different one for me as I am a vegan. We ate the delicious homemade food while sitting on a fallen tree trunk in the midst of the forest. It was perfect. After the hike, having been driven back to town, she and Manuel graciously volunteered to drive us to a local market to pick up some items we needed. Just another example of the personal attention we received. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Punta Arenas, I HIGHLY recommend you contact Jaime at Boreal for either a standard or customized tour.

Great diversity as we hiked through an old growth forest with many unique sights, and up to the top for a spectacular view of the countryside, the town of Punta Arenas, and the Magellan strait. Our guide, Jamie, was full of interesting facts and provided us detailed explanation of the flora and fauna of the area (some very cool fungi). This was the perfect half-day hike to get familiar with the natural beauty of the area.

Excelente actividad. Altamente recomendada ya que fue muy interesante y muy buen guia Manuel. Muy buen fin de actividad en restaurante Patagonia Speechless.

When we arrived by tender boat in Punta Arenas harbour Jamie from Borealis Adventures Patagonia was already waiting for us with her cheerful friendly smile. We booked via Tripadvisor and the communication in advance via Messenger worked great (English). Our small group (4 girlfriends) was completed by an American couple and we took an open-plan taxi through the city to the starting point of the hike in the 'Reserva Nacional Magallanes'. Jamie is a very informed and informative hiking guide who provides great joy and precise knowledge about plants, fungi and animals along the picturesque forest path. Also sensational views of the surroundings are not neglected on this excursion. Therefore, be sure to pack a photo camera! The hike itself is very manageable thanks to the hiking poles provided by Jamie (but of course it can be done without). Sturdy footwear such as hiking or trekking shoes should be worn, as it goes partly through bumpy terrain. Unfortunately, we have not seen the very shy Puma, but very well his legacy... At the end of the path through the enchanted Patagonian fairytale forest, we strengthened ourselves with Jamie’s homemade sandwiches, cookies and drinks. At the agreed meeting point we were reliably picked up by our very prudent taxi driver (with whom Jamie regularly works) and brought back to the city. Enriched with unforgettable nature impressions and lots of fun, we would like to recommend this tour to anyone who wants to make trips not only through the ship's organizations in large groups. Individualists before!!!