The slow way of traveling
This is just a short article to give you a taste of what it’s like traveling with NAVIMAG. All the necessary information is very well signposted on their website. If you are traveling through Chile and have to cover the distance between Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales, many people opt to fly or make a longer road trip (with some ferry crossings) on the Carretera Austral. But with NAVIMAG there is a unique alternative that gives you the feeling of discovery. On average, a ferry travels back and forth between the two ports every 3 days, mainly with cargo, but also with around 150 passengers on board.
The only tip I would like to share at this point is that you should plan a few buffer days! Depending on the weather conditions, the departure may be delayed or even brought forward up to 48 hours. In my case, the ferry departed 12 hours early and we discovered the email notification almost too late! Don’t be like us and make sure to check your email regularly for the departure time in the 48 hours leading up to the trip!!
The ferry trip offers incredible moments, with picturesque sunsets, yoga and dance classes, wildlife watching and social days with the crew. You learn a lot about the history of the country, the legends and myths. The food was always excellent and the rooms comfortable. All in all, a highly recommended experience.
The ferry journey is three nights and four days and you can choose to ride it north-south or south-north (or both!). We took the ferry south towards Puerto Natales before hiking the O Circuit, but I think it would be a great way to relax hiking in Patagonia. The days are structured mostly around mealtimes, where everyone gathers together and eats at the same time. Besides that, the lack of Wifi or cell service on board means that you can fill your day reading (they even have a small library!), playing games with new friends, attending one of the crew activities, looking for wildlife, or, if you’re as lucky with weather as we were, sunbathing on the deck. It was such a relaxing way to transition to a new part of the country and a great way to meet people as well.



