Puerto del Hambre

Archaeological Site Ruins of failed 16th-century settlement in Patagonia

On Chile’s southern coastline, Puerto del Hambre (Port Famine) is a remote historic site associated with failed 16th-17th-century settlements; historians and expedition visitors come for ruins and stark shoreline scenery.

Main image
Puerto del Hambre
Puerto del Hambre (Port Famine), Brunswick Peninsula area, Region of Magallanes, Chile
-53.6074, -70.9343
Open year-round (outdoor site)
Free (historical site; access may be via park or coastal trail)

How to Get to Puerto del Hambre #

Puerto del Hambre lies on the northern shores of the Strait of Magellan, within the Magallanes region. The nearest major centre is Punta Arenas; from there, reaching the site requires a long drive and local directions - many visitors visit as part of organized historical or coastal tours. Check with regional tourism offices in Punta Arenas for recommended routes and permissions.

Tips for Visiting Puerto del Hambre #

  • Weather here is extreme and changeable - bring warm, windproof layers even in summer.
  • There are few facilities; plan supplies from Punta Arenas or local settlements before setting out.
  • Read accounts of the 1584-1587 expedition beforehand - the site's name is a blunt historical footnote about colonial failure and survival.

Best Time to Visit Puerto del Hambre #

The austral summer (December-February) gives the gentlest weather and easiest access; expect cold winds year-round.

Summer (austral)
Dec-Feb · 0-10°C
Milder temperatures and the best window for visiting Patagonia's southern sites; long daylight for exploration.
Shoulder seasons
Oct-Nov; Mar-Apr · -2-8°C
Fewer visitors but higher likelihood of stormy weather and rough seas.

Weather & Climate near Puerto del Hambre #

Climate

Puerto del Hambre's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 0°C to 14°C. Moderate rainfall (767 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 48 Good
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryOctober
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
8.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.6
UV Index
Very High
16.1h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
13°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
8.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.2
UV Index
High
14.4h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with 77 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
7.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
12.3h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
7.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 77 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.3h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.3h daylight

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.8h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.4h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.4
UV Index
Low
11.5h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
8.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
13.6h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
8.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.4
UV Index
High
15.6h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
8.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.7
UV Index
Very High
16.7h daylight

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