Puerto Williams: The True End of the World 🇨🇱

Many travellers (and quite a few guidebooks) still point to Ushuaia, Argentina, as the southernmost city on Earth. Yet just a short distance further south, across the cold waters of the Beagle Channel, lies Puerto Williams, a small but officially recognised Chilean city on Navarino Island, in the Magallanes Region. Located approximately 55 kilometres south of Ushuaia, Puerto Williams holds the distinction of being the world’s southernmost city.

Nestled between the Dientes de Navarino mountain range and the waters of the channel, Puerto Williams offers a unique context—both geographically and culturally—for those drawn to the edge of the world.

A breathtaking aerial view of Puerto Williams, Chile, showcasing its vibrant buildings nestled between snow-capped mountains and serene coastal waters.

What makes Puerto Williams particularly compelling is the profound sense of remoteness it evokes—without feeling disconnected. The city is surrounded by vast expanses of virgin forest, dramatic peaks, and a silence that’s difficult to describe until experienced. It’s a destination for travellers seeking more than ticking a box; it’s for those in search of solitude, clarity, and authentic contact with nature and history.

Architecturally, the setting inspires reflection. The built environment here responds directly to the extremes of the climate and geography—modest structures shaped by function, resilience, and the practical needs of a close-knit community. This honest relationship between people and place is something architects and designers can learn much from.

Charming architecture in Puerto Williams, Chile, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and dramatic skies.

Beyond its dramatic natural setting, Puerto Williams is also home to the Yagán people, one of the world’s southernmost Indigenous communities. For millennia, the Yagán navigated the harsh climate and icy waters of this region in canoes, living in harmony with the land and sea. Today, their heritage continues to shape the cultural identity of the area. Initiatives such as local museums, craft traditions, and educational centres highlight the deep knowledge and resilience of this remarkable culture—offering visitors a rare opportunity to engage with a living history that predates European contact by thousands of years.

A group of Yagan people, wearing traditional face paint and attire, gather together in Puerto Williams, Chile, showcasing their cultural heritage against a backdrop of natural surroundings.

So, if you’re looking to truly stand at the edge of the world—not metaphorically, but quite literally—Puerto Williams awaits.