November 11: On Navimag

By Dr. John

Breakfast at the bus station in Puerto Montt is a hit: Churrasco al Plato con Huevos. After a brief stop at the "internet caffe", we take a cab to the Navimag Ferries boat terminal. We realize we could have walked there by taking a left out of the terminal and walking along a curving road about the length of a block.

Navimag, I suspect, was created from the words "navigation" and "Magellan". We arrive early and and take seats in the waiting area as 196 people from around the world slowly gather in the station. The commonly heard languages include Spanish, German, English, and Swedish. At noon, we board Navimag.

A cargo and passenger ferry, Navimag is a common route from Puerto Montt to southern Patagonia. In addition to cargo, mostly vehicles, our boat carries 196 passengers and 46 crew. While many, like ourselves, are heading to Torres del Paine, others are off to other destinations such as Tierra del Fuego, the land of fire named during Magellan's voyage through the strait that bears his name.

Following a snack provided just after boarding, we walk on deck, take pictures, or settle in the pub. Dinner, served in two shifts includes salmon, bread roll, rice, small peaches, and mandarin. I pass on the bread and rice and fortunately my request for two salmon servings is granted. You can also get extra fruit. (Bring some packaged paleo goodies, declare them, they get in without problem.)