How Do People Live at the End of the World? Inside Puerto Williams
How Do People Live at the End of the World? Inside Puerto Williams
Tucked away on Navarino Island in Chile’s far south, Puerto Williams quietly holds a remarkable title—the southernmost city on Earth. Officially recognized in 2019, it surpassed the more famous Argentine city of Ushuaia, positioning itself even closer to Antarctica and redefining the edge of civilization.
With a population of just around 2,800, Puerto Williams may be small, but it plays a significant role. From supporting Antarctic research missions to housing Chilean naval operations, this city is a vital outpost in one of the planet’s most remote regions.
What makes Puerto Williams stand out isn’t just its extreme latitude, but the fact that life thrives here year-round. The city is fully functional, with schools, government offices, and public infrastructure designed to withstand its harsh climate. Despite cold winds, snowstorms, and geographic isolation, the local community continues to adapt and thrive.
Nearby lies Puerto Toro, an even more southerly settlement—but with only 30 to 40 residents and no official city status, it doesn’t rival Puerto Williams in global recognition. Thus, Puerto Williams remains the last true city before the great white expanse of Antarctica.
In recent years, tourism has taken root here too. Nature lovers, trekkers, and scientists visit to explore the pristine landscapes and biodiversity of the sub-Antarctic. The rugged Dientes de Navarino trek offers adventurers a rare chance to hike in near-complete wilderness.
Puerto Williams may be far from bustling metropolises, but its presence is anything but insignificant. It stands as a powerful symbol of human endurance and scientific spirit in a place where few dare to settle.
Whether you’re in search of untouched beauty, extreme geography, or a gateway to the unknown, Puerto Williams truly lives up to its nickname: the last city on Earth.
