The first world tour

500 years ago, in 1520, navigator and explorer Fernand de Magellan discovered the strait that would bear his name, and thus launched the first-ever circumnavigation of the globe. Fascinated by expeditions to faraway lands, we take you on a journey through time, from great discoveries to more recent explorations, via famous canals, maritime routes and travelogues.

The Strait of Magellan is a maritime passage separating southern Chile and Tierra del Fuego. It is the longest natural passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, measuring almost 611 km. Although it’s a dreamy crossing, it’s not the most hospitable of places, due to its climate and strong tidal currents, particularly in the narrower sections. Ships using this route often require navigational assistance (marine pilotage or ocean-going tugs).

Until the opening of the Panama Canal at the beginning of the 20th century, the Strait of Magellan was the only maritime route that allowed us to cross the South American continent from east to west, avoiding Cape Horn.

In 1999, the Chilean authorities recorded the passage of 1,256 foreign and 411 Chilean vessels; in 2008, they counted 1,681 and 577 respectively.

Discover our selection of documents and set off on a new round-the-world trip!

Some useful links

In the footsteps of Magellan (RTS – Passe-moi les jumelles)

Who’s been around what? The Magellan survey and world exploration (Festival Histoire et Cité)

Suzanne Kaufmann