REVISTA DAP AVENTURA 2015-2016

Aventura al fin del mundo 2015 2014 - 2016 2015
Estancia Fitz Roy in Isla Riesco:
THE SPIRIT OF MAGELLAN STOCKBREEDING
A prosperous family business is what
Secundino Fernández has consolidated in
over 30 years in the stockbreeding industry
in Magallanes with sheer hard work and
perseverance, which is exactly what it takes
to make front to the challenging weather in
Patagonia.
A pioneer entrepreneur in the passenger
transport business, Fernández started in
the 80s at the renown Isla Riesco, located
in the Río Verde sector. First, with “Chilenita”
estancia, dedicated to ovine cattle following
the world tendency, and then, with the
changes in international meat and wool
prices, Mr. Secundino opted for bovine, an
industry which he holds to this day through
his stockbreeder firm SFG.
With the years, and as part of his entrepreneur
vision and commitment to the region,
Fernández and his family decided to share
the privilege of living in a place signed by
the coexistence with a southernmost pristine
environment, with whoever wishes to live
the experience. A specific environment that
may only be found in places such Estancia
Fitz Roy, located just a few miles from Río
Verde, in Isla Riesco.
This way, stockbreeding, one of the main
productive sources in Magallanes, is linked
with touristic activity in the region, an industry
that has acquired importance and value,
considering the growing amount of national
and international tourists that each year
visit the region, drawn by the southernmost
landscapes and people.
Today, Secundino’s daughters have taken
charge of keeping the family company
running, with the same enthusiasm and
passion that has driven their father all
these years.
Karina, Ximena and Geraldine, administration
mayor, accountant and agronomist,
have taken upon the challenge of being
entrepreneurs in Patagonia with much
success, leaving their mark in each company
they run.
WHERE IS THIS LOCATED
To access Estancia Fitz Roy (named in
honor of Robert Fitz Roy, vice-admiral of
the British Royal Navy and commander of
the HMS Beagle during the famous world
travel of naturalist Charles Darwin, between
1831 and 1836), this icon of special interest
tourism, it’s necessary to travel almost 100
kilometers from regional Capital, Punta
Arenas, and then make the cross by ferry
to Isla Riesco, one of the largest islands in
Chile, and where the concept of the pioneers,
local stockbreeding and respect for nature
are united to give birth to a unique site.
Upon arrival, it is not only possible to maintain
a direct contact with the pure experience of the
Patagonian ecosystem, but also to participate
in typical activities of an estancia, such as
sheep roundup with specially trained dogs,
wool baths, shearing, horseback riding, and
tasting a traditional roasted lamb barbecue
with local “gauchos” and their typical work
apparel.
Information and knowledge acquired during
one’s stay are an example of the historic path
that the region’s communities have gone
through, particularly regarding to country life.
And in this regard, the estancia presents an
especially interesting experience, because
history presents itself upon arrival, through all
kinds of classic objects. Magallanic kitchen
sets, work machinery, old cars, domestic good
and tools, and a long etcetera. This selection
is then brought together at the shearing hall,
which today serves as exhibition room for
this particular museum. Mr. Fernández has
played the role of a true curator, recollecting
and valuing objects dismissed by others,
that he has stumbled upon during his long
travels around the area.
Maintaining an estancia requires a strong
dedication that includes a special feeling
towards the natural scenery on which it sits,
as well as passion for a productive activity
16
Adventure at the End of the World