A tour of ethnic enclaves in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego would be an equally appropriate title. In the late 19th and early 20th century both Chile and Argentina stimulated establishment of communities of immigrants as a mechanism for claiming and protecting claims to geography. Commercial interests were the drivers. Revenue accruing to owners of ports which made shipping around the southern tip of the continent viable was one and control of natural resources was another. Groups of Europeans, mostly farmers, were enticed by free land and a subsidies providing one year livelihood to exchange a harsh life in the old country for a very tough pioneering experience on or near the coasts of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.
Little trace remains of the ancient mariners other then statues commemorating their feats.
Imprints of the German, Slavic, Italian and Welch heritage of the immigrants remain. They came as homogeneous groups. Settlements they established, although now Spanish speaking, retain many of their ancestral traditions. Santiago Chile, where our trip started, traces it's roots to Spanish colonial times. A statue of the Virgin on San Cristobal hill overlooks the city and along with the architecture in the old part of the city, confirms a Spanish Catholic past.