Última Esperanza Sound, Glacial inlet in Magallanes Region, Chile

Última Esperanza Sound is a glacial inlet in Chile's Magallanes Region that runs between Eberhard Fjord and Monte Balmaceda. It receives water from the Serrano River, which flows from Torres del Paine National Park.

Navigator Juan Ladrillero discovered and named this inlet in 1557 while searching for the western entrance to the Strait of Magellan. This discovery was part of the early exploration of South America's southern coast.

The inlet's name comes from Juan Ladrillero, who in 1557 saw this route as his last hope of reaching the Strait of Magellan. Its shores were navigated for some 6,000 years by the Kawésqar, nomadic canoe peoples, while Aonikenk or southern Tehuelche came down from the interior to the coast. Near Eberhard Fjord, Cueva del Milodón holds remains of the extinct ground sloth beside traces of prehistoric human settlement.

Ferry services depart from Puerto Natales and connect the inlet to several protected areas in the region. Visitors can kayak, observe glaciers, and explore the surrounding wilderness from the water.

The glaciers in this inlet reached their maximum extent approximately 48,000 years ago, carving the current valley formation.