Touristic Information: Punta Arenas and the Magellanic Region
About Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is the southernmost city in Chile. It has a population of around 130,000 people. We´re isolated from the rest of Chile--to get here, you must either fly in from elsewhere in Chile, or come by bus through Argentina.
We´re located at 53 degrees South. The weather is extremely variable, and wind is frequently very strong! In summer we have long hours of daylight, but in winter the days are short!
Travelers here can experience a unique mix of different cultures, a rich and fascinating history, lots of hiking, and enjoy observing wildlife.
From Punta Arenas, you can voyage to Antarctica, you can embark on an expedition cruise for a few days to see stunning landscapes, go to the rugged island of Tierra del Fuego, or you can go to Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park.
What to see and do in Punta Arenas
-Take a Running City Tour with us!
-Visit one of several interesting museums: Maggiorino Borgatello (Salesian) Museum, Nao Victoria and replicas of historical ships, Naval Museum, the Magallanes Museum, Sara Braun house, Río Seco Museum.
-Visit the Magellanic Forest Reserve located 8km from the city and enjoy panoramis views.
-Try typical Magellanic cusine! Typical things include: lamb cookout prepared on a spit roast, hierba mate (herbal tea you drink from a gourd with a metal straw), calafate (local berry rich in antioxidants), rhubarb (brought here by the British!), seafood: scallops, king crab, mussels, cod, southern hake. Also: local chocolates:)
-Visit the Main Square, Ovejero Monument,Cerro la Cruz lookout point
-Visit the Punta Arenas Cemetery, well-known for being the most beautiful cemetery in Chile
Day Trips from Punta Arenas
-Monte Tarn
-San Isidro Lighthouse
-Bulnes Fort/Port Famine
-Pali Aike National Park
-Archaeolotical Tour
-See Magellanic Penguins at Magdalena Island
-Observe majestic Andean Condors
-Birdwatching and Photography
-go kayaking and observe marine life
-Full day Tierra del Fuego and King Penguin tour(very long day but worth it!)
-Full day Torres del Paine (we recommend going for several days, but if you only have one day available, the park is a must-see!)
What to bring
-Long sleeved shirts warm socks camera
-Fleece or warm sweatshirt down jacket or parka comfortable shoes for around town
-long underwear waterproof jacket and pants sleeveless or short sleeved shirts (summer)
-waterproof hiking boots gloves adapter for camera and phone chargers
-long pants /hiking pants walking sticks/poles (220V, 50Hz, type C/L)
-hat or buff small backpack for day trips
-sunglasses and sunscreen water bottle or thermos