Punta Arenas

Lighthouse on Magdalena Island with cloudy skies, depicting a remote Chilean landmark.
Mateusz Walendzik, Pexels

Punta Arenas serves as a vital gateway for expeditions into Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica, while offering a rich tapestry of history and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore its unique past as a key port and observe a variety of marine fauna in their natural habitats.

The city center, particularly around Plaza Muñoz Gamero, acts as the primary social hub, featuring historical buildings, museums, and a selection of restaurants. While the nightlife is more laid-back, the area provides pleasant spaces for dining and connecting with other travelers. Many hostels in the downtown area also cater to backpackers looking to socialize.

Top 6 Things to do in Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas offers a blend of historical exploration, unique wildlife encounters, and panoramic city views.

1. Magdalena Island Penguin Tour

Embarking on a boat tour to Magdalena Island offers an incredible opportunity to walk among a large colony of Magellanic penguins, observing these charming birds in their natural habitat. The journey across the Strait of Magellan also provides scenic views, and there is a chance to spot other marine life like dolphins and cormorants. This activity is a highlight for wildlife lovers.

Cost: Tour prices vary: approximately CLP$105,000 to CLP$135,000 (around USD $110 - $140) per person for a standard or plus cabin tour, which typically includes navigation, bilingual guide, and park entrance fee. Some 'plus' options may include hotel pickup and snacks. Self-serving via public ferry is possible but slower.

Transport: Tours typically depart from Muelle Prat (Prat Dock) in Punta Arenas. Some premium tour options include hotel pickup. The island is 35 kilometers (22 miles) off the coast, requiring a boat trip of approximately 1.5 hours each way.

2. Visit Fuerte Bulnes (Fort Bulnes)

Exploring Fuerte Bulnes, located within the Strait of Magellan Park, allows one to step back in time to the first Chilean settlement in the region. This reconstructed fort and historical monument offers insights into the area's strategic importance and early colonial life. The site also provides stunning coastal views and opportunities for wildlife spotting within the surrounding Magellanic forest.

Cost: Entrance to the Strait of Magellan Park, which includes Fuerte Bulnes, is approximately USD $15 for adults. Some tours bundle this with city sightseeing, with prices for tours starting around USD $80.

Transport: Fuerte Bulnes is located about 52 kilometers (32 miles) south of Punta Arenas. It is best accessed via an organized tour or taxi, as public transport options are limited. Tours often include transportation.

3. Explore Cementerio Municipal Sara Braun (Municipal Cemetery)

Wandering through the Municipal Cemetery, also known as Sara Braun Cemetery, provides a peaceful and reflective experience. Recognized as one of the most beautiful cemeteries globally, it features grand mausoleums, intricate architecture, and perfectly manicured cypress trees. It serves as a historical record, with the resting places of prominent local families and European immigrants reflecting Punta Arenas' rich past. The main entrance, donated by Sara Braun, is typically closed, with visitors entering through a side door.

Cost: Admission is generally free.

Transport: The cemetery is located about ten blocks from the main plaza, accessible by a short walk or a brief taxi ride from the city center.

4. Stroll the Waterfront Promenade (Costanera del Estrecho) and Plaza Muñoz Gamero

Taking a leisurely walk along the Costanera del Estrecho (Waterfront Promenade) offers refreshing sea air and views of the Strait of Magellan, with various monuments along the way. In the city center, Plaza Muñoz Gamero is a vibrant hub featuring historical buildings, including the cathedral, and a monument to Ferdinand Magellan. Rubbing the toe of the indigenous Ona man statue at the monument is said to bring good luck and ensure a return visit to Punta Arenas.

Cost: Both activities are free.

Transport: Both locations are in the heart of Punta Arenas and are easily accessible on foot from most downtown accommodations.

5. Visit Mirador Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross Viewpoint)

Climbing to Mirador Cerro de la Cruz provides panoramic vistas of Punta Arenas, the Strait of Magellan, and Tierra del Fuego in the distance. This elevated viewpoint is a short and rewarding walk from the city center, perfect for capturing memorable photographs, especially around sunset.

Cost: Free.

Transport: This viewpoint is a short uphill walk from the city center, typically about a ten-minute stroll from Plaza Muñoz Gamero.

6. Explore the Nao Victoria Museum

The Nao Victoria Museum showcases full-scale replicas of historic ships, including Ferdinand Magellan's Nao Victoria. This museum provides an immersive journey into maritime history, offering insights into the expeditions that navigated the Strait of Magellan and the region's significant role in global trade and exploration.

Cost: Entrance fee is approximately USD $6 or 4,500 CLP.

Transport: The museum is located just outside Punta Arenas, requiring a taxi to reach. Some city tours may include a stop here.

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