Fort Bulnes (Fuerte Bulnes)
The basics
Fort Bulnes (Fuerte Bulnes) is most commonly visited as part of a shore excursion in Punta Arenas. Day trips typically give you a tour of the reconstructed church, jail, post office, and stables, and provide historical context that’s otherwise difficult to access due to limited signage. Other common features of Punta Arenas shore excursions include Maggiorino Borgatello Salesian Museum, which covers the entire history and culture of Patagonia, and the Cerro de la Cruz lookout point.
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Things to know before you go
- Due to its elevated location, the outdoor fortress is generally windy and cold, so ensure you take a rainjacket and layer up.
- There are several hiking trails that branch off from the fort, so ensure that you’re wearing sturdy shoes if you plan to explore them. Trails explore both forests and coastal landscapes.
- The fort charges a relatively expensive admission fee so ensure that you take plenty of cash.
How to get there
From the centre of Punta Arenas, Fort Bulnes (Fuerte Bulnes) is a 1-hour drive via Ruta 9. The route follows the coastline and therefore offers excellent views that are best enjoyed from the passenger seat rather than at the wheel.
When to get there
The park that comprises Fort Bulnes (Fuerte Bulnes) is open from midmorning until early evening. The museum operates similar opening hours, but it's worth calling in advance to double-check.
The Penguins of Magdalena Island
Located off the rocky northeastern shores of Punta Arenas, Magdalena Island (Isla Magdalena) is home to a huge colony of Magellanic penguins and is a designated national nature reserve. In addition to more than 120,000 penguins, the island and its surroundings play host to sea lions, elephant seals, Chilean dolphins, and cormorants.
- Strait of Magellan
- Magdalena Island (Isla Magdalena)
- Plaza Muñoz Gamero
- Magallanes Regional Museum (Braun-Menendez Palace)
- Maggiorino Borgatello Salesian Museum (Museo Salesian)
- Punta Arenas Cruise Port
- Punta Arenas Municipal Cemetery
- Tres Puentes Wetland (Humedal Tres Puentes)
- Nao Victoria Museum (Museo Nao Victoria)
- Penguin Colony of Otway Sound (Seno Otway)