Punta Arenas Travelers Recommend

Known for being the southernmost city in Chile, Punta Arenas attracts plenty of travelers en route to the icy shores of Antarctica. And while most cruise through this port town without spending so much as a night, it’s worth bunkering down in this bustling hub for at least three days of exploring. 

Day 1: History

Kick off the morning with a visit to the iconic Plaza Munoz Gamero, where locals and travelers gather to kiss the feet of the statue of Magellan in hopes of changing their fortune. Wander the stalls of handcrafted goods made by local artisans before heading to nearby Magallanes Regional Museum. This immaculately restored private residence showcases how wealthy pioneers lived. Explore the well-kept rooms that display not only personal items from the Braun Menendez 

family, but historic artifacts, photos and maps as well. Round out the day with a stop at Punta Arenas Municipal Cemetery, where a state-of-the-art electronic database can lead visitors straight to the burial plots of influential colonizers. 

Day 2: Out Into the Waters

After delving into the history of Punta Arenas, head further into the waters. Take a journey through the Strait of Magellan to see one of the most unforgiving passages early explorers struggled to navigate. Travelers looking to avoid such treacherous waters can instead head to Magdalena Island, where friendly penguins wander the coast. The two-hour journey from Punta Arenas takes visitors along scenic coast, and after disembarking from the ship, it’s possible to explore the rocky coasts, trek through well-marked paths, climb to the top of a lighthouse and even get up close to with some of the tens of thousands of penguins that call Magdalena Island home. 

Day 3: Adventure on Two Wheels

Start your day with breakfast on the Punta Arenas waterfront before meeting one of our Viator guides for a two-hour electric bike tour through some of the area’s most popular sites. Visit a replica of the first ship to navigate around the world at the Nao Victoria Museum and then cruise through the natural landscape of Tres Puentes Wetland, an area some of the country’s most rare birds call home. With an expert guide and an extra small group, travelers are sure to learn plenty about history and culture while exploring the incredible geography. 

Overview

Located along the Strait of Magellan, Chile’s southernmost city is not only the gateway to Antarctica, it’s also the starting point for exploring the wild landscapes of Patagonia. Here are your options for Patagonia tours from Punta Arenas.  

Highlights

• Cruise out to Magdalena and Marta islands on a half- or full-day tour and spot penguins, sea lions, and elephant seals. 

• Set sail on a multi-day cruise around the fjords, glaciers, and mountains of Tierra del Fuego. 

• Cross the remote Beagle Channel from Ushuaia in Argentina to Punta Arenas on an epic 5-day cruise. 

• Enjoy the stunning scenery of Tierra del Fuego, including the Pia Glacier, Ainsworth Bay, and Cape Horn. 

• Visit Puerto Natales, the Serrano Glacier, and Torres del Paine National Park—a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve—on a 4-day tour from Punta Arenas. 

• Marvel at the natural wonders of the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers on a cruise around the Última Esperanza Fjord. 

• Hike through the wild landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park.  

Things to Know

• Punta Arenas is located in the southern Patagonia region of Chile, about 155 miles (250 kilometers) south of Puerto Natales, a journey of about three hours by road. 

• Regular flights run to Punta Arenas from Santiago, Chile, and Buenos Aires and Ushuaia in Argentina. 

• Day tours from Punta Arenas typically last between four and 12 hours. Be sure to pack sturdy walking shoes and all-weather clothing—the weather can change quickly in Patagonia, even in the summer months. 

• Multi-day tours and cruises typically include hotel or on-board accommodation, meals, and all activities. 

• Most day tours include hotel pickup and a stop at a restaurant where you can purchase lunch.