Choose from 124 Fun Things to Do in Chile
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Plaza de Armas
The site on which the city was founded back in 1541, Plaza de Armas is both the heart of Santiago de Chile’s historic district and the epicenter of the modern city. The leafy, palm-fringed plaza is surrounded by grand monuments and architectural landmarks, and it’s abuzz with activity at all hours of the day and night.
The Basics
Whether you choose to explore the capital on a walking tour, cycle between the sights on a bike tour, or customize your own itinerary on a private tour, a Santiago city tour isn’t complete without a stop at the Plaza de Armas. Santiago tours often combine a half-day tour of the historic center with a cable car ride to the top of San Cristóbal Hill, a tour of the atmospheric Bellavista neighborhood, or wine tasting in the nearby Maipo Valley. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, hop-on hop-off bus tours also connect the Plaza de Armas with other Santiago attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plaza de Armas is a must for all first-time visitors to Santiago.
- There are a number of cafés and restaurants around the square, but for budget options, try the surrounding streets.
- As in all large cities, keep an eye on your belongings—pickpockets are common around the square.
- The Plaza de Armas hosts various festivals, events, and markets throughout the year, including Santiago’s Independence Day celebrations.
- Santiago’s main tourist office is located at the north end of the square.
How to Get to There
Most of Santiago’s central attractions and hotels are within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas, and the towering spires of the plaza’s Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago (Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago) are hard to miss. Numerous buses stop on and around the square, while the closest metro station is Plaza de Armas on the L5 green line.
When to Get There
The Plaza de Armas is busy at any time of day or night, and if you’re staying in the city, you’ll likely pass through at several times during your stay. For crowd-free photos of the square’s buildings, an early morning visit is the best chance, while weekend afternoons are the liveliest time, with live musicians and street performers providing entertainment.
Plaza de Armas Landmarks
The magnificent 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago stands proud at the northwestern edge of the square, opposite which is the Central Post Office (Edificio del Correo Central), housed in the stunning former Presidential Palace. Next door is another national monument, the neoclassical Town Hall, while just off the main square, the colonnaded facade of the 20th-century Palace of Justice (Palacio de los Tribunales de Justicia de Santiago) is another photo-worthy sight.
Address: Plaza de Armas, Santiago Centro, Santiago de Chile, Chile
Admission: Free
From $ 18
Punta Arenas Municipal Cemetery
Opened in 1894, the Punta Arenas Municipal Cemetery is known as the final resting place for some of the area’s most famous historical figures. Relevant families—like the Menendez-Behetys—even have their own chapels here. The massive iron gate stationed at the cemetery’s main entrance was donated by Sara Braun, a wealthy businesswoman, back in 1919, and local legend says it has remained closed and locked since the day it was completed at Sara’s request. While the grounds were originally reserved for bodies of British colonialists, it also includes those of famous German, French, Norwegian and Chilean residents as well.
Punta Arenas Municipal Cemetery covers about 10 acres (four hectares) of city land, making it one of the most expansive burial grounds in the region. Visits are often included in city tours, and the cemetery’s main office has an incredible electronic database where travelers can search for individuals by name to find the location of specific plots.
Practical Info
The cemetery is located in the north end of the city near the corner of Bulnes Avenue and Bilbao Street, just south of Club Hipico. Visitors can enter from either Francisco Bilbao Street or Angamos Street.
Address: Avda Bulnes 029, Punta Arenas, Chile
From $ 150
Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas is popular as the smaller, less accessible port town just 15 minutes from Puerto Montt, overlooking beautiful Lago Llanquihue and the snowcapped peak of Osorno Volcano.
The pretty city attracts active travelers with wonderful hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and fishing opportunities; you could arrange to scale that magnificent volcano if you have the time. But Puerto Varas is a cultural gem as well, with its wonderful German architecture exemplified by the red, wooden spires of the hilltop cathedral. The city is also well known for its German-accented cuisine, in particular the tasty kuechen, or cakes, just desserts after a busy day exploring the countryside.
Practical Info
Isolated from the ocean, Puerto Varas lies on the shores of Lago Llanquihue. It is accessible by land from the larger city of Puerto Montt, with flights to Santiago and other Chilean cities, regular ferry connections up and down the coast, and buses throughout the region. Minibuses make the 15-minute trip between Puerto Montt's main terminal and central Puerto Varas throughout the day.
You can also cross to Bariloche, Argentina via Lago Todos los Santos, from Puerto Varas.
Address: Ruta 5, Puerto Varas, Chile
Admission: Free
From $ 35
Paseo Gervasoni
Travelers who want a taste of culture and local life will find what they seek on a stroll through the Paseo Gervasoni. This popular walking street winds through massive murals of colorful art depicting images of daily life, portraits of famous Chileans and abstract drawings as well. Visitors say it is an outdoor Mecca where travelers can soak up brilliant local artwork while they also soak up the sun.
Incredible views of the crystal blue bay provide the perfect opportunity to watch ships sail in and out of the bustling harbor and a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars offer outdoor seating that’s ideal for people-watching.
Practical Info
Paseo Gervasoni is part of the Cerro Concepcion neighborhood. It is located less than two hours from Santiago by bus and guided day tours are available at most hotels and hostels.
Address: Valparaiso, Chile
From $ 18
Rainbow Valley (Valle Arcoiris)
When you see the stark, bright colors of San Pedro de Atacama and its surroundings, you may wonder how much of a standout Rainbow Valley (Valle del Arcoiris) could really be. The valley, however, located 50 miles from town, is home to tremendous variety of things to see and views to gaze upon. Mineral deposits have left vibrant reds, browns, purples, greens and yellows on the rocks in this area over the course of thousands of years, and in addition, the wind and very occasional rain have carved interesting shapes, rocky spires and small canyons into the valley. At 11,500 feet above sea level, this area makes for slow but worthwhile exploring.
In addition to the bright photogenic colors, Hierbas Buenas also makes for a popular stopping spot for visitors with its thousands of petroglyphs carved into stone by early Atacama dwellers, some about 11,000 years old.
Practical Info
Rainbow Valley is less popular among tourists than other noteworthy sites, so expect smaller crowds here. If you decide to go on your own, bring a good map and make sure to go in the morning when the colors are most visible. Sunscreen, sunglasses, water and extra layers against wind are musts.
Address: Domeyko Mountains, Chile
From $ 58
Rano Raraku
One of Easter Island’s most unforgettable landmarks, the ancient volcano of Rano Raraku is home to the island’s largest and most important archaeological site. Known as the quarry, this was where the island’s iconic moai were carved, using the naturally formed tuff (a soft rock made from solidified volcanic ash), and then distributed around the island.
About 95 percent of all the island’s moai were carved at Rano Raraku, and although the site was abandoned in the late 18th century, it remains littered with a remarkable 396 incomplete moai. Wander through the quarry and you’ll find half-carved statues, sculpted boulders perched high up on the quarry walls and moai half buried in volcanic tuff, leaving just the heads poking out of the ground. Most unique are Moai Tukuturi, a small, round-headed statue on its knees, and El Gigante, the largest known moai, which reaches an incredible 71 feet (21 meters) in height, weighs an estimated 270 tons and remains attached to the rock face.
Practical Info
Rano Raraku is located along the southeast coast of Easter Island, about 30 minutes by car from Hanga Roa. The entrance fee to the Rapa Nui National Park is $60 for all non-Chileans (payable on arrival to the island) and includes entrance to Rano Raraku.
Address: Easter Island, Chile
Admission: Rapa Nui Park: $60 for non-Chileans
From $ 115
Plaza Sotomayor
This one-stop Valparaiso destination is home to plenty of Chilean history, art and culture. As a result, travelers will find lots to explore on a visit to Plaza Sotomayor. Named after Rafael Sotomayor, this popular city square lies in the middle of the city’s historic district. Visitors can get up close to the Chilean Navy headquarters, and pay homage to fallen sailors at the plaza’s central monument dedicated to the Battle of Iquique. Afterwards travelers can make a stop at the National Council of Culture and the Arts before wandering to the nearby Customs House or Estacion Puerto, where commuter trains arrive and depart from other Chilean cities.
Practical Info
The plaza is accessible via the Valparaiso Metro using the western terminus station.
Address: Valparaiso, Chile
From $ 18
Puerto Montt Cruise Port
Puerto Montt is located at the southern end of Chile’s Lake District, but you might feel like you have been transported across the ocean to Germany when you arrive. German settlers founded the city in 1852, bringing their architecture, customs and cuisine – and the influence is still apparent today. Squeezed among lakes, rivers and volcanoes, this small city offers enough outdoor activities to keep you busy for weeks.
How to Get to Puerto Montt
Puerto Montt is a tender port – you will actually get to shore via large, flat-bottomed tender boats that dock at the Puerto Angelmo fishing cove. From there, you can walk into the city. Buses for shore excursions usually pick up in the parking lot adjacent to the dock.
One Day in Puerto Montt
Like many smaller South American ports, visiting Puerto Montt is about enjoying the natural surroundings – there isn’t much to keep you in the city itself.
Go water skiing on Lake Llanquihue or try your hand at fly fishing on the Maullin River. Soar 125 feet above ground on the Osorno Canopy Zipline while enjoying views of Lake Llanquihue and the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Experience the thrill of rafting on class III and IV rapids on the Petrohue River. Canoeing, hiking and biking are all great options as well.
For those who prefer to relax, you can spend the day simply checking out the Feria Artesenal Angelmo arts and crafts market (one of the best places in Chile to pick up knitted sweaters and leather goods), picnicking on Pelluco Beach or exploring the nearby German village, Frutillar.
Port Information
The official language is Spanish, but limited English may be spoken by those working in the tourism industry. The local currency is the Chilean peso. ATM's are available throughout the city or you can look for a “casa de cambio” to change US dollars to pesos or cash traveler’s checks. Credit cards are widely accepted.
How to Get to Puerto Montt
Puerto Montt is a tender port – you will actually get to shore via large, flat-bottomed tender boats that dock at the Puerto Angelmo fishing cove. From there, you can walk into the city. Buses for shore excursions usually pick up in the parking lot adjacent to the dock.
One Day in Puerto Montt
Like many smaller South American ports, visiting Puerto Montt is about enjoying the natural surroundings – there isn’t much to keep you in the city itself.
Go water skiing on Lake Llanquihue or try your hand at fly fishing on the Maullin River. Soar 125 feet above ground on the Osorno Canopy Zipline while enjoying views of Lake Llanquihue and the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Experience the thrill of rafting on class III and IV rapids on the Petrohue River. Canoeing, hiking and biking are all great options as well.
For those who prefer to relax, you can spend the day simply checking out the Feria Artesenal Angelmo arts and crafts market (one of the best places in Chile to pick up knitted sweaters and leather goods), picnicking on Pelluco Beach or exploring the nearby German village, Frutillar.
Port Information
The official language is Spanish, but limited English may be spoken by those working in the tourism industry. The local currency is the Chilean peso. ATM's are available throughout the city or you can look for a “casa de cambio” to change US dollars to pesos or cash traveler’s checks. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Address: Puerto Montt, Patagonia, Chile
From $ 48
Plaza de la Constitucion
At the heart of Chile’s political landscape, the Plaza de la Constitucion is a vast, paved square occupying a full square block in the center of Santiago’s civic district. Surrounded by government buildings like the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, and the Banco Central de Chile, the most impressive site of all is the square’s Palacio de la Moneda.
Designed by the Italian architect Joaquín Toesca and built in the late 18th century, the Palacio de la Moneda is said to be one of the finest neoclassical buildings in South America. Originally intended as the Royal Mint, today the palace houses the Chilean presidential offices.
Every second morning, here’s where you can see the changing of the guard set to the Chilean national anthem, and while you can’t go inside the palacio, you can wander its inner courtyards. In front of the south side of the Palacio Moneda, it’s worth visiting the Centro Cultural Palacio de la Moneda. Opened in 2006, the cultural center features temporary exhibitions of South American art and photography.
Practical Info
The changing of the guard takes place every other day at 10am. Admission to the Centro Cultural Palacio de la Moneda costs $1 USD. It’s open Tuesday - Sunday from 10am-9pm. The nearest metro to the Plaza de la Constitucion is La Moneda.
Address: Santiago Centro, Región Metropolitana de Santiago, Chile
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 38
Puritama Hot Springs
The high Andean starry nights, combined with the cold Atacama winds, can chill the unprepared tourist to the bone. Happily, however, these mountains are volcanic, and pour forth the planet's heat into a series of steaming pools, the Puritama Hot Springs.
The name "puritama" simply means "hot water" in an ancient, pre-Inca tongue, suggesting that these medicinal springs have been used for millennia. With high concentrations of relaxing lithium and minerals accorded all sorts of health benefits, they are guaranteed to mellow you out. Temperatures hover around 33°C (91°F), so they aren't ridiculously hot, making daytime visits a treat.
Though most pools have been left in a relatively natural state, there are changing rooms, eateries, campsites, trails, handicrafts vendors and other improvements all around.
The name "puritama" simply means "hot water" in an ancient, pre-Inca tongue, suggesting that these medicinal springs have been used for millennia. With high concentrations of relaxing lithium and minerals accorded all sorts of health benefits, they are guaranteed to mellow you out. Temperatures hover around 33°C (91°F), so they aren't ridiculously hot, making daytime visits a treat.
Though most pools have been left in a relatively natural state, there are changing rooms, eateries, campsites, trails, handicrafts vendors and other improvements all around.
Practical Info
The Puritama Hot Springs are about 30 km (19 mi) north of of San Pedro de Atacama, which most people use as a base. This popular tourist town tempts travelers with treks to several other amazing destinations, including Moon Valley, Atacama Salt Lake, Licancabur Volcano, El Tatio geysers, and some of Chile's most important archaeological sites.
San Pedro's small airport has regular flights to Santiago and elsewhere in the region, while buses connect the town to Calama, Antofagasta, San Salvador de Jujuy (Argentina), and Uyuni (Bolivia).
You must have private transportation, or book a tour, to visit the hot springs, as there are no public buses. Cars can be hired in San Pedro.
Address: Ruta B-245, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Hours: Open daily 9am - 5:30pm
Admission: Adults: US $10 approximately
From $ 26
Quitor
The Pukara de Quitor National Monument overlooks the fertile Río San Pedro valley from atop a strategic bluff. Its serpentine rows of thick, stone walls have defended the verdant oasis's bounty since around 1100 AD. Today, the fortress's impressive architecture and historic significance bring in another sort of wealth, visitors eager to see what are among Chile's most important ruins.
Little is known about the Ayllu de Quitor people who originally constructed the fortress, which was used to defend the agricultural town from the Incas and later, Spaniards. Their handiwork is impressive, however, and makes a fine place to contemplate life in the fierce Atacama Altiplano.
Practical Info
The Pukara de Quitor National Monument lies about 3 km (1.8 mi) northwest of San Pedro de Atacama. It is usually visited as part of a multi-destination day trip, but you can walk or bicycle from town.
The popular tourist destination also caters to travelers with treks to several other top destinations, including Moon Valley, Atacama Salt Lake, Licancabur Volcano, El Tatio geysers, and many others.
San Pedro's small airport has regular flights to Santiago and elsewhere in the region, while buses connect the town to Calama, Antofagasta, San Salvador de Jujuy (Argentina), and Uyuni (Bolivia). Many multiple-day tours offer transport between Uyuni as well. You can rent cars in town.
Address: Calle Tocopilla, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 37
Pomaire
This town is a perfect daytrip that combines traditional food with shopping for the terra cotta dishes used all over Chile for serving soup, olives, and sauces. The greda is from the local hills near Pomaire, and though this is a tourist destination, you’re likely to find Chileans stocking up on pailas (greda bowls) for next year’s pastel de choclo (a local dish made of ground meat or chicken, studded with olives, raisins and pieces of hard boiled eggs, and topped with a creamy corn mixture before it’s baked).
Besides the terra cotta bowls, there are flowerpots, large urns, casserole dishes, candleholders and vases (some of these incised with patterns), piggy banks, and perhaps most famously three-legged pig figurines, which are supposed to bring good luck.
Pomaire is about an hour’s drive from Santiago, and there are great views of the Andes on the drive back in the afternoon sun. No trip to this town is complete without a hearty lunch, which you’ll note, is nearly almost served in one of the greda bowls.
Practical Info
Plan ahead to schedule a class with the local alfarero (potter) who can show you how to throw pots, and you can try your hand at the wheel as well.
Address: Pomaire, Chile
From $ 72
Red House (Casa Colorada)
Though Santiago's historical district boast many architecturally outstanding buildings, most were built or refurbished in the early 1900s, well after the Spanish Colonial period. The Red House - or Casa Colorada - is a fine exception.
It's no mystery why this squat stone structure has survived Santiago's tectonic history of earthquakes (and the gas-lamp fires that inevitably followed) intact. Originally completed in 1779 as the home of "Count of the Conquest" Don Mateo de Toro y Zambrano, it has served as a salon for Chile's politicians and VIPs for centuries.
Today, the Casa's thick-walled corridors and sturdy rooms are home to the Museo de Santiago, a solid museum featuring dioramas about key moments in the Chilean history.
Practical Info
The Red House is located in the heart of of the Santiago historic district, half a block east of the Plaza de Armas. The area is not the easiest to navigate in a car, but is well served by the metro. The closest stop is the Plaza de Armas station, on the L5 Green Line.
If you don't mind crowds of happy families, visit on Sunday, when admission is free.
Address: Merced 860, Santiago de Chile, Chile
Hours: Closed Monday
Admission: CH$500. Free on Sun
From $ 38
Petrohu e Waterfalls
Massive cascades of Petrohué Waterfalls pour through the lush, volcanic landscape, flowing across dramatic basalt formations, brought to the surface eons ago by snowcapped Osorno Volcano. Its naked peak rises photogenically above the falls, two fantastic natural attractions protected as part of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.
The chill river, which flows between Lago Todos de los Santos and and Lago Llanquihue, doesn't hold much appeal for bathers; most visitors are content to hike around the pastoral countryside. Keep an eye out for "torrent ducks" however, tiny but tough birds who can navigate the rapids with a dozen chicks in tow.
Practical Info
The Petrohué Waterfalls are located close to the Lago de los Todos Santos, on the eastern slopes of Osorno Volcano, just within the borders of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. The vast majority of visitors visit on a day trip, as all but the hardiest travelers will need private transportation and a guide.
However, if you're planning to make the incredibly scenic border crossing between Puerto Montt, Chile, and Bariloche, Argentina, you have another option. The bus-boat-bus trip is offered as a package from either city, and can include visits to several scenic, difficult-to-access spots (including the waterfalls) en route.
Address: Chile
Admission: Free
From $ 161
Puna Pau
Archaeologists have long pondered the origins of Easter Island’s iconic moai, and the ancient stone quarry of Puna Pau provides an important piece of the puzzle. Carved into the sides of a volcanic crater, Puna Pau is the spot from which the red volcanic rock, or scoria, was mined and used to sculpt the “pukao"—the distinctive topknot that caps the heads of some moai.
Dozens of pukao have been found around the island, all of which were made at Puna Pau, from where they were transported to the most important ahu (ceremonial sites)—no easy feat, as they measure between two and three meters in height and width and weigh up to 11 tons, and archaeologists are still unsure how this task was achieved. Today, around 30 of the pukao rocks can still be seen in and around Puna Pau, many of them adorned with petroglyphs.
Practical Info
Puna Pau is located by Cerro Tuutapu Mountain about three miles (5 km) inland from Hanga Roa. The entrance fee to the Rapa Nui National Park is $60 for all non-Chileans (payable on arrival to the island) and includes entrance to Puna Pau.
Address: Hanga Roa, Chile
Admission: $60
From $ 115
Paseo 21 de Mayo
So many of Central and South America’s major cities have winding promenades where locals gather for evening strolls and afternoon festivals. But few are as scenic as Paseo 21 de Mayo in Valparaiso.
This epic walkway climbs through the hills and provides impressive views of city skylines, as well as the colorful homes that make up Cerro Playa Ancha. Visitors can wander through tree-lined neighborhoods and well-kept gardens, relax in a cool covered gazebo or simply spend the day exploring one of the area’s most delightful (and inexpensive) highlights. Paseo 21 de Mayo is the perfect place to capture photos of the epic landscapes and enjoy an afternoon taste of local life.
Practical Info
Paseo 21 de Mayo is located in Cerro Playa Ancha, one of Valparaiso’s most picturesque neighborhoods. It is easily accessible from town and walkable.
Address: Cerro Playa Ancha, Valparaiso, Chile
From $ 18
Parque Forestal
Those looking to play and picnic in downtown Santiago always head to Parque Forestal. The park runs from an area near the Central Market up to Plaza Italia as a strip of greenery with walking paths, leafy trees, old-fashioned lamp posts, playgrounds and two of the city’s most important museums.
These are the Bellas Artes and the Museum of Contemporary Art, which stand back to back in the park near the metro Bellas Artes. The latter’s chunky Botero horse statue out front makes it easy to spot, while Bellas Artes faces the street José Miguel de La Barra.
Parque Forestal is popular among runners, walkers and families. On Sunday afternoons, street performers get together in the park to practice acrobatics and juggling, and once a month, there is an open-air flea market where anyone can register to sell household goods such as books and clothing. In the summer, the spots under the leafy platano oriental trees are the most coveted. The trees resemble American sycamores in appearance and provide the best shade for a leisurely afternoon.
The park continues eastward toward Providencia, passing the Fuente Alemana, a giant fountain that looks like a boat, and ending at Plaza Italia.
Practical Info
Most of the activity in Parque Forestal takes place near the two museums, easily accessible from the Bellas Artes metro. Visitors often take afternoon walks from the Central Market or Baquedano metro to the park.
Address: Santiago, Chile
From $ 33
Quinta Vergara
Viña del Mar is nicknamed “Garden City,” and visitors to Quinta Vergara — a beautifully landscaped park — will understand why. Portuguese shipping tycoon Francisco Alvarez acquired a 19-century hacienda on the site of the park in 1840. His wife Dolores, an avid botanist, transformed the existing grounds into a botanical garden filled with exotic flora from around the globe.
The Venetian Gothic style Palacio Vergara, located at the heart of Quinta Vergara, was built in 1910 as the home of Dolores’s granddaughter who had married Jose Francisco Vergara, the founder of Viña del Mar. It was later converted into a fine art museum to display a collection of 17- to 19-century art until an earthquake caused extensive damage to the structure in 2010.
Each February, the otherwise peaceful park hosts a lineup of Latin pop acts during the Festival of Song.
Practical Info
Quinta Vergara is open daily and admission is free.
Address: Viña del Mar, Chile
Hours: Open daily
From $ 18
Punta Arenas Cruise Port
Punta Arenas is the largest and most commercially important city in Patagonian Chile. Located on the Strait of Magellan, it has long been a stop for European adventurers and traders and, as a result, is a true melting pot of cultures. In addition to being a port of call for South American cruises, this city of 100,000 is a departure point for expeditions to Antarctica.
How to Get to Punta Arenas
Cruise ships dock at either Arturo Prat or Mardones/Bahia Catalina Pier. If you arrive at Arturo Prat, the center of town is an easy 10- to 15-minute walk from the port or a short taxi ride. Coming from Bahia Catalina, a taxi is your best option and should cost $10-$15.
One Day in Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is easily walkable and you can see many of the main sights in a few hours – either on your own or with a guide. Your starting point should be the central plaza, Plaza Munoz Gamero, where you can pick up a map from the tourism kiosk. If the weather is good, you may also find locals selling their crafts in the plaza. Browse the stands and snap a few pictures of the statue of explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Then, pay a visit to two museums near the plaza: the 19th-century Palacio Sara Braun and the Museo Regional de Magellanes, which features interesting displays about the history of Punta Arenas.
Next, check out the municipal cemetery, located about nine blocks north of Plaza Munoz Gamero. Crypts and mausoleums belonging to English, Portuguese, Spanish, Croatian and other colonial settlers reflect the vast cultural diversity of the city. From there, make your way to the Nao Victoria Museum, a new interactive museum that includes a full-size replica of the ship that Ferdinand Magellan used to circumnavigate the globe.
Finally, spend some time wandering around the streets surrounding the main plaza, including Avenida Bories, the city’s main shopping street. Pick up an alpaca sweater, lapis lazuli (gemstones) or some wooden handicrafts before heading back to the port.
If you’re interested in visiting penguins, a half-day excursion will take you to Otway Sound, about an hour from Punta Arenas, while a slightly longer trip might head to Isla Magdalena in the middle of the Strait of Magellan. If you are looking for a more active adventure, you can book a guided kayak tour into the Strait.
Port Information
The official language is Spanish and very little English is spoken. The local currency is the Chilean peso, but US dollars, and even Euros, are widely accepted at tourist-oriented establishments. Credit cards are also commonly accepted and several ATM's are located around the city’s main plaza. The cruise terminal has restrooms and an internet café, but not much else.
How to Get to Punta Arenas
Cruise ships dock at either Arturo Prat or Mardones/Bahia Catalina Pier. If you arrive at Arturo Prat, the center of town is an easy 10- to 15-minute walk from the port or a short taxi ride. Coming from Bahia Catalina, a taxi is your best option and should cost $10-$15.
One Day in Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is easily walkable and you can see many of the main sights in a few hours – either on your own or with a guide. Your starting point should be the central plaza, Plaza Munoz Gamero, where you can pick up a map from the tourism kiosk. If the weather is good, you may also find locals selling their crafts in the plaza. Browse the stands and snap a few pictures of the statue of explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Then, pay a visit to two museums near the plaza: the 19th-century Palacio Sara Braun and the Museo Regional de Magellanes, which features interesting displays about the history of Punta Arenas.
Next, check out the municipal cemetery, located about nine blocks north of Plaza Munoz Gamero. Crypts and mausoleums belonging to English, Portuguese, Spanish, Croatian and other colonial settlers reflect the vast cultural diversity of the city. From there, make your way to the Nao Victoria Museum, a new interactive museum that includes a full-size replica of the ship that Ferdinand Magellan used to circumnavigate the globe.
Finally, spend some time wandering around the streets surrounding the main plaza, including Avenida Bories, the city’s main shopping street. Pick up an alpaca sweater, lapis lazuli (gemstones) or some wooden handicrafts before heading back to the port.
If you’re interested in visiting penguins, a half-day excursion will take you to Otway Sound, about an hour from Punta Arenas, while a slightly longer trip might head to Isla Magdalena in the middle of the Strait of Magellan. If you are looking for a more active adventure, you can book a guided kayak tour into the Strait.
Port Information
The official language is Spanish and very little English is spoken. The local currency is the Chilean peso, but US dollars, and even Euros, are widely accepted at tourist-oriented establishments. Credit cards are also commonly accepted and several ATM's are located around the city’s main plaza. The cruise terminal has restrooms and an internet café, but not much else.
Address: Punta Arenas, Patagonia, Chile
From $ 73
R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum
The R.P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum is a good place to start time in San Pedro de Atacama, as a visit here serves as a low-stress activity while you grow accustomed to the area's altitude and extreme dryness. The museum was founded by a Belgian priest who settled in the area in 1955 and opened the museum eight years later with the help of a local university, the Universidad Católica del Norte, which currently owns and runs the site.
The museum previously housed mummified remains of a young girl, but due to pressure from the local indigenous Lickanantay (Atacameño) community, the remains have been removed and replaced with a replica. This is also the case for all human remains at the museum. The museum shows a short film that explains how the decision to change the exhibits came to be. Other than those replicas, everything else onsite is genuine, including 1,000 samples of region discoveries. Some of the more popular parts of the public collection are in the Treasure Room, which features many gold items. Also on display at the museum are examples of clay pottery, old textiles and stone items, with different rooms dedicated to various epochs of pre-Colombian history up until the arrival of the Spaniards in the area.
Practical Info
Like most museums in Chile, this one is closed on Mondays. Tours are mostly offered Tuesday through Friday, and they are conducted in English, Spanish and French. Tours are also given on Saturdays, Sundays and some holidays but with less frequency for each language. Some, but not all, of the wall text has been translated from Spanish to English.
Address: Padre Le Paige 380, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-12pm & 2pm-6pm; Weekends 10am-12pm & 2pm-6pm
Admission: Adults $2.000 Chilean pesos
From $ 52