Choose from 10 Fun Things to Do in Punta Arenas
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Plaza Muñoz Gamero
This historic town square is among the most popular destinations in the Magallanes Region because of its unmistakable energy and close proximity to some of Punta Arenas' major attractions. Travelers can easily walk from Plaza Munoz Gamero to Casa Braun-Menendez, the Sociedad Menendez Behety and the local cathedral, and many visitors agree that the best handmade crafts in town can be found here.
Walking the plaza takes only a few minutes, but most visitors gather at park benches or relax in the shade of trees to take in the sights and sounds of local life. Local folklore states kissing the statue of Magellan's feet is good luck, so visitors looking to change their fortune should be sure to do so before leaving the plaza. A central information center also offers travelers maps and recommendations, making this a perfect first stop on a trip to Punta Arenas.
Practical Info
Sociedad Menendez Behety is located on the east side of the square, and beautiful old mansions can be found to the plaza's north. Travelers looking to explore the stalls of local vendors and shop for handmade crafts should arrive any time before dusk, when merchants close up shop and head home for the evening.
Address: Punta Arenas, Chile
From $ 58
Salto Grande Waterfall
Salto Grande, which means large waterfall, is the biggest one you’ll see in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park. It’s easy to visit as part of a day trip to the park with just a small bit of walking involved. The waterfall is the Paine River’s outflow from milky blue Lago Nordenskjöld, restricted into a narrow chute as it drops about 50 feet (15 meters) into what will eventually turn into Lago Pehoé, the lake you cross by catamaran to get to the Paine Grande campsite and refuge.
If you visit Salto Grande as part of a day trip, you’ll usually spend about 30 minutes here. There are more active options, however, with the possibility of setting out from Pudeto (where the Lago Pehoé catamaran crossing is) to do a 2.5-hour round-trip hike to Salto Grande, passing by the lookout point for Los Cuernos, a giant massif of sedimentary rock with black granite tops. It is one of two massive rock formations in the park, the other being the granite spires from which the park takes its name, “Torres (towers) del Paine.”
Practical Info
Expect the unexpected when it comes to weather in Torres del Paine, with strong wind and cool temperatures possible at any time of year. Dress in layers, and plan on using a windproof or waterproof jacket as an outer layer.
Address: Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Admission: Park Entrance $38 in high season; $10.50 in low season
From $ 150
Strait of Magellan
Unforgiving winds, a rugged coastline and narrow passageways made the Strait of Magellan one of the most deadly channels for early explorers attempting to navigate by ship. But today, this historic route, which was successfully navigated for the first time by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520, has become a popular spot for adventurers, seamen and travelers looking to experience the treacherous waters of this South American spot. Luckily, new ship technology and expert captains make for a much safer passage, but the rich history, incredible landscapes and unforgettable historic tales still make for a truly remarkable experience on the sea.
Practical Info
The strait is nearly 373 miles (600 kilometers) long and only 1.2 miles (two kilometers) wide at its narrowest point. The eastern opening of the channel is between Punta Dungeness and Cabo del Espiritu Santo, and travelers can see some 41 lighthouses that line the historic waterway.
Address: Chile
From $ 133
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
Magallanes Regional Museum (Braun-Menendez Palace)
This elegant and well-preserved residence was once home to Braun Menendez—an intrepid pioneer who called Punta Arenas home. Just beyond the ornate iron gates travelers will find an incredible array of artifacts that explore the rich history and cultural diversity of the Magallanes region. From lush tapestries and shimmering hardwood floors to handcrafted furniture and beautiful statues, the Magallanes Regional Museum showcases how European influences made their way to South America.
The palace is divided into three major areas, and travelers can venture through collections of artifacts brought by the family from Europe, or delve into an array of maps and photographs that explain the region’s history. And a visit to the restored servants’ quarters showcases the day-to-day routines from the Braun Menendez family’s earliest days.
Practical Info
The museum is open Monday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. between May and September. From October to April, it is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays and holidays from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Address: Magallanes 949, Punta Arenas, Chile
Hours: Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. (May- Sept);
Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. (Oct-April)
Admission: $1000 Chilean Pesos; free on Sunday
From $ 58
Magdalena Island
When Magellan passed through his eponymous strait bound for Chile for the first time, he cruised past the tiny Magdalena Island. Today, travelers make it a point to stop at this scenic island just northeast of Punta Arenas to explore the rocky shores and observe the huge colony of Magellanic penguins at their critical breeding site.
The Basics
Magdalena Island is a designated national nature reserve and one of the most popular natural attractions near Punta Arenas. Most visitors choose to visit on a day trip from the Patagonian city; a typical tour includes boat transportation to the island and time onshore to observe the colony of some 120,000 penguins. Tours often include a circumnavigation of nearby Marta Island, where visitors can spot sea lions, elephant seals, cormorants, gulls, and Chilean dolphins.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Magdalena Island is a must-visit for animal lovers, photographers, and families traveling with kids.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Dress in warm layers, as it can get chilly on the island even in the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.
- Camera tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are not permitted on the island.
- Boat trips to the island usually depart from the Punta Arenas pier, though some tours include hotel pickup and drop-off.
How to Get There
Magdalena Island is accessible by boat, with tours departing regularly from the main pier in Punta Arenas. If you’re not taking a guided tour, there’s also a public ferry to the island that leaves from the Tres Puentes ferry dock, about 4 miles (6 kilometers) from Plaza del Armas.
When to Get There
Due to the extreme Antarctic climate, the island is only accessible to visitors between December and March.
Magdalena Island Lighthouse
Many travelers miss the park’s interpretive center, housed within a historic lighthouse built in 1902, after making a beeline straight for the penguins. But, the historic structure is well worth a few minutes, thanks to its exhibits about the island and its waddling residents.
Address: Chile
From $ 133
Fort Bulnes (Fuerte Bulnes)
Visitors to Fort Bulnes, located atop an unforgiving hillside, will surely take note of the unprecedented lengths colonizers went to in order to stake their claim on such inhospitable land.
Ancient shipwrecks that line the coastal route between this popular destination and Punta Arenas serve as a reminder of just how treacherous travel could be. While the fort’s museum, which explores the colonization history in Southern Chile and replicas of a historic church, jail, post office and stables are definitely worth the trip, visitors agree that it’s the epic views from scenic trails and the ancient watchtower that prove to be most memorable.
Practical Info
Fuerte Bulnes is located across from Tierra del Fuego near the Strait of Magellan. It is about 60 kilometers south of Punta Arenas.
Address: Chile
From $ 27
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
Maggiorino Borgatello Salesian Museum
This 1,700-square-foot mecca of Patagonia heritage covers an entire history, culture and tradition in just four floors. Travelers can explore the well-organized galleries created by Salesian missionaries back in the late 1800s and learn about the rich ethnology, archaeology, wildlife and diversity of the region.
Visitors rave about the Cave of the Hands replica, which is displayed in a room dedicated to Southern Patagonia, and many applaud the museum’s honest handling of colonists, too. The Salesians made every effort to preserve artifacts from the Ona, Tehuelche, Alacalufe and Yamana people, while also explaining the impact of European colonists on local traditions and the role of pioneers in helping to create modern day Punta Arenas.
Practical Info
The museum is located on the corner of Bulnes Avenue and Bories Street, next to the Maria Auxiliadora Sanctuary.
Address: Av. Bulnes 336, Punta Arenas, Chile
Hours: Tues-Sun 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 3-6 p.m.
Admission: Adults $4, children under 12 free.
From $ 33
Nao Victoria Museum (Museo Nao Victoria)
Visitors to the Nao Victoria Museum can travel back in time and experience the real-life thrill of a 16th-century sailing experience. Opened in 2011, this destination is celebrated by locals for promoting national identity and preserving much of what makes this area so unique. Visitors can wander through four real-life replicas of famous ships: the Nao Victoria, James Caird, HMS Beagle and Schooner Ancud—boats that played an important role in the discovery of Magallanes. Guides are included in the cost of admission, which makes for rich storytelling while travelers explore the ships.
Practical Info
The museum is located in Tres Puentes Wetland, about four miles (seven kilometers) from Punta Arenas, on the Strait of Magellan near Route-Y-565. It’s easy to catch a taxi from Punta Arenas, and museum staff members will happily call one for your return trip if necessary.
Address: 7,5 Km North on Y-565, Punta Arenas, Chile
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Admission: Adults $6, Children $2
From $ 49