Because Punta Arenas sits on the Straight of Magellan, it is an important port for traffic across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. While we were not traversing along the straight, we were using Punta Arenas as another convenient base for our Patagonian explorations. Like a lot of the places we have been to on our trip through this region, the city now caters to adventurers and explorers. Lots of travellers make their way into Tierra del Fuego or the Argentinean Patagonia after visiting Punta Arenas. For us it was a jumping point to Puerto Natales. Our ultimate goal of getting to Torres Del Paine National Park.
During our time in Punta Arenas we stayed at the no-frills Patagonia B&B. It was within walking distance of the center of town, allowing us to explore before we set off on our next destination. The hotel itself was under going some construction, but will likely be completed by the time you read this.
If you are looking for things to do here don’t look too hard. While there may not be tons to do, there is enough to kill some time as you rest before making your deeper into Patagonia.
Here’s a look at the top things to do in Punta Arenas, Chile.
WHAT TO DO IN PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE
GO FOR A WALK
One of the best ways to see any small town is to simply go by foot. Make your way to Plaza Armas Punta Arenas where you can walk around the plaza surrounded by lush trees and historical buildings. It’s here where you will see the Monumento Hernando De Magallanes – placed in 1920 to honor the adventurer Ferdinand Magellan.
If museums are your thing, make your way to Museo Naval y Marítimo, Museo Maggiorino Borgatello or Palacio Sara Braun. While not really walking distance, if you are into your maritime history, make your way over to Museo Nao Victoria where you can see a life-size replica of Ferdinand Magellan’s Nao Victoria carrack, the first ship to circumnavigate the Earth.
If you want the post card shot typical of Punta Arenas, make your way to the view point Mirador Cerro de La Cruz. It’s here you will get panoramic views of the city and of the Magellan Strait.
Don’t want to meander on your own? There are plenty of options to book yourself into a Punta Arenas City Tour and get the ins and outs from a professional.
CHECK OUT THE MAGELLAN STRAIT
After walking through the town square we made our way south to the Straight of Magellan. It rings a bell, eh?! Being there was a moment I thought my past history teachers would have appreciated. Named after Ferdinand Magellan, the first explorer to circumnavigate the globe, the Magellan Strait was the quickest way for explorers to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Until the Panama Canal opened up in 1914, Punta Arenas was one of the most important stops along the passage for trade. Today you’ll find it’s full of cruise ships, fishermen and explorers making their way to Antarctica.
ADMIRE THE PUNTA ARENAS CEMETERY
A quick 15-minute walk from the main square and you arrive at the marble gates of the Punta Arenas Cemetery. Perfectly sculpted cypress trees line the paths along this famous cemetery that houses the remains of some of the most important people in Punta Arenas’ history – including Sara Braun who designed it and is also buried there.
It was fun to explore this over-the-top mausoleum and tomb lined labyrinth. Rob particularly liked the abundance of fake neon-colored flowers that adorned the resting places of Punta Arena’s early colonizers. Although less commercial than the Recoletta Cemetery in Buenos Aires, the Punta Arenas cemetery definitely rivals it in terms of uniqueness and beauty.
EXPLORE THE MAGALLANES NATIONAL RESERVE
While your visit to Punta Arenas is likely just a stop over in between some of Patagonia’s most stunning areas, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the outdoors while you are here. Located less than 10km from Punta Arenas you will find the Magallanes National Reserve.
This national park has plenty of nice trails that can you can enjoy on a morning or afternoon out. Circuito Las Lengas and the Bocatoma Limite Sur are two that you can look into that give you an opportunity to see the local flora and fauna of Punta Arenas. Most trails take less than two hours so super easy to build into a short stop over.
CHECK OUT THE PENGUINS
If you have ever wanted to walk alongside waddling penguins, then this outing is for you. Head to the main pier in Punta Arenas and hop on one of the boats headed to Magdalena Island. It’s here where you can visit the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument and check out one of the largest penguin colonies in Chile. It’s here where you can see thousands of Magellanic Penguins and other wildlife including multiple species of birds and sea lions.
The boat journey on the Strait of Magellan typically takes an hour or so on a speedboat and is often referenced as not the smoothest of journeys. Expect it to be bumpy and consider it a part of the fun. Sounds like fun? Be sure to check out availability for Walk with Penguins Tour and get ready for an adventure.
GO ON A BREWERY TOUR & BEER TASTING
There is nothing I like more after a full day’s trek than enjoying a nice cold beer. When travelling throughout Chile and in the region of Patagonia the beer you will see stocked on all the shelves is Austral. If you haven’t tried it by the time you have reached Punta Arenas, now is the perfect time.
Cervecería Austral is located in Punta Arenas and offers brewery tours and tastings. It’s here that you can learn about the history of Chile’s oldest brewery and taste the seven varieties of beer. Each is adorned with labels featuring some of the most quintessential images throughout the region – including Torres del Paine. For more information about the brews or the history of the brewery, check out the official Cervecería Austra website.
If you are really keen, link up with a local on this small group brewery and tasting tour.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON TOP PUNTA ARENAS THINGS TO DO
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN AND AROUND PATAGONIA, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT DESTINATIONS // PATAGONIA.
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