Why Go to Punta Arenas
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Punta Arenas is the windswept frontier city of Chilean Patagonia, perched on the Strait of Magellan. Before the Panama Canal opened, it was a booming port on the global shipping route, and that golden age still shows in the grand mansions and European-style plazas of its walkable center.
Today it's the base camp for adventures at the end of the world. Take a boat to Isla Magdalena, home to a huge colony of Magellanic penguins, and look for whales and dolphins in the strait. Tour the Braun-Menendez Palace, now a regional museum, and rub the toe of the statue in the Plaza de Armas, which locals say guarantees you'll return. Visit a traditional estancia, or sheep ranch, for a lamb barbecue, and use the city as a jumping-off point for Torres del Paine National Park, Tierra del Fuego and even cruises and flights to Antarctica.
Punta Arenas is reached by domestic flights from Santiago. The Patagonian wind is a constant companion, so pack layers. I'll plan your penguin excursion, Patagonia route and connections.
BEST FOR
Wildlife lovers, adventure travelers, Antarctica cruisers and history buffs
BEST MONTHS
October to March
EXPLORE
- City Center: Plaza Muñoz Gamero, museums and restaurants.
- Waterfront: Hotels and views over the Strait of Magellan.
- Cerro de la Cruz: A viewpoint above the city.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Punta Arenas
South America › Patagonia › Chile › Magallanes
Penguin colonies, the Strait of Magellan and the gateway to Patagonia and Antarctica.
National Parks & Nature
Adventure
Gateway
Wildlife
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Book an Isla Magdalena penguin tour early; boats are limited, and weather can cancel trips, so leave some flexibility in your plans.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Visit between October and March, when the penguins are in residence.
Isla Magdalena
A protected island in the Strait of Magellan, home to tens of thousands of Magellanic penguins.
Rub the foot of the statue's Indigenous figure for good luck and a return trip to Patagonia.
Plaza Muñoz Gamero
The city's main square, surrounded by grand mansions and home to a statue of Ferdinand Magellan.
Visit in the afternoon, when the light is soft.
Cementerio Municipal
A beautiful cemetery with grand mausoleums and sculpted cypress trees.
Go on a clear day for the best views.
Cerro de la Cruz
A viewpoint overlooking the city's colorful rooftops and the Strait of Magellan.
Visit the interior to see its opulent design.
Palacio Sara Braun
A grand mansion built for one of the region's wealthiest families, now a hotel and club.
A historic hotel inside the Palacio Sara Braun, with classic décor and a charming conservatory.
Hotel José Nogueira
Plaza Muñoz Gamero
Hotel Tags
A modern hotel and casino with views over the Strait of Magellan.
Dreams del Estrecho
Waterfront
Hotel Tags
A comfortable hotel on the main square with city views.
Hotel Cabo de Hornos
Plaza Muñoz Gamero
Hotel Tags
A cozy hotel with a warm atmosphere, close to the main sights.
Hotel Rey Don Felipe
City Center
Hotel Tags
A modern hotel with views over the strait and an indoor pool.
Hotel Diego de Almagro Punta Arenas
Waterfront
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Punta Arenas
High 54°F · Low 40°F · Rain 0.9 in
The Antarctic cruise season begins, and days grow longer.
The best time to visit Punta Arenas is October through March, during the Patagonian spring and summer, when days are long and penguins are in residence. Winters are cold, short and windy, and some tours don't operate.
Best Times to Visit Punta Arenas
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Punta Arenas's food highlights Patagonian lamb, king crab and seafood from the cold southern waters.
- King crab: Try centolla, Patagonian king crab, prepared in many ways.
- Lamb: Enjoy cordero al palo, lamb slow-roasted over an open fire.
- Must-try: Centolla, Patagonian lamb, calafate berry sour and local craft beer.
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Walking
The city center is easy to explore on foot.
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Rental Cars
A rental car is useful for exploring the region, but plan for long distances.
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Taxis
Taxis are easy to find in the city.
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Ferries
Ferries cross the Strait of Magellan to Porvenir on Tierra del Fuego.
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Buses
Buses connect Punta Arenas with Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine.
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Flying In
Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ) is about 20 minutes from the city, with flights from Santiago.
Most travelers fly into Punta Arenas from Santiago. Once you're here, the city center is walkable, while tours, buses and rental cars connect to penguin colonies, Torres del Paine and Tierra del Fuego.
Getting Around Punta Arenas