Punta Arenas: The Southernmost City of Mainland America

Chile Travel and News | By Raul Silva M.

Image: fullpatagoniatour.com 
Travel Agency & Tour Operator in Patagonia

  Punta Arenas, the capital of the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region, is a crucial interoceanic port on the continental shore of the Strait of Magellan. Located almost midway between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, it is 90 kilometers from Cape Froward, the southernmost point of the American continent.

Though Patagonia lacks an official capital, Punta Arenas is often called the "Capital of Patagonia" due to its strategic location, commercial significance, and rich history. With an estimated population of 135,321 in 2021, the city is 2,197 kilometers from Santiago in a straight line, and just over 3,000 kilometers by road.

Founded in 1848 by settlers from Chiloe, Punta Arenas’ growth was further shaped by European immigrants, especially Croatians, along with other groups such as English, Germans, Italians, Swiss, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. This diverse heritage has contributed to the city's vibrant cultural fabric.

The names of various local geographical features reflect the struggles of early explorers and settlers. Examples include Puerto del Hambre (Port Famine), Paso Tortuoso (Tortuous Pass), and Golfo de Penas (Gulf of Sorrows).

Throughout history, Punta Arenas has experienced economic booms, from the 19th-century gold rush to the growth of cattle ranching, the discovery of crude oil, and the Free Port era. More recently, tourism has become an important industry.

Today, the city is emerging as a hub for clean energy solutions, including green hydrogen, e-fuels, and ammonia. Its port expansion plans highlight a promising future.

How to Get to Punta Arenas

The main point of access to the Magallanes region is Carlos Ibañez del Campo International Airport, located 22 km north of Punta Arenas, which receives both domestic and international flights, connecting the city to the rest of the world, including direct links to Antarctica.

Additionally, the region is a key destination for tourists arriving by cruise ships or ferries, which sail through the Patagonian waters and dock in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales, located 250 km to the north, allowing visitors to explore the area’s natural beauty. 

Lastly, access by land is also possible via routes that cross the vast and remote Patagonia, offering a unique experience for more adventurous travelers. In this regard, here you can find a list of the international border crossings that connect Chile with neighboring countries. 

Climate in Punta Arenas

Winter temperatures are typically low, averaging no more than 6°C, with occasional drops below -10°C. Summers (December to February) see average temperatures exceeding 10°C, with peaks occasionally reaching 20–22°C. Wind, once characteristic of the spring and summer seasons, now occurs year-round, often reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h. 

It’s important to note that summer weather is also highly unpredictable, with conditions changing rapidly. Visitors should always be prepared for sudden shifts in weather.

Places to visit in Punta Arenas and surroundings:

Plaza Muñoz Gamero

Plaza Muñoz Gamero, Punta Arenas  
Image: comapa.com - Tourism in Patagonia & Antarctica

The city of Punta Arenas has expanded in all directions, blending history with modern charm. One of its highlights is the Costanera del Estrecho (Waterfront Avenue), a picturesque promenade along the Strait of Magellan that offers stunning views and is a must-visit spot.

At the heart of the city lies the Plaza de Armas, the civic and historical hub, often the first destination for tourists. Dominating the square is a striking monument dedicated to Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who discovered the strait. This monument, donated by prominent businessman Jose Menendez to mark the fourth centenary of the strait’s discovery, also features a Tehuelche figure.

An enduring local tradition claims that kissing the toe of the Tehuelche statue ensures a return to Punta Arenas—a ritual cherished by visitors. The square is named after Governor Benjamin Muñoz Gamero, who tragically perished during the violent mutiny led by Lieutenant José Miguel Cambiazo in 1851.

Encircling the plaza are beautifully preserved historic buildings, bearing witness to the city’s transformation from the economic capital of southern Patagonia to its vibrant present.

Maggiorino Borgatello Salesian Museum

Image: boletinsalesiano.cl

Address: 336 Bulnes Avenue, next to the "Maria Auxiliadora Don Bosco" Catholic temple. Established in 1893 by Salesian priest Father Maggiorino Borgatello, this museum offers a fascinating journey through over 100 years of southern Patagonia's history, making it one of the most comprehensive museums of its kind in Chile.

The exhibits include a captivating collection covering the region's religious missions in Patagonia, paleontology, ethnography, flora, taxidermy, the Antarctic Territory, the regional oil industry, and more.

 

 Museo del Recuerdo

The Museum of Memories, part of the Instituto de la Patagonia, is located at 01890 Bulnes Avenue, just across from the Duty-Free facilities. This unique outdoor museum attracts numerous visitors, both local and international, especially during spring, summer, and autumn.

The museum features eight wooden heritage buildings, a collection of 40 historic vehicles, various pieces of machinery, and an array of tools primarily associated with livestock farming. One of its most notable attractions is a 16-meter-tall replica of an early 20th-century oil derrick, constructed from lenga wood and steel. Each item in the museum holds significant historical value, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's past. 

 

Museo Regional de Magallanes

Located at 949 Magallanes Street, in the historic Braun-Menendez Palace, just half a block from the Main Square, this iconic mansion was built in 1903 entirely with materials, furniture, and decorative objects imported from Europe.

Magallanes Regional Museum

Declared a National Historic Monument in 1974, the palace underwent restoration after the Braun-Menendez family donated it to the Chilean state in 1983. This donation ensured its preservation and allowed for the relocation of collections from the Museum of Patagonia.

Today, the museum houses extensive collections, including archaeological, ethnographic, photographic, and artistic exhibits. It provides a comprehensive journey through regional history, from early geographical discoveries to the mid-20th century.

Museo Naval y Maritimo de Punta Arenas

Founded in 1994 and operated by the Chilean Navy, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into national and regional history, maritime adventures, exploration, and discoveries.

The museum features 11 permanent exhibition rooms, showcasing key aspects of naval and maritime history. Highlights include:

• Fuerte Bulnes: The story of Chile's first stronghold in southern Patagonia.
• Shipwrecks and Lighthouses: Exploring the network of lighthouses along the Strait of Magellan.
• Luis Pardo Villalon's Heroic Feat: The rescue of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914–1917).
• Antarctic Expeditions: A dedicated room highlighting Chilean contributions to expeditions in Antarctica.
• 500th Anniversary of the Strait of Magellan: A special exhibit commemorating this landmark event.

Founded: November 4, 1994
Address: 981 Pedro Montt Street, Punta Arenas
Telephone: +56 9 4138 0335

Cementerio Municipal de Punta Arenas

Officially named the Sara Braun Municipal Cemetery, this iconic site has received international recognition. In 2013, CNN ranked it as the sixth most beautiful cemetery in the world, and in 2015, it was placed first by the Spanish newspaper La Opinión of Murcia.

Established in 1894, this cemetery is located on Avenida Bulnes, near the city center, and was designated a National Monument in 2012. Its entrance features an impressive portico donated in 1919 by prominent businesswoman Sara Braun. Visitors are captivated by its symmetrical layout, cypress-lined pathways, and an array of striking monuments, chapels, and mausoleums adorned with marble and intricate details—many of which commemorate the city’s pioneering families and institutions.

While cemeteries rarely become tourist attractions, the Sara Braun Municipal Cemetery is an exception. Its unique charm and hauntingly beautiful design have gained worldwide admiration, making it a must-visit destination and a source of pride for Punta Arenas. It is prominently featured in most city tour itineraries.

Gastronomy and entertainment

Punta Arenas offers a wide variety of dining and entertainment options for visitors. Here are some highlights: 

Dreams del Estrecho - Hotel & Casino

• Sotito's Restaurant (1138 O’Higgins Street): Renowned nationwide for its exceptional regional cuisine, including king crab, seafood, southern hake, roast lamb, and a variety of side dishes, wines, and cocktails.

• La Luna Restaurant (1017 O’Higgins Street): Known for its space-themed décor, La Luna offers a variety of dishes featuring seafood, meat, and vegetables, along with craft beers.

• Jekus Restaurant (1021 O’Higgins Street): A popular choice offering a diverse menu, including regional specialties, vegetarian, and vegan options. It also boasts an extensive wine and cocktail selection.

• Kiosco Roca (875 Roca Street): This small yet iconic restaurant was once named "La Mejor Picada de Chile" ("picada" is a Chilean term for a hidden gem offering great food). Its specialty is the Choripán, a unique sandwich featuring ground chorizo and mayonnaise, best enjoyed with a glass of milk and banana. It’s affordable, delicious, and easy on the stomach. Avoid peak hours, as it tends to get crowded.

• History Coffee (1065 Lautaro Navarro Street): A cozy cafe with a warm ambiance and beautifully decorated interiors, perfect for a relaxing coffee break.

• La Chocolatta (852 Bories Street): Known for its Swiss-inspired tradition, this spot serves delectable hot chocolate, desserts, coffee, and cakes. It’s located just 1.5 blocks from the main square.

• Dino’s Pizza (557 Bories Street): A beloved downtown destination for delicious pizza and sandwiches.

• Hotel-Casino Dreams del Estrecho: Just minutes from downtown, this 5-star hotel offers a bar, restaurants, a spa, an events and convention center, and stunning views of the Strait of Magellan.

• Hotel Cabo de Hornos: An iconic landmark located in the heart of Punta Arenas. Renowned for its elegance and hospitality, it also stands out for its exceptional culinary offerings, featuring Patagonian flavors like Magellanic lamb and king crab, paired with fine Chilean wines.

• Hotel Los Navegantes: located at Jose Menendez 647, just a block and a half from the main square in Punta Arenas. The hotel offers comfortable accommodations and a delightful dining experience, featuring a menu with local and international cuisine.

• Local Markets: Two blocks south of the casino is the Mercado Municipal, a must-visit for seafood lovers and those looking for handicrafts. On the second floor, you’ll find cocinerias—small, tidy eateries where you can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes and traditional Chilean cuisine. The third floor features a food court with panoramic views of the Strait of Magellan and Arturo Prat Port.

• For shopping and entertainment, visit Zona Franca and Mall Espacio Urbano. These popular centers attract locals and tourists alike, offering a mix of retail, food courts, and entertainment options, particularly for children.  

Nao Victoria Museum

Located 7.5 km north of Punta Arenas along the shores of the Strait of Magellan, the Museo Nao Victoria opened in October 2011 and features full-scale replicas of historic ships that shaped maritime history. The museum takes its name from the Spanish carrack commanded by Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan, which completed the first circumnavigation of the globe between 1519 and 1522.

The museum also displays replicas of other iconic vessels, including the Goleta Ancud, a schooner sent by the Chilean government in 1843 to claim the Strait of Magellan and establish the region's first settlements. Another highlight is the replica of the James Caird, the lifeboat critical to rescuing the crew of Ernest Shackleton's Endurance during his Antarctic expedition. While the original James Caird is preserved at Dulwich College in England, this faithful reproduction honors its role in exploration history.

Visitors can also explore the replica of the HMS Beagle, a British Navy brig turned exploration vessel. The Beagle’s second voyage (1831–1836), commanded by Captain Robert FitzRoy, brought Charles Darwin to the region. The ship remained there for nearly three years, contributing to Darwin's pioneering studies in natural history.

Monument to the Shepherd

Monument to the Shepherd at Bulnes Avenue

Located on the median strip of Bulnes Avenue, directly across from the Hospital de las Fuerzas Armadas, the "Monumento al Ovejero" features 12 life-sized bronze figures: 10 sheep, a horse, and the shepherd. Inspired by a real farmworker from the early 20th century, the first version of this iconic sculpture was unveiled in 1944, with the current representation dating to 1963. 

The monument symbolizes the region’s most traditional economic activity and holds deep historical significance.

Monument to the Croatian Immigrant

The Monument to the Croatian Immigrant stands on the median strip of Bulnes Avenue, between El Ovejero and Hornillas streets in Punta Arenas. It honors the largest wave of Croatian immigration to the region, which occurred between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries. Croatian immigrants played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s cultural, economic, and social identity. They contributed significantly to the development of industries like sheep farming, trade, and navigation, which became the backbone of the regional economy.

This monument not only expresses gratitude to the Croatian community but also serves as a reminder of the perseverance and hard work of the settlers who overcame harsh climatic conditions to establish themselves in this remote part of the world. Today, their legacy is deeply embedded in Punta Arenas' identity, influencing everything from its cuisine and traditions to the names of streets and landmarks throughout the city.

Saint-Exupéry, Punta Arenas and Patagonia

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the celebrated author of The Little Prince—the most translated and best-selling book after the Bible—had a remarkable yet little-known connection with Punta Arenas. As an airmail pilot for Aeropostale between 1929 and 1931, Saint-Exupéry flew routes across the Argentine-Chilean Patagonia, experiencing the vastness and rugged beauty of the region firsthand.

During his time with Aeropostale, he conducted airmail flights connecting Argentine cities like Buenos Aires and Comodoro Rivadavia, with Punta Arenas serving as a key destination in Chilean territory. These flights over the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia deeply influenced his literary work, inspiring themes and settings in some of his writings.

Today, his legacy is commemorated in Punta Arenas with a square located on the median strip of Bulnes Avenue. This historical link enriches the city’s cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in history and literature.

Mount Tarn Trekking Route

A lesser-known route offering breathtaking views from the summit of Monte Tarn, located 825 meters above sea level at the southern tip of the Brunswick Peninsula — the last stretch of dry land in Chile and South America.

Just over 70 km south of Punta Arenas, the route passes historic landmarks such as Fort Bulnes (Chile’s first settlement along the Strait of Magellan) and Puerto del Hambre, the site of a tragic Spanish colonization attempt in 1584.

From the summit, you can take in sweeping views of the Strait of Magellan, the Brunswick Peninsula, San Isidro Lighthouse, Dawson Island, Tierra del Fuego, Mount Sarmiento, and the Darwin Mountain Range.

This area holds great tourist value, not only for its stunning landscapes and strategic location but also for its historical significance — it was explored by the English naturalist Charles Darwin in 1827. The trek is a day trip, weather permitting, with a medium to high level of difficulty. Guided expeditions are available through travel agencies in Punta Arenas.  

 

Fuerte Bulnes and Puerto del Hambre 

Located 62 km south of Punta Arenas, Fuerte Bulnes was a military fort founded in 1843, marking the beginning of the colonization of Patagonia. In 1943, to commemorate its centenary, the fort was restored and reopened as a museum. Its establishment was crucial for Chile’s sovereignty over the Strait of Magellan, as it is said that the day after the first settlers arrived at the site, the French ship Le Phaeton, with a similar mission for France, reached the same location. Due to the harsh climate, it proved impossible to establish a large, stable population. In 1848, the small settlement moved further north, to a more hospitable location, where the present-day city of Punta Arenas was eventually founded.

Just 2 km from Fuerte Bulnes, along the shores of Bahia Buena, lie the remains of "Ciudad del Rey Don Felipe," a settlement founded in March 1584. This was Spain’s first, though ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to colonize these southern lands. The extreme climate and isolation caused most of the 337 inhabitants to perish from starvation. In 1587, English privateer Thomas Cavendish arrived and found only the remains of the ill-fated colony and one lone survivor. Struck by the grim scene, Cavendish renamed the area "Puerto del Hambre" (Port Famine). The last survivor was rescued in early 1590 by the British ship The Delight.

Penguin Colony

From October to March, during the spring and summer months, numerous sea tours depart from Punta Arenas to explore the penguin colonies on Magdalena Island.

Located 35 km from the city, Magdalena Island, officially known as "Monumento Natural Los Pingüinos", is home to the largest Magellanic penguin colony in Chile, with around 200,000 penguins. The round-trip tour lasts approximately 6 hours, and along the way, you can spot a variety of marine wildlife, including Commerson's dolphins (Toninas Overas), sea lions, and birds like the Imperial Cormorant.

 

Sea voyages around Punta Arenas

Image: expedicionfitzroy.com

Local tour agencies offer sea voyages to explore the captivating sites around Punta Arenas, from the Strait of Magellan to the region’s countless channels and fjords. One option is M/V Forrest Cruise Expeditions, offering several exciting expeditions. Key highlights include whale watching near Carlos III Island, visits to the stunning yet lesser-known glaciers of D'Agostini Sound on Tierra del Fuego Island, exploring Almirantazgo Sound on the west coast of Tierra del Fuego, and discovering the almost untouched Skyring Inlet in southern Patagonia. 

Club Andino de Punta Arenas

Located 8 km west of the city, Club Andino de Punta Arenas sits on the slopes of Mount Fenton, also known as Cerro Mirador. Covering 209 hectares, with 18 hectares dedicated to ski slopes, the club offers a unique view of the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire Island) from its highest point, 600 meters above sea level. The facilities are nestled within the Reserva Forestal Magallanes (Magallanes Forest Reserve), also known as Parque Japonés.

The club features 11 ski slopes, offering excellent snow conditions, with the best time to visit typically being July and August. During the spring-summer season, visitors can enjoy chairlift rides, a popular activity among tourists arriving at the port of Punta Arenas. Guests can also explore the reserve's many trails, filled with diverse flora and bird species, and engage in activities such as canopy tours, trekking, and mountain biking. 

Magallanes Forest Reserve

Previously known as Parque Japones (Japanese Park), this stunning protected area, located just 7 km from Punta Arenas, is a must-see for visitors, especially during the Spring-Summer season. 

The reserve is covered in lush native vegetation, and its peaceful atmosphere, combined with a breathtaking view from the top, offers a unique experience. Established in 1932 to protect the Laguna Lynch basin—one of Punta Arenas' main water sources—the reserve also houses Club Andino, one of the few ski centers worldwide with natural snow and views of the sea.

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