Punta Arenas, Patagonia
Welcome to Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas (meaning Sandy Point) is the southernmost city on Chile's continental territory - a 4hr flight from Santiago. Sat beside the historic Straits of Magellan, a sea channel connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. The city centre resembles the architecture found in northern and eastern Europe, which of course is in line with the early European settlers from the Croatia, Serbia and Scotland. The airport here is the main entry point into Chile´s stunning Patagonia, also to Antarctica, and the seaport is the embarkation point for cruises to Ushuaia in Argentina. The city is a relatively clean, modern city with an unusual history based on maritime trade, sheep ranching, coal mining and more recently petroleum extraction.
What we Offer
We can arrange itineraries that include a logistical rest night in Punta Arenas only, or to be able to enjoy some of the activities that originate from here such as seeing the penguins on Santa Magdalena Island (half day), King Rey penguins on Tierra del Fuego (long full day), whale watching as either a long full day, or a night on an island in the middle of the marine park.
Typically, you will need two nights in Punta Arenas to be able to do most of these activities and we would build Punta Arenas into your itinerary pre or post Torres del Paine.
We also offer fabulous Patagonia cruises to Ushuaia and Fly-Cruise combination to Antarctica from Punta Arenas.
How to Get to Punta Arenas
Arrivals to Punta Arenas are usually from Santiago on a flight that takes about 4hrs if direct and 4.5hrs if there has been a stop off at Puerto Montt.
The other ways to get here are by way of the Australis Cruise ship from Ushuaia in Argentina, by a 12hr bus trip from Ushuaia also or a flight from Puerto Williams (Chilean territory opposite Tierra del Fuego and the other side of the Beagle Channel to Ushuaia) or even a long ferry boat trip also from Puerto Williams.
History
Punta Arenas was officially founded in 1848 when the previous, earlier-established settlement, was relocated to its current position. It is the Southernmost city on the American continent. Prior to the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 Punta Arenas was a vital and major seaport for shipping coming from Europe to the western side of the Americas via the Strait of Magellan (a natural sea passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans avoiding the need to circumnavigate the longer and more arduous journey around Cape Horn), although the Clipper class ships still used the Drake Passage around Cape Horn in order to have enough space for navigational position manoeuvres.
Today, in terms of its maritime importance it is a key stop over for large cruise ships and also the departure point for maritime cruises to Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia.
The city of Punta Arenas also remains an important fishing port and Chilean Naval base. Punta Arenas is also still a highly important centre for the local wool and lamb trade with the principal exporters operating from here and sending their produce all over the World.
Punta Arenas offers an ideal rest point to break the journey between Santiago and Torres del Paine and is also a place from which to visit penguin colonies in the area. More recently it has also become the base from which to go on a whale-watching experience.
Punta Arenas hotels
Punta Arenas Activities and Places of Interest
The area around the main plaza has some historic, architectural interest as some of the buildings have a similar look and style found in some eastern European countries.
The city tour will usually include a visit to the Bulnes Fort because it is the “birth place” of Punta Arenas, although it is a quite a basic to look at. It is the location of the first settlement until the population moved to where the city is now.
Clothes to Bring
Try to bring LAYERS of breathable clothes that can be taken off or put on easily to adapt to any change in weather and as you heat up and cool down on a trek. Cotton undershirts are NOT recommended – see below.
Ideally clothes such as:
- Over your body skin: an under vest (long sleeved if possible) made, ideally, from synthetic fibres so it dries quickly. If very cold weather (ie early spring, winter months or autumn) then thermal underwear made from synthetic fibres. The reason for synthetic fibres is because when you are walking several hours you will build up a sweat and your under garments will get wet, this then gets cold when you stop and will make you cold unless the wet material dries quickly. Cotton does not dry quickly, whereas synthetic material will dry more quickly.
- Over your under vest: a breathable top such as a fleece.
- Over your fleece: a waterproof windbreaker over jacket.
- For your legs: trekking pants, resistant to rain and wind, but made from a breathable material otherwise you will sweat. Jeans are NOT good as they can get wet and not dry.
- Over your trekking pants: waterproof shell pants to go over your trekking pants in the event of heavy rain.
- For your feet: wool or synthetic socks. Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support and none-slip sole. If new make sure you break them in prior to using them on a trek.
- For your hands: gloves. Close to glaciers it can be very cold.
- For your head: a warm hat (not a jockey cap), sunglasses and sun-protection cream and a headband to keep your ears warm when not using the hat.
- For your personal use: a back pack for food, water and clothes.
- For your safety: a battery-operated torch for when power is out or if you are arriving to a refugio in the dark. Take with you during the trek extra water and snacks. Prepare for all weather conditions and dress for the outdoors. Do NOT go off the trail because if you have the slightest incident such as twisting an ankle, you may not be found.
