Population
~125,000
Region
Magallanes
Highlights
Brunswick Peninsula
Magellanic Penguins
Zona Franca
Punta Arenas is the capital and largest city of Chile's Magallanes Region. Located on the Brunwick Peninsula near Cabo Froward (the southernmost tip of continental South America), the city overlooks the Strait of Magellan and serves as a launching point for excursions to Cape Horn and Antarctica. The wind-blown, seaside sprawl is the largest city on the Bicycle Patagonia Tour and showcases many colorfully-painted homes. Located within the city is Zona Franca, a zoned area where certain goods can be imported under a reduced-tax regime.
Punta Arenas was founded in 1848 as a penal colony so that Chile could assert sovereignty over the strategically-important Strait of Magellan. In the late 19th century, Punta Arenas and its surrounding area experienced a massive sheep-farming boom — fueling immigration and economic growth. Mansions built by the owners of the largest sheep-raising company Sociedad Explotadora de Tierra del Fuego (headquartered in Punta Arenas) can still be seen today.
Before the construction of the Panama Canal in 1914, the strait was the preferred route of ships transiting between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. These ships used Punta Arenas as a port and coaling station. Today, the harbor is primarily used by tourism cruises and scientific expeditions headed south to Cape Horn or Antarctica.
Best in Punta Arenas
Eat
Empanadas Don Lázaro
This place makes the best empanada in Punta Arenas. Lázaro Gutiérrez and his wife, Alicia Alvarado, have been practicing their craft for decades: once thinly rolled, they stuff their dough with soft, juicy minced meat, hard boiled egg and olives, then bake till golden brown. Experience what an empanada should taste like.
Stay
La Toscana Hostel
Formerly a panadería, this hostel boasts spacious rooms, a large well-equipped kitchen and a massive common area. The hostel is quaint, centrally-located and both Unimarc and Empanads Don Lazaro are nearby. Nightly rates are extremely reasonable and the wifi is fast. The hostel's owners are kind and relaxed and the place is kid-friendly!
Shop
Zona Franca
Zoned commercial area within Punta Arenas where certain products may be imported into Chile, and then sold, under a reduced-tax regime. Established in 1977 to promote economic activity in Magallanes, Chile's southernmost region.
Explore Nearby
Costanera del Estrecho
This coastal road features a wide boardwalk and is a great place to take a leisurely bike on a sunny day. The road comprises part of Chile's ruta del fin del mundo. Admire the Straight of Magellan, the city harbor, and a handful of statues/monuments as you wander the 5 km between central Punta Arenas and Zona Franca - just don't get blown away by the wind!
Cementerio Municipal
One of the top 10 most beautiful cemeteries in the world containing the tombs of some of Punta Arenas' wealthiest former residents, including Sara Braun. The cemetery is located close to central Punta Arenas. Entrance is free.
Magellanic Penguins on Isla Magdalena
Estimated to hold 63,000 breeding pairs, the Isla Magdalena penguin colony is one of South America's largest penguin colonies. Located 35 km northeast of Punta Arenas, in the middle of the Strait of Magellan, the colony thrives on the tiny island. The entire area is a national monument (Monumento Natural Los Pingüinos) and protected by a 30-kilometer "no-fishing zone".
Named after Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan (who spotted the birds in 1520 during his global circumnavigation voyage), Magellanic penguins are monogamous, mating with the same partner each year. Usually, the male penguin reclaims his burrow from the previous breeding season and waits for his female partner to find him, using his distinctive call to signal his location. Breeding season begins in September and extends into late February/March, when the chicks are mature enough to leave the colony.
Isla Magdalena can only be visited through approved tour agencies; several companies offer tours, including Transboradora Austral Broom (TABSA). Current price: $50,000 CLP.
Brunswick Peninsula Detour
If you're seeking to escape the hustle & bustle of Punta Arenas, consider taking this detour. From the city, pedal south on Ruta 9 along the Strait of Magellan. Just south of Rio San Juan (~60 km from Punta Arenas) there are some great wild camping options featuring views of the strait.
Ruta 9 dead-ends ~70 km south of Punta Arenas. From here, embark on a ~5 km hike to Faro San Isidro and enjoy fantastic views of the strait. From the lighthouse, you might be able to spot whales and dolphins. Experienced trekkers may choose to continue following the coast to Cabo Froward, the southernmost tip of continental South America (more info below).
Trekking: Cabo Froward
Froward is the southernmost point of continental South America. A trail begins near the San Isidro lighthouse (where Ruta 9 dead-ends) and follows the coast toward the head of the Brunswick Peninsula. This trek is not recommended for beginners. The trail, featuring water/river crossings, follows a rugged coastline and can be extremely dangerous. In places, the trail is not well-marked. Trekkers must study tide-tables and patterns, as much of the 'trail' will be under water at some point during each day. It should come as no surprise that bicycles can't make this journey. A large metallic cross marks the end of the trail. The monument, referred to as Cruz de los Mares, was erected in 1987 to honor Pope John Paul II's visit to Chile that year.
Ferries From Punta Arenas
An outbound ferry from Punta Arenas is the next step for the majority of cyclists traveling south. Take a ferry across the Straight of Magellan to the island of Tierra del Fuego or go to the southernmost town in the world, Puerto Williams via a ferry ride through the southern islands and fjords of Chile.
To Porvenir
(Tierra del Fuego)
Ferry Pathagon
Duration: 2 hours (32 km)
Rate: $6,200 CLP (foreigner)
Crossings daily (except Monday)
To Puerto Williams
La Ruta del Yaghan
Duration: 32 hours (561 km)
Rates (non-resident): $109,000 (Pullman seat); $152,000 (Sofa-bed seat)
Meals included
Depending on space, after boarding, Pullman seat passengers may be upgraded to Sofa-bed seats, free of charge
Bike route from Punta Arenas to Río Grande