Punta Arenas Chile: A Guide To 21 Exciting Things To Do

If you’re looking to explore the beauty of Chile’s southernmost region, Punta Arenas is a must-visit destination. With a rich history as a gateway to Antarctica and a vibrant cultural scene, Punta Arenas captivates travelers from around the world.

Punta Arenas is a port city in Chile’s Magallanes region, known as the southernmost city at “the end of the world” until surpassed by Puerto Williams and Ushuaia. 

With a population of over 100,000 people, Punta Arenas is a popular starting point for Antarctic expeditions and outdoor adventures such as kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking. Visitors can go penguin watching in nearby Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, or Isla Magdalena.

Beyond its reputation as a gateway city, Punta Arenas has much more to offer. It is a must-visit destination in southern Chile, known for its picturesque scenery and unique attractions. 

This article will preview what Punta Arenas offers, including practical tips on transportation, accommodations, and other essential information to make your visit a breeze and a delight.

21 Things To Do in Punta Arenas 

You can do many things in Punta Arenas, Chile. However, these 21 activities are a must for making the most of your Punta Arenas trip: 

1. Watch the Sea Lions, Whales, and Dolphin 

See the man’s best friend in the waters and some big whales, and make your adventure unique. 

Go on a whale-watching tour by sailing through the Magellan Strait to Francisco Coloane Marine Park. This is a full-day trip to watch the whales and other marine life present in the area.

2. Penguin Watching at Isla Magdelena

Penguins are a beautiful and rare breed of birds that you don’t see every day. Located 22 miles (35 kilometers) off the coast of Punta Arenas, you can visit Isla Magdelena to watch the Magellanic and Humboldt penguins. 

Here’s a day trip tour from Punta Arenas to Isla Magdalena & Isla Marta that you can join. You will travel by speedboat to get there and see Magellanic penguins and other endemic species, such as sea wolves, imperial cormorants, and Southern gulls.

3. Go Mudding

When visiting Punta Arenas, be sure to visit El Totumo and take a dip in the mud volcano. Many tourists declare the mudding experience as relieving.  

4. Salsa Bars

Punta Arenas is known for its lively salsa bars that offer visitors a taste of local nightlife. 

Popular destinations include Donde Fidel and Café Havana, where visitors can dance the night away and immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant culture.

5. City Walls and Horse Carriages 

Walk around the old city walls and learn more about the cannons that were once used to defend its boundaries. 

You can also experience the beautiful streets and beaches when you work around to explore the town. 

6. Take a Walking Tour 

To fully immerse yourself in the heritage and culture of Punta Arenas, consider taking a walking tour. 

These tours are readily available and offer an authentic experience of the city’s unique character.

7. Experience the Nightlife

Since few safety concerns exist in Punta Arenas, Chile, you should enjoy the nightlife. 

The nightlife in Punta Arenas is vibrant, as people worldwide are there to enjoy and have a good time. 

8. Party Bus 

Here is another nighttime activity for travelers visiting Punta Arenas, Chile. The Happy Bus is a colorful mobile discotheque and bar around Punta Arenas for entertainment, hen and bachelor parties, and other special celebratory occasions. 

9. Try the Special Lamb 

Chile is famous for its meat dishes. Try the special “Patagonian-styled” lamb to satisfy your cravings and enjoy the native meal. 

10. Go Birdwatching 

Punta Arenas is a natural wetland home to many beautiful native birds, like the Andean Condor. Go birdwatching to see some of the most beautiful birds you may have seen. 

11. Go Scuba Diving

Scuba diving enthusiasts can explore the underwater world of the Strait of Magellan, an area rich in marine life and shipwrecks. With experienced dive operators and various dive sites, including shallow reefs and deep channels, Punta Arenas offers an unforgettable scuba diving experience.

12. Kitesurfing 

Kitesurfing is one of the famous activities of Punta Arenas, Chile. Head to the Laguito area to have an amazing experience. 

13. Exploring the Old City 

Explore the ruins and colonial architecture of Punta Arenas on your tour. This location may leave you astonished and wanting to extend your stay.

14. Castillo de San Felipe 

Visit this iconic landmark built in 1639 to defend the city of Punta Arenas. Explore how Chileans used the castle of this unique design to defend their country. 

15. Plaza Munoz Gamero and the Palacio Sara Braun

Plaza Munoz Gamero is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Punta Arenas. 

The historic square, named after a former governor of the Magallanes region, features beautiful colonial-style architecture surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can admire the statue of Magellan and take in the charming ambiance of the plaza, which is often bustling with locals and tourists alike. 

The nearby Palacio Sara Braun, a grand mansion turned museum, is also worth visiting for its stunning architecture, regional history, and art displays.

16. Go Shopping for Local Handicrafts and Souvenirs 

For travelers looking to bring home a piece of Punta Arenas, shopping for local handicrafts and souvenirs is a must. The Municipal Market, or Mercado Municipal, is a bustling hub for artisanal goods, from woolen goods and hand-knitted clothing to silver jewelry and traditional handicrafts made by local artisans. 

Visitors can also find artisanal shops throughout the city, each offering unique and authentic products showcasing local culture and heritage.

17. Mountain Biking 

Book a tour to take a biking trip near Punta Arenas for a great view and a unique experience. 

18. Go Hiking at the Magallanes National Reserve

Go hiking at the Magallanes National Reserve located on the city’s outskirts. 

On your hike, see beautiful flowers and a scenic view of the Andes mountains. 

19. Go Trekking at Torres del Paine National Park 

Try this highly-rated hike to experience beautiful scenes, including Grey Glacier, Mylodon Cave, Three Towers Mountain, and Grey Lake Area. 

From Punta Arenas, you can take a bus to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine. If you want to make the most of your trip, you may consider taking a tour or visiting Puerto Natales to explore more of the incredible Torres del Paine National Park yourself. We have done the W trek and enjoyed it immensely. 

20. Take a Trip to Antarctica 

Since you are at the gateway of Antarctica, you may as well venture there and experience what the coldest place on earth feels and looks like. 

Beware of the Antarctic trips, as places will fill up in advance, and prices will be very high. The cheapest I’ve heard people go on an Antarctica cruise is $5,000 on a last-minute cancellation spot.

21. Check out Historic Shipwrecks 

Punta Arenas, Chile, has shipwrecks at many locations. Feel free to walk up to the shipwrecks, explore them for yourself, and see what the ruins of a shipwreck look like in real life. 

Be careful not to climb them; they’re unstable and can collapse anytime.

Transportation Options 

We have already established that Punta Arenas is a must-visit location. According to travelers, the best time to visit Punta Arenas is from November to February. The next step is knowing how to commute there.

There are 2 main routes for Punta Arenas: Santiago and Puerto Natales. So, what are your transportation options to Punta Arena? 

• By Plane 

The simplest and easiest way for someone to get in from Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile, is to take a plane. Expect the journey to last about 6 hours, after which you will find yourself at Punta Arenas Airport. A plane from Santiago may cost you an average of 108,000 Chilean pesos/CLP (135 US dollars). 

Whereas taking a plane from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas is not a great option since the distance is minimal and booking a plane costs around 268,000 CLP ($335), as per Expedia. 

If you’re coming from Puerto Natales, taking a bus or hiring a rental car is a much better option.

• Rental Cars

A rental car is another way to get to Punta Arenas. When traveling from Santiago, the journey will last around 35 hours. Renting a car from Santiago may cost you around 26,400 CLP ($33) per day. 

If you take a rental car from Puerto Natales, the journey to Punta Arenas is 3 hours long. Also, if you drive directly from Puerto Natales airport, the journey may take 2 and a half hours. The car cost will also be around $33 per day. 

• By Bus 

Another option to travel from Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile, is to take a bus from Terminal Alameda in Santiago. The duration of this bus travel is around 38 hours. The bus stops in Osorno before reaching Punta Arenas, so you can also consider taking a small city tour. A bus ticket from Santiago to Punta Arenas may cost between 68,000-88,000 CLP ($85-$110). 

The roundtrip journey between Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas is only a 3-hour journey by bus. However, booking between these cities is difficult since many travelers are visiting, so it’s best to register beforehand. 

You can consider making reservations with Buses Fernandez or Bus-Sur from Puerto Natales. A bus ticket from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas costs around 11,200 CLP ($14).

Where to Stay in Punta Arenas

Here are a few options to consider when looking for a place to stay in Punta Arenas, Chile. 

We have included the best options depending on the prices.

• Haiken Hostel – Budget

For those on a tight budget, Haiken Hostal is the perfect place to stay. This hotel offers private rooms that include private external bathrooms. The stay there also includes a delicious breakfast with many premium features, including hot showers and shared kitchens. 

The staff at Haiken Hostel are very friendly and go a long way to ensure that guests enjoy their stay and have a good time.

• Hostal Boutique Patagonia Mistica – Mid-Range 

For those with a flexible budget, Patagonia Mistica is a great choice. While the hotel looks relatively small, guests can expect full comfort since the rooms are spacious, hygienic, and modern. 

Moreover, according to reviews, the hotel staff is very friendly and will do everything to ensure their guests’ comfort. 

• Hotel Jose Nogueira – Luxury

Luxury options are the best way to make the most of your trips. Hotel Jose Nogueira is one of the most beautiful hotels in Punta Arenas. The hotel features an old historical building from 1895 and is close to many shops and restaurants. 

This hotel also has an onsite bar, a restaurant, and a cozy sunroom, making it a perfect place for the guests to relax and enjoy their stay. If you can afford to spend the money, staying at Hotel Jose Nogueira is your best bet to have a good time when visiting Punta Arenas, Chile. 

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Important Tips to Stay Safe in Punta Arenas

• How to Stay Safe 

While no major crime cases exist in Punta Arenas, it is not completely crime-free. Stay safe and enjoy your vacation by following basic safety tips. 

Protect your valuables in busy areas. Especially take relevant precautions against pickpockets when traveling in the city after dark. 

• Earthquakes and Minefields 

Earthquakes in entire Chile are common. But Punta Arenas is in southern Chile, so the risk of an earthquake is minimal. However, be on your guard and take precautions. 

There are many minefields present throughout all of Patagonia too. However, most of the minefields are marked, but to be safe, consider traveling only on roads and marked trails when in Punta Arenas. 

Before traveling off-road or hiking, check with locals for updates on the area before setting out. 

• Sunburns 

Sunburns are another problem when visiting Punta Arenas, Chile. Due to its location, the Antarctic ozone means that the sun’s radiation is harmful compared to other places. Avoid staying exposed to sunlight for long and carry the necessary equipment, including sunblock and sunglasses. 

• ATMs and Cash 

When visiting Punta Arenas, Chile, you will notice that businesses accept USDs widely alongside the local currency, the Chilean Pesos. If you are considering exchanging money when reaching Punta Arenas, you may want to rethink since the exchange rate there is not ideal. Also, credit and debit cards work in many places. 

Regarding ATMs, you can withdraw a maximum of 200,000 CLP (approximately $214) in one go. The ATMs will charge you a withdrawal fee. For instance, if you withdraw 200,000 CLP, you will pay around 6,000 CLP (approximately $7.50) as an ATM service charge. 

• Travel Insurance

Consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Punta Arenas Chile

Is Punta Arenas, Chile, Worth Visiting?

Punta Arenas should be included in your Chilean itinerary to enjoy beautiful landscapes and visit the city’s many popular attractions. 

How Many Days Do You Need in Punta Arenas?

While Punta Arenas, Chile can be chock-full of activities, spending 2 days in the city should suffice. The city is full of different places to visit, so you can take as many days as you need to enjoy and immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery of this city.

Does It Get Cold in Punta Arenas?

Depending on what time of the year you go, the temperature may vary in Punta Arenas, Chile. 

However, the coldest month in this city is July, with temperatures falling to 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). 

Are There Penguins in Punta Arenas?

Yes, Punta Arenas, Chile, is one of the few places in South America that is home to many penguin colonies. So, when visiting Punta Arenas, Chile, you may see some flappy birds.

Conclusion – Punta Arenas Chile

With this information, we hope Punta Arenas, Chile, Argentina’s southernmost city, will make it to your planned South American destinations list. 

This mountainous city’s proximity to more famous tourist spots, like Torres del Paine National Park or Isla Magdalena, may be your main reason for visiting the region, but giving Punta Arenas itself a day trip or 2, and you will surely enjoy and appreciate its unique delights.

Punta Arenas is also known for its abundant and diverse fauna, including polar mammals like glacial penguins and sea lions, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. With many attractions and itineraries, Punta Arenas and the surrounding region should not be missed on any South American journey.

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