Punta Arenas!

Where is this place?
Chile

Coordinates:
53.1634° S, 70.9078° W

Elevation:
34M / 111 ft
 
Why should I go here?

Why do most people go to this place? It’s very simple: if you didn’t catch the one flight a day to Puerto Natales, you most likely flew into Punta Arenas. For Chileans, Punta Arenas is an important destination because it’s a duty-free zone where you can go shopping, and we all know Chileans love a good shopping experience. You also go to Punta Arenas to embark on trips to either Tierra del Fuego, the penguin colonies, or sometimes Antarctica. So it’s safe to say that it’s a transit city.
If you're headed for the penguin colonies,  then you'll have to stay in Punta Arenas,  because most of those excursions depart very early in the morning, which is also the recommended time to head out to the penguin colonies.  

Best way to get there?
By plane

Will I get mugged?
Highly doubt it. We give this place a solid 4.7/5 for safety. Unlike Calama, Punta Arenas is Chile’s safest city

Is it cheap to eat here?
There is no such thing as something cheap to eat in Chile. We give this place a 2.5/5 for meal prices. 

How about accommodations?
They have a little neighborhood called Barrio El golf which is pretty close to the duty free shopping areas and the Nao Victoria Museum; we had an amazing stay at one of the Airbnbs in that section. 
If you want to stay in the heart of downtown at a hotel, it'll be pretty much the same price as anywhere in Santiago, just slightly cheaper. 
We give this place a 3/5 for accommodation prices.

Transportation?
The prices for transportation are pretty much the same all throughout Chile,  Which is higher than most Latin American countries. 

What if I get sick?
If you have a serious condition, you will most likely be flown to Santiago. Unfortunately, Chile is still a very centralized country, with most centers of excellence located in Santiago. While facilities in Punta Arenas are adequate, if you need surgery, you’ll probably be transferred to Santiago for treatment.

Are the people friendly?
I think the people down there are super friendly, but you gotta remember they're from a freezing place where winter hits harder than anywhere else in the country. So if someone seems dismissive, they're probably just freezing.

Special Tips?
Remember to bring layers. Seriously, this is the most important thing I can tell you. One minute the sun’s blazing, and you’re roasting, then bam! Winds that’ll knock you off your feet. I’m pretty sure the windbreaker was invented for places like this, but I doubt it’ll do much breaking

Nicknames: 
PUQ (Airport Code) / Chumangos (the people what moved in and love it)

Etymology: 
Punta Arenas, down in southern Chile, got its name thanks to its geography. 'Punta Arenas' translates to 'Sandy Point' in English, a name given by Spanish explorer Juan Ladrillero when he cruised through the area back in 1557

Plan My Getaway (What to Pack):
 Tons and tons of layers. 

Seasons:
All of them. 

Accessories and Equipment:
If you're heading out to the penguin colonies, make sure to bring everything you’ve got—GoPros, cameras with a good zoom, your phone, extra batteries, the works. Trust me, you won't want to miss a shot!

Where Should I Stay?
AlmaSur Hotel was great. 
Also search for B&B’s in the area. Barrio El Golf has some great Airbnbs

Transportation:

Bikes? Hmm… sure; it’s flat… but maybe not. 
Cab? Yes
Uber? Yes
Buses? Yes. and very reasonably priced too. 
Trains? No
Planes? Yes

What’s for Lunch? 
Quick: Kiosko Roca
Light: Wake Up Cafe
Nice: La Yegua Loca

What’s for Dinner?
Dino's Pizza, The local’s favorite little secret. 

What Are the Locals Drinking?
Austral Beer

Coffee?
Sure. 

Communications:
WhatsApp? Yes
Sim Cards? Very easy to get
Emails? Yes. Book in advance. 

Culture:

The Punta Arenas Cemetery, officially known as Cementerio Municipal Sara Braun, was established in 1894. This place is famous for its elegant mausoleums, cypress-lined paths, and European-style architecture, all showcasing the city’s diverse immigrant roots. It’s the final resting spot for many of Patagonia's pioneers and notable figures, making it a must-see cultural landmark in the region.

Also , one of the most beautiful things to discover in Punta Arenas is the connection with the Selk'nam/Ona people. They have a tragic history, which you can learn about in movies like Los Colonos.

History:
Punta Arenas got its start in 1848 when the Chilean government decided to plant a penal colony there to stake its claim over the all-important Strait of Magellan—a crucial maritime shortcut. The place exploded in the late 19th century thanks to the gold rush and booming sheep farming, drawing Europeans, especially Croatians and Brits, like bees to honey. Before the Panama Canal stole the show, Punta Arenas was the must-stop spot for ships. Over the years, it grew into a hotspot for trade and daring explorers heading to Patagonia and Antarctica. Today, it’s the biggest city in Chile’s deep south, still holding onto that rugged, adventurous spirit!

And for the Selk’nam:

The Selk'nam were an indigenous people of Tierra del Fuego, famous for their nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Sadly, they were almost wiped out in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to brutal displacement by European settlers and the spread of introduced diseases. Today, their culture lives on through historical records and ongoing efforts to preserve their heritage.

Art Scene:
Lots of amazing work depicting the Selk'nam heritage

Music Scene:
Pailita is a reggaeton and rap artist who’s making waves in the Chilean urban music scene. But if rock is more your vibe, you're in luck—there are countless rock bands in the area too. Head over to Tierra del Diablo for some live music and drinks; it's the perfect spot to soak in the local sound. 

Language:

Spanish is going to be your go-to language, but there are many native communities, like the Kaweskar, with their own unique languages. Unfortunately, not much is being done by the local government to preserve these languages, so they’re slowly fading away. The same thing is happening with the old Selk’nam language.

In Conclusion…

Punta Arenas is one of those unexpected destinations that people often overlook, especially when they’ve got their sights set on the jaw-dropping Torres del Paine and want to spend all their time there. But if you're into culture and history, Punta Arenas is definitely worth your attention. Plus, you might have to fly in here anyway if you're heading to Puerto Natales the next morning. With the right game plan and knowing where to go, you’ll find it’s surprisingly fun. Hopefully, this gives you a little extra insight!


Tour Guide Services:
We offer multi-day trips to Patagonia, so you might want to check those out. They make traveling down there a lot easier, especially if you’re worried about a language barrier or if you’ll be crossing into Argentina.

Sample Multi-Day Itinerary

Day 1:
We start the day at the main square to dive into the history of Punta Arenas and, of course, snap a pic or maybe even kiss the foot of the "Indio’s Patagón" statue. (Fun fact: Did you know Patagonia means Bigfoot?) 
Next up, we do what we do best—taste the local flavors! We’ll head to Kiosko Roca for a quick bite of the local favorite: their famous tiny sandwiches.
Then it's off to Cerro de La Cruz, where we’ll take in the stunning view of the city from up high and discover why they call it the city of the Red Roofs (oops, spoiler alert).
After that, we’ll stroll through the beautiful cemetery, where the cypress trees are seriously impressive. 
Our next stop is the Nao Victoria Museum to check out the ships that once sailed the straits, before grabbing lunch around 1:30 PM.
Once this half-day adventure wraps up, the afternoon is all yours. You can explore more of the city, and if you're up for it, maybe even hit the ice rink for some skating!

Day 2: 
We depart to a Penguin Colony if the weather allows it, or we can plan a full day trip to Tierra del Fuego.