Punta Arenas

Here you find important information on the town Punta Arenas!

Punta Arenas is the capital of the XIIth Chilean region – the Magallanes region is at a southern latitude of approximately 54º south. About 150 years ago, the city was originally founded as a penal colony.

Today, Punta Arena has more than 150,000 inhabitants. Conveniently situated alongside the Straits of Magellan, the city was soon discovered to be the landing stage on one of the most important routes of commerce. The gold rush brought prosperity to Punta Arena and transformed it into a booming city. Later on, sheep farming became one of the most important industries.

Today, magnificent stone houses as well as pompous graveyards still manifest the wealth of the sheep farming barons, and downtown Punta Arena offers its visitors a variety of shopping opportunities, restaurants, cafes and bars. Tourism is slowly developing in this remote region which makes discovering even more interesting. 

ARRIVAL

Bus
Coming from Santiago, you can take the bus to Puerto Montt (i.e. Tur Bus, Pullmann).

From Puerto Montt, you travel overland, cross-Argentina by bus (i.e. Bus Cruz del Sur, Pullmann) to Punta Arenas. Travel time from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas approx. 35 hours.

From the Argentinean Ushuaia you reach Punta Arenas in approx. 12 hours by bus leaving three times a week (i.e. Bus Tecni Austral, Bus Pacheco).

From Puerto Natales, public busses leave several times a day to Punta Arenas (i.e. Busses Fernandez, Bus Pacheco).

Airplane
Coming from Santiago, several airlines fly to Punta Arenas via Puero Montt (LAN Chile, Aerolineas del Sur, Sky Airlines).

Boat
Every Monday (please check schedule), the NAVIMAG (freight & persons vessel) leaves Puerto Montt to reach Puerto Natales three days later, Thursday the same week. From Puerto Natales you can take a bus to Punta Arenas (see section ‘bus’).

Car
Coming from Puerto Natales, Ruta 9 takes you directly to Punta Arenas.

From Ushuaia (Argentina), you take RN3 direction Rio Gallegos and then turn on Ruta 255 to Punta Arenas.

POINTS of INTEREST / MAIN ATTRACTIONS

Isla Magdalena Penguin-Colony:

Three times a week, you can go on a boat-trip to this unique island. About 120.000 Magellan-Penguins live here – so you will see plenty!

Departure: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 4 pm

For tickets go to COMAPA – www.comapa.com, Magallanes 990

Puerto Hambre & Fuerte Bulnes:

Visit the first southern Chilean settlement.

The erection of the colony goes back to the year 1843 and the old wooden buildings give you an impression about the life of the first settlers.

Departure: Daily at 10 am

For tickets go to COMAPA – www.comapa.com, Magallanes 990

 Museo Salesiano Maggiorino Borgatello:

A must-see on three floors. The museum displays Patagonia’s history and cultural background.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 6 pm

Phone: 221-001, Address: Av Bulnes 336

Mirador Cerro la Cruz:

Viewpoint for the best view on Punta Arenas and the harbor.

From Plaza Munos, Fagnano Street brings you directly to the steps that lead up to the viewpoint.

Zona Franca:

Free-trade zone (2 km from the city center) where you get the best deal on electronic and computer equipment, outdoor equipment and much more.

Easy to reach with a shared taxi (Colectivo, No. 20/21/15) from the city center. Closed Sunday.