Punta Arenas

Capital of the XII Region, Punta Arenas is 3,090 kilometers from the capital of Chile. In spite of the distance, it is a true mini city, with all the necessary infrastructure to welcome those who visit it. In fact, the general philosophy of the city is that “loneliness and faraway are bearable if you live splendidly and in permanent contact with the rest of the world.”
Founded in 1848, it developed slowly from the colony. It was the place chosen by the government of the time to form a stable population, since the closest place, Fuerte Bulnes, had no water supply and firewood, nor climatic conditions to survive all year. Punta Arenas, known at that time as “Sandy Point” or Punta Arenosa, was also the place chosen to send military and common criminals who were going to stop at the Fort.
The city is settled at the foot of the Andes Mountains, where a steppe plain begins, which turns the city into a singular viewpoint towards the Strait of Magellan and the Ocean. In Punta Arenas, the sun appears by the sea and sets behind the hills, something that does not happen anywhere else in Chile.

Attractions
Punta Arenas is the most equipped city in Patagonia, giving visitors that wonderful mixture of city and place away from the big cities. Its landscapes are spectacular, as well as the colors of the sky during the sunset.
In the same way, it is located near a series of national parks and monuments, rivers and lakes, which allow the practice of an endless number of activities related to sport and leisure.

Activities
Between June and July, a series of cultural activities are concentrated, such as story contests, dance exhibitions, photographic exhibitions, sports, etc. In addition: photography, observation of flora and fauna, horseback riding, walking, sea kayaking, recreational diving, buggy, canoe, recreational hunting, cycling, free climbing, mountain skiing, mountain biking, recreational sailing, sailing, rowing, picnic, hiking, swimming.

Information

Location: Magallanes Region, Brunswick Peninsula, 3,090 kms., From Santiago.

How to get there: It can be reached by air or land. By air, Magallanes and Punta Arenas have daily flights that connect them with the rest of Chile. Finally, by land, there are also two options, either by Chile or by Argentina, using one of the two border crossings available: Monte Aymond in Magallanes and San Sebastián in Tierra del Fuego. Through Chile, the CH 255 route that connects Mount Aymond with Punta Arenas and borders the Strait of Magellan is used.

When to go: All year.

Climate: Temperate cold, rainy in winter. Summer temperature between 4 C and 15 C.

Services: Accommodation, travel agencies, cafe, cafeteria, restaurant, hotel, residential, interurban transport, leisure (bars, discos, diving, etc.), cruises, ferry,
airport, car rental, taxis, buses.

Surrounding areas: Strait of Magellan, Porvenir, Magallanes Forest Reserve, Laguna Parrillar Forest Reserve, Otway Sound, Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, Dawson Island.

Value Entry: Free