PUNTA ARENAS

Punta Arenas is near Chile’s southernmost tip, and is located in the middle of the Strait of Magellan. It’s in the heart of Patagonia, and the region has a diverse geography comprised of mountains, deserts, grasslands and pampas, rivers, and lakes.

Punta Arenas has a compact downtown district with a handful of restaurants, shops, and bars. Points of interest to see include the Plaza de Armas, Palacio de Sara Braun, and the Sara Braun Municipal Cemetery. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss visiting one of the numerous museums. Popular options include the Magallanes Regional Museum, the Naval and Maritime Museum, and the Magallanes Regional Museum. Or consider taking the journey to the Nao Victoria Museum. It's an interactive museum with stunning ship replicas that tell the stories of important Chilean expeditions.

Looking for time in nature? Head 4mi/6.5km out of Puenta Arenas to Reserva Forestal Magallanes for beautiful nature walks and hiking opportunities. It’s also possible to visit Torres del Paine National Park—one of the most famous national parks in South America. However, you’ll need to travel via plane, and planning ahead of time is critical.

One of most popular activities out of Punta Arenas is a trip to Isla Magdalena to see the large colony of Magellan penguins. The island is 32km off the coast of Punta Arenas, and visitors will get the chance to marvel at the penguins in their natural habitat. (Note: visiting is weather dependent, and tours will often be cancelled due to high winds.)

Before heading back on board, don’t miss the chance to try a brew from Austral Brewery—the southernmost beer in the world!

PORT FAST FACTS

DOCKED OR TENDERED?

Could be docked at either the Prat Pier downtown, or if a larger ship, at the Mardones Pier, 4 miles / 6.5km out of town. Some ships also tender into the downtown pier.
TERMINAL BUILDING OR PIER?

No terminal building at the Mardones Pier.
WIFI AVAILABLE?

Not at the Mardones Pier.
PUBLIC RESTROOMS ASHORE?

Not at the Mardones Pier.
TOURIST INFORMATION?

Not at the Mardones Pier. There is a tourist information booth in the main plaza downtown.
MAPS AVAILABLE?

Not at the Mardones pier on most recent visit.
TAXIs / PUBLIC TRANSPORT?

Limited number of taxis available at the Mardones pier. If docked out of town, cruise lines normally offer shuttle services into downtown.
ATMs / MONEY EXCHANGE?

Not at the Mardones Pier.