Punta Arenas Travel Guides

Punta Arenas

Home to colonial mansions, tree-lined squares and national parks, this remote Chilean city is also a gateway to the fascinating Tierra del Fuego.

The isolated city of Punta Arenas faces the icy waters of the Strait of Magellan. Discover colonial palaces, superb museums, discounted shopping and curious sights, including an architecturally impressive cemetery. Punta Arenas is the capital of the Magallanes province in Chile’s remote southern Patagonia region. It started as a 19th-century pioneer city and today is a relaxed, windswept destination popular with adventurer seekers.

Start your visit at the tree-shaded central square, Plaza Muñoz Gamero. Browse the stalls of a handicraft market and admire the elegant Cathedral of Punta Arenas. Framing the plaza are ostentatious mansions, including Palacio Sara Braun and Casa Braun-Menéndez, built by wealthy immigrants. The well-preserved rooms of these mansions offer a glimpse into the life of the city’s aristocracy.

Discover the area’s pioneer past and sheep-farming heritage at the Museo Regional de Magallanes. Spot historical naval artifacts at Museo Naval y Maritimo.

Visit Punta Arenas Cemetery, a short walk from the main square. Note the elaborate tombs of former city residents as you stroll along leafy paths. Nearby is the Monumento al Ovejero, a sculpture dedicated to sheep and cattle farming.

Punta Arenas is a Free Trade Zone, great for finding bargain prices. Shop for tax-free clothes, electronics, perfumes, shoes and souvenirs at Zona Franca shopping complex.

Explore the breathtaking Patagonia landscapes on daytrips. Go hiking and mountain biking through the forests of Reserva Forestal Magallanes. Camp, fish and trek in Reserva Nacional Laguna Parrillar. Visit Seno Otway Penguin Colony between September and April to spot thousands of Magellanic penguins.

Reach Punta Arenas by flying from Santiago or take a multiday cruise from Puerto Montt, passing spectacular channels and fjords. Visit from October to April to benefit from sunnier days and limited rain. Enjoy a walk along the waterfront when the sun shines. From here, boats cross the Strait of Magellan to the barren wilderness of Tierra del Fuego.

Explore the highlights of Punta Arenas

Palacio Sara Braun

Overlooking Plaza Muñoz Gamero is this opulent mansion, a place to imagine the lives of Punta Arenas’ high society residents during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Plaza Munoz Gamero

The historical heart of Punta Arenas is home to colonial-style mansions, an artisan market and a statue of a famous explorer.

Punta Arenas Cemetery

Wander along the paths of this village-like cemetery, where the elaborate tombs of wealthy families lie next to modest and decaying graves.

Santuario Maria Auxiliadora

Spot a wonderful collection of religious art and decorations at this parish church. Afterward visit a museum focused on the ethnography of Patagonia.

Monumento al Ovejero

Admire one of Punta Arenas’ many historic monuments, a memorial dedicated to the ranching wealth and rural traditions of Chile’s Magallanes region.

Where to stay in Punta Arenas

Hotel Rey Don Felipe

The Hotel Rey Don Felipe is a high-quality and modern Punta Arenas hotel that is ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Hotel Rey Don Felipe is centrally located near major attractions and business or commercial centers in Punta Arenas. A hallmark of the Hotel Rey Don Felipe is the impressive meeting and event facilities that can be used for seminars, presentations, or other business functions and private celebrations. Catering and banqueting services are available for event participants to enjoy coffee breaks or meals. Hotel Rey Don Felipe is also home to a fine-dining restaurant for guests to enjoy local and international cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. With its excellent location, guests at Hotel Rey Don Felipe can enjoy all of the great sites, restaurants, and shopping Punta Arenas has to offer.

Armando Sanhueza 965

Guest Rating: 4.2 out of 5

Dreams Punta Arenas

Located in the heart of Punta Arenas, this romantic hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Museo Naval y Maritimo and Port of Punta Arenas. Plaza Munoz Gamero and Museo Regional Magallanes are also within 10 minutes.

O Higgins 1235

Guest Rating: 4.2 out of 5

Hotel Carpa Manzano

For a high-quality and welcoming hotel in Punta Arenas in the Patagonia region consider Hotel Carpa Manzano . An ideal Punta Arenas accommodation, the Hotel Carpa Manzano is a great place to stay for your Patagonia tour or holiday in Chile with friends or family. The Hotel Carpa Manzano includes a computer room with Internet access, a friendly front desk open 24 hours, as well as laundry and car rental services. Punta Arenas offers modern amenities and services, including restaurants, nightlife, and coffee shops all short distance from the Hotel Carpa Manzano. The area also boasts a rich history and The Maggiorino Borgatello Museum is great for learning more about the region. Other notable places to visit is the Patagonia Institute or Cerro de la Cruz offering views of the city and islands along the Brunswick Peninsula such as Tierra del Fuego and others. Ecotourism in Chile has become more and more popular for visitors to the area. The Hotel Carpa Manzano is affiliated with a Tour Operator so guests can explore favorite sights in Patagonia such as Paine Towers National Park and spectacular glaciers .

Lautaro Navarro 336

Guest Rating: 3.9 out of 5

Best Western Hotel Finis Terrae

Located in the heart of Punta Arenas, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Museo Regional Magallanes and Plaza Munoz Gamero. Palacio Sara Braun and Centro Cultural Braun Menendez are also within 10 minutes.

Avenida Colon 766

Guest Rating: 4.0 out of 5

Hotel Cabo De Hornos

Cabo de Hornos Hotel has been for many years the traditional benchmark of the Magellan hotel management and operation- and it has been recently remodeled with the same state-of-the-art technology and an innovative design combining moderation- elegance and warmth- The fancy style of its building matches perfectly with the setting of the lovely Plaza de Armas of Punta Arenas and adjacent buildings- which due to their beauty make up the architectural patrimony of this pretty Patagonian city-Cabo the Hornos Hotel has 110 comfortable rooms- distributed in 8 floors- The rooms are inviting and restful- not only in the comfort they provide- but because of their beautiful views of the Strait of Magellan- of the large island of Tierra del Fuego- and of Punta Arenas recently renovated Plaza de Armas - all of which are of great beauty- in addition to their historical importanceIn the very centre of the city- Hotel Cabo de Hornos is a classic piece of architecture- Its distinguished interior is innovative in design- and warmly decorated- Nothing has been left to chance- Each piece of furniture- painting- sculpture- every color and material- is the result of exacting work by fine professionals- Refinement is the keynote

Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1025

Guest Rating: 4.0 out of 5

Hotel Plaza

Situated in Punta Arenas, this hotel is steps from Plaza Munoz Gamero, Palacio Sara Braun, and Centro Cultural Braun Menendez. Museo Regional Magallanes and Museo Naval y Maritimo are also within 10 minutes.

Jose Nogueira 1116

Guest Rating: 3.0 out of 5

Diego De Almagro Punta Arenas

Situated in Punta Arenas, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Museo Naval y Maritimo, Museo Regional Magallanes, and Plaza Munoz Gamero. Centro Cultural Braun Menendez and Palacio Sara Braun are also within 15 minutes.

Avenida Colón 1290

Guest Rating: 4.1 out of 5

Estancia Rio de Los Ciervos

If you want to see Patagonia in all its beauty, you will want to book a stay at the 3-star Estancia Rio de Los Ciervos Hotel, located just five and a half kilometers south of Punta Arenas in the Chile's Magallanes province. This Punta Arenas accommodation boasts gorgeous views of Chilean landscape that will leave you speechless. Guests at the Estancia Rio de Los Ciervos should pack their appetites as the property restaurant serves some of the finest traditional cuisine around. When not exploring the surrounding areas, this Punta Arenas hotel has plenty of facilities at guest's disposal such as an excellent restaurant, meeting and banqueting facilities as well as a delightful garden. Great staff, amazing location and convenient facilities make this a top notch hotel.

Km. 5.5 y Medio sur Rio de los ciervosOffice: Jose Nogueira No. 1255, Office: Jose Nogueira No. 1255

Guest Rating: 4.0 out of 5

Cabañas Shenu Patagonia

Situated by the sea, this cabin is within a 15-minute walk of Museo Naval y Maritimo, Santuario Maria Auxiliadora, and Museo Regional Magallanes. Plaza Munoz Gamero and Centro Cultural Braun Menendez are also within 15 minutes.

Quillota 658

Hotel Tierra del Fuego

Reserve a room at the Hotel Tierra del Fuego for your trip to the main settlement on the Strait of Magellan. This first-class Punta Arenas, Chile hotel offers elegant accommodations in the city centre. The Hotel Tierra del Fuego features a comfortable conference room and sophisticated, European-style public areas. Patagonian cuisine is served in the classy bar-restaurant, while lighter fare can be found in Pub 1900. Hotel guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning, local newspapers, room service, and free parking. This hotel is located in the Punta Arenas city centre, 4 blocks from the Magallanes Regional Museum. Other attractions nearby include the Memorial Museum ( Museo del Recuerdo ) and Patagonia Institute ( Instituto de la Patagonia ) at the northeast end of town and the Puntas Arenas harbour. You’ll also want to visit the open market in the main square, Plaza Muñoz Gamero . The Seno Otway Penguin Colony and whale watching in Rey Jorge Island Natural Sea Park are popular day trips. The Hotel Tierra del Fuego is approx. 20 km/12.4 miles from Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport.

Avenida Colón 716

Hotel Jose Nogueira

José Nogueira hotel has 22 rooms, including five suites, exquisitely decorated with all services and comfort of a grand hotel. For its operation the hotel restored an old mansion that has been declared a National Monument. The available spaces were adapted to the structure of the building which would not be changed and therefore all of the rooms are not exactly the same. Each one acquiring their own personality and characteristics, and all having a high level of comfort. This specialty of Hotel Jose Nogueira is extended to all of the guests each one receiving a completely personalized attention, far from the service that usually surrounds us.The José Nogueira hotel has two dinning rooms and the winter garden Pergola dinning room. The first two contain the original furniture, lamps, and curtains of the mansion.Rates showed do not include taxes.

Bories 967

Guest Rating: 3.0 out of 5

Hotel Los Navegantes

Los Navegantes Hotel is located in downtown Punta Arenas just 50 mts from the Main Plaza. It is a 5 floor building that offers 50 comfortable rooms and nicely equipped with cable TV - bathroom - safety box and minibar. Its outstanding location makes it near commercial centers -museums - banks and attractions. It has an advanced security system for the tranquility of your stay. Facilities include conference rooms and business center. The hotel has a restaurant that offers international and local cuisine with seafood specialties accompanied with the most prestigious wine selection to enjoy live music daily. It also has a warm irish style bar . Its bilingual personnel is trained to provide you a high quality service to make you feel like home. Room upgrades subject to availability. Punta Arenas-0 mi S

Jose Menendez 647

Guest Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas

Palacio Sara Braun

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Punta Arenas

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Punta Arenas

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Cathedral of Punta Arenas

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Punta Arenas

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Punta Arenas

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Punta Arenas

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Punta Arenas

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Punta Arenas

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Punta Arenas

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Punta Arenas

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Punta Arenas

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Punta Arenas

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Punta Arenas

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Punta Arenas Cemetery

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Cathedral of Punta Arenas

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Punta Arenas

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Punta Arenas

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Punta Arenas

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Monumento al Ovejero

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Cathedral of Punta Arenas

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Punta Arenas

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Explore the highlights of Punta Arenas

Palacio Sara Braun

Plaza Munoz Gamero

Punta Arenas Cemetery

Santuario Maria Auxiliadora

Monumento al Ovejero

Where to stay in Punta Arenas

Hotel Rey Don Felipe

Dreams Punta Arenas

Hotel Carpa Manzano

Best Western Hotel Finis Terrae

Hotel Cabo De Hornos

Hotel Plaza

Diego De Almagro Punta Arenas

Estancia Rio de Los Ciervos

Cabañas Shenu Patagonia

Hotel Tierra del Fuego

Hotel Jose Nogueira

Hotel Los Navegantes