Punta Arenas
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© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
El fin del mundo | The end of the world
Why visit
Punta Arenas is the launchpad for some of the planet's most extraordinary trips. Day-trip to Magdalena Island to walk among 60,000 nesting Magellanic penguins. Sail the Strait of Magellan toward glacier-fronted fjords. Or fly south to Antarctica via charter. Use the city as a base to drive 4 hours north to Torres del Paine National Park or south to Tierra del Fuego. In-town, climb to the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint, visit the Museo Regional de Magallanes inside Palacio Braun-Menendez, and pay respects at the Indian-themed cemetery (Cementerio Municipal) often called one of the world's most beautiful.
When to avoid
The infamous Patagonian wind is constant, frequently 50 to 70 km/h, occasionally hurricane-force. Walking with an umbrella is impossible. Summer can disappoint with sudden storms, even snow. The downtown after dark feels rough. Stay in lit areas and use taxis. Penguin tours are weather-dependent and frequently canceled, build flex into itineraries. Skip November to April if you want skiing, but skip May to September if you want long days. Petty theft on Avenida Bulnes is common.
