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Colony of magellanic penguins on Magdalena island, Strait of Magellan, Chile
Colony of magellanic penguins on Magdalena island, Strait of Magellan, Chile

Discover Punta Arenas, Chile

Penguin Colonies. Patagonian Fjords.

From the original name "Sandy Point," this southernmost capital city in Chili had its humble beginnings as sparse penal colony near the Straits of Magellan. Today, Punta Arenas is regarded as a geopolitical point of interest given its strategic location as a gateway to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Exciting Shore Excursions

Immerse yourself in authentic experiences with our Shore Excursions, expertly guided by locals.

Snapshots of Punta Arenas

A visual preview of the amazing sites that await you.

Chilean base Antarctica Chilean base Antarctica.
pinguin, pinguin family, wild nature, blcak and white, animal Friendly penguins.
Beautiful view of Punta Arenas with the Strait of Magellan Strait of Magellan.
Official building in Punta Arenas with the Strait of Magellan Official building in Punta Arenas.
Waterfall Salto Grande in Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile Waterfall in Torres del Paine National Park.

Travel Tips & Interesting Info

Uncover Hidden Gems & Fun Facts

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Famous For

Punta Arenas was at first a penal colony in the mid-19th century. The town grew over time, thanks to travel and trade to the South and North American coasts.

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Exquisite Flavours

Enjoy the king crab dishes, a local delicacy, and indulge in the rich, creamy flavours of Patagonian lamb, freshly sourced from nearby farms.

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Fun Facts

Take flight to the magnificent Torres Del Paine National Park in southern Chilean Patagonia for stunning views of mountains, glaciers, lakes and rivers.

Port Name & Location

Port of Punta Arenas, Chile
Ship may DOCK or ANCHOR OFFSHORE at this port.

Language

The local language is Spanish. Say "how much does this cost?" in Spanish: "cunto cuesta esto?"

Time Zone

CLT (Chile Standard Time)
UTC/GMT -3 hours

Currency & Shopping

Chilean Peso (CLP)
Souvenirs, Indigenous crafts, precious stones, leather, wool, wood or ceramics.

Featured Punta Arenas Itineraries

Learn More about Punta Arenas

Read more on our official travel blog.

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