Punta Arenas lies in the very south of Chile and the name translates as "Sandy Point". The city was founded in 1848 and today is a large metropolis with around 130,000 inhabitants. With some grandiose buildings, it's a friendly city with a welcoming culture and that benefits from a new-found prosperity from the petrochemical industry.
The city is a great stop-off when travelling through Chile, with easy connections to destinations further afield like Torres del Paine and Argentina. Its port is also a popular calling point for cruise ships. With all kinds of facilities for visitors like banks, shops, supermarkets, chemists, a mall and a duty-free area known as "Zona Franca", the city is just like any other in the modern world. However, you can also step back in time when taking a walk around the unique cemetery with its lovely gardens.
Walking around the city's main square opens up attractions like the Indian statue with magic feet. If you touch them, you'll return to the city some day! Visiting in the winter means catching up with the Winter Carnival, which is the region's most important event. There's also an innovative plant festival and on 31st December new year festivities always go off with a bang in Punta Arenas.
With plenty to do in Punta Arenas such as seeing the museums and visiting the notable cemetery, there are also exciting day trips with the opportunity to watch whales, dolphins and penguins.
Cultural museums
Braun-Menéndez Museum represents the lifestyles of the wealthy during history and also holds a permanent archaeological exhibition. The Museo del Recuerdo has a wonderful collection of old steam engines, cars, carts and mock-up houses from the 17th century.
Whale and penguin watching day trips
Take a day trip to Francisco Coloane Marine Park to see humpback whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Also, visit the Seno Otway penguin colony north of the city where Magellanic Penguins flock to breed in the spring.
Cementerio Municipal
Not many tourists would imagine visiting a cemetery but this place has a special atmosphere and is very interesting with incredible mausoleums. It's a great place for a quiet afternoon walk.
With a famous winter carnival, Punta Arenas also celebrates the life of plants and other major events like new years eve on an annual basis.
The Winter Carnival. This is the region's most important festival with parades and bands circulating in the city centre. The city crowns a Carnival Queen, and there's a superb firework display along the Strait of Magellan.
The Plant Festival. In several cities including Punta Arenas, there's an annual plant festival to promote the knowledge of plants. It includes lectures, tree planting and exhibitions and takes place in the Zona Franca.
New year celebrations. The new year is celebrated with enthusiasm in the city where people drink, party and feast on local dishes like asado (grilled sheep) with bread and red wine.
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