Top Things to do in Chilean Patagonia
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10 Free Things to do in Chilean Patagonia That You Shouldn't Miss
Dazzling fjords and vertiginous Andean peaks cover Chile's best-known region, turning this slim swath of land into a playground for skiing, whitewater rafting and trekking. To the north lies San Rafael Lagoon National Park with its impressive ice fields. In Patagonia's southern stretch, the city of Punta Arenas is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, which attracts serious climbers and casual day hikers to its granite peaks, glaciers and waterfalls.
Restaurants in Chilean Patagonia
1. Mount Tarn
2. Dientes de Navarino
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By evwtrip - Nijmegen, The Netherlands
This is one of the more rougher treks I've done. Both in terms of adressing my routefinding skills many times (while there is a collection of signposting as well as the much more frequent markerstones, I did manage to wander off track quite a few times) as in the actual difficulty of the terrain (boulder hopping, steep descents, muddy marshes, negotiating tree roots & branches) your progress will be slow each of the 3 or more days you're trekking the 32km/20mi long Dientes. I solo-hiked it in 4. But they say: the rougher the trek, the more beautiful it gets. That counts here also. It's a little more wilderness than the one in Torres del Paine. While you're on the most southerly inhabited island of the world in Puerto Williams, a Chilean Armada town slowly growing into a tourist destination, enjoy the view of Cerro Bandera while you start your climb. On top there's a beautiful view of the Beagle Channel and Argentina's Tierra del Fuego mountains across. Continue along the edges of the ridge to a steep drop to Laguna del Salto, one of the many tundra lakes in the area. I stayed here for the night on a terribly wet and uneven floor, but with fresh water. My second day started with a climb up to Paso Australia and over loose boulders up Paso los Dientes (I wandered off track here which did cost me half an hour) to eventually descent to Laguna los Dientes and Laguna Escondida again with plenty big boulders to hop. Campsites and water were no problem finding here and were in better condition. There's a beautiful view of the jagged peaks of the actual Dientes ('teeth' in spanish), for which the area is named. On a clear day the more southerly Lago Windhond is visible as are the Cabo de Hornos islands. My third day ended up being the easiest one. Only two easier uphill sections and drops to arrive at the beaver affected area of big Laguna Martillo, where I took a wrong direction again costing me about 45 minutes. After the big lake there's a beautiful valley to cross where I saw signs of a big animal nearby, possibly a puma. I eventually camped at the foot of the biggest climb of the whole trek, Paso Virginia. The fourth day started with a muddy ascent of the lower section of the climb and ended at a fantastic overview of a very steep and possibly dangerous descent to Laguna Guanacos. Take care here in bad weather. After this lake there is a long mixed section of marshes, woods and farmland to get you down to the end of the trail at an old fishery at the road which will lead you to Puerto Williams again in 2 hours. I only saw people on the first night and was thus almost the whole time alone on the trail. Weather can be a problem here because of the southerly location of the Island, but most of the time I was hiking in clear sunny skies in late March 2017. Recommended.
3. La Galeria: Tienda de Arte y Diseno
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Contemporary art gallery and a shop with a Patagonia and Antarctic inspired original art and design objects, books, author jewellery displayed in recovered house of 1901.
Reviewed By katebI7470JZ
A wonderful gallery featuring local artists. The owner was there when we visited and she was able to tell us about each artist, their materials, and their story. A great place to pick up art or handmade items.
4. Plaza Munoz Gamero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 657 reviews
The central plaza of Punta Arenas, where local vendors sell homemade crafts.
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
The Plaza Muñoz Gamero, also known as the Plaza de Armas, is the main public space in Punta Arenas. The square was declared a Typical Zone in 1991, by the Council of National Monuments. In the center there is a bronze sculpture that was inaugurated in 1920 and that represents the navigator Hernando de Magallanes. It is a busy square with lots of locals and tourists. Most travelers in Punta Arenas will visit this square. Certainly very highly recommended to walk around the square and taking some pics.
5. Ruta 9
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
We have a help desk located in the arrival sector of Punta Arenas main airport, We provide free shuttle to the downtown area of Punta Arenas, we provide tourist information, Hotel, Hostels accommodations, local excursions, transfer to Puerto Natales and the National park Torres Del Paine
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
Drove on this fantastic route to & fro between Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales. The road is well maintained and the drive was smooth. The surrounding scenery is absolutely picturesque. Certainly would very highly recommend driving on this route.
6. Cementerio Municipal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,556 reviews
Reviewed By Mahal2013 - Berwick, Australia
this without doubt is one of the best cemetery I have been too. I really enjoyed exploring graves and mausoleums walking along the manicured cypress trees. Wide variety of tombs and lots of history as well as great photo opportunities. Well worth spending an hour or so wandering around. In fact, I have a spare 30mins now, I think I will go back!
7. Centro Cultural Braun-Menendez
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Reviewed By KatrienS955 - Ghent, Belgium
This is a great little museum showcasing on one side the house itself, and on the other side the original inhabitants and the history of the town and the Noruega, Braun and Menendez start and production and sheep empire. The house was build by this clan, which through intermarriage combined the 3 wealthiest families of the region. The house was build with materials from Europe, and must have as such cost a fortune. The house is not that large. It is in pretty good state of repair, has nice stained glass ceilings and some extravagantly decorated rooms. Also part of the cellar, or servants quarter are open. The other part gives a good overview of the founding of Punta Arenas and it being a prisoners colony. It also gives a good overview on a touch screen about the 5 tribes that originally inhabited this area as well as Tuera de Fuego nearby. On display are some of the artefacts that remain from these tribes that were completely wiped out on the Chilean side (and very nearly completely on the Argentinian side). In the current there is a nice garden, they were renovating part of the outside of the mansion.
8. Cabo Froward
9. Memorial to Ferdinand Magellan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
This memorial monument dedicated to Ferdinand Magellan is very impressive and located in the main square of Punta Arenas. Certainly worth taking a closer look for any traveler in Punta Arenas.
10. Monumento a Hernando de Magallanes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 465 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
This statue dedicated to Ferdinand Magellan the portuguese explorer is located in the main square of Punta Arenas. It is indeed impressive and certainly worth taking a closer look, while in Punta Arenas.
