Top Things to do in Chilean Patagonia
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10 Sights & Landmarks 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. MIrador Las Torres
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 259 reviews
Reviewed By darkbluesparkles - Oxford, United Kingdom
We did this hike with our 11-month-old baby in a hiking backpack. I would say this hike pushed us right up to our very limits and I wouldn't want to do anything tougher than this. That said, I would do the hike again if it was our first time. There were a lot of people on the trail when we went, and we were never alone. It is imperative to wear STURDY WATERPROOF shoes that go over your ankles, as you will be hiking IN a stream (not along, I do mean IN the flowing water) for about 15% of the total distance. The last scramble was not as bad as I'd anticipated, but obviously very tiring. The most dangerous part, in my opinion, is the first part of the descent over the rocks - GO SLOWLY. It took us 9 hours round-trip, including lunch, photos at the viewpoint, and two nappy changes (once at the camp right before the final ascent, and once at Refugio Chileno on the way down). The view at the top was amazing and there's lots of space to sit for lunch. It wasn't that windy, though there were a few snowflakes on the way up. For those with babies going up, you can use the bathrooms for free for nappy changes, just ask the staff (who speak English). We opted to do it on a picnic table outside for space reasons, and it wasn't that cold.
2. Parque del Estrecho de Magallanes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 839 reviews
The Magallan's Strait Park is a protected area of almost 250 hectares. The primary objective is the conservation and divulgation of the natural and historical heritage within it. The places of interest within the Park are: - Museum 'Of the Strait' (Interpretation Center): The landscape’s centinel, with its 1.600 square meters which include cafeteria, souvenir shop, panoramic terrace and an interpretive-multimedial display. - Fort Bulnes NHM Site: Two kilometers beyond the Interpretation Center and covering an area of 4 hectares, lies the reconstruction of the first chilean settlement of the territory. - Coastal Trail: Low to medium difficulty pedestrian-only trail extending for about one mile that runs through the woods and rocky parts around the Fort. - Wind Forest Trail: Low difficulty pedestrian-only trail extending almost 300 meters (330 yards) leads to the famous Del Estrecho lookout.
Reviewed By manuelaE3038WG - Montevideo, Uruguay
Great experience: high quality museum, picturesque fort and nice walk. It is also very well managed. We went with our rented motorhome and got assistance all the way to make sure we could drive smoothly
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. El Galpon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By 429wilhelmj - Calera de Tango, Chile
"El Galpon" is a great spot for a "crash course" on the Magallanes area. If you're staying for a short period of time, it's a must! They start off with a presentation on a bit of history to continue with a sheep shearing show which os great for the kids and if you haven't ever seen the process. Of course there is the local "cordero al palo" (the cook makes a real good one!) and if you ask a bit you can see how the threading process works as well as an antique car museum. The place is really beautiful, with a lot of local decorations. Since it's actually IN Punta Arenas, it's perfect if you're on your way to anywhere (Paine Towers, Fort Bulnes, etc).
7. 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.
8. Santuario Maria Auxiliadora
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By WorldTravelers34 - Chicago, United States
The Santuario María Auxiliadora is a grand parish church with a colorful and impressive interior. Inside the church is a a series of religious icons, paintings and stained-glass windows. The church dates to 1911 and honors the Virgin Mary for her help in protecting the indigenous people of Tierra del Fuego’s Dawson Island. The Santuario María Auxiliadora is just a 15-minute walk from Plaza Muñoz Gamero, Punta Arenas’ historic central square.
9. Faro San Isidro
10. Costanera del Estrecho
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 428 reviews
Reviewed By midwaytoheaven - Midway, United States
One of my favorite monuments in Punta Arenas. It depicts the forward pat of a seafaring crew with mermaids and mermen swimming on the underside. Worth a quick stop to see. BOTTOM LINE: Nice strolling boardwalk. Loved this ship monument. Luckily the government protesters have not defiled this area. You'll probable stop here or drive by this monument if on a city tour. MY RATING:
