Top Things to do in Magallanes Region
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What to do and see in Magallanes Region, Magallanes Region: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
Discover the best top things to do in Magallanes Region, Chile including Torres del Paine National Park, W-Trail, MIrador Las Torres, Channel of Last Hope (Ultima Esperanza), Cape Horn, Parque del Estrecho de Magallanes, Glacier Grey, Nordenskjold Lake, Plaza Munoz Gamero, Ruta 9.
Restaurants in Magallanes Region
1. Torres del Paine National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6,038 reviews
A hiker's dream, this national park contains huge granite mountains surrounded by clear lakes and a series of well-maintained trails that vary in degree of difficulty.
Reviewed By TEBlaise - Ilion, United States
I have been to many beautiful places from Alaska to Iceland, but this place is a world apart. It's label as the 8th wonder of the world is spot on. I drove around this park with my wife and son and had to stop around every corner to take a photo, and the views just kept getting better. The best view by far was from the top of Mirador Condor (which is where the photo was taken), The air is the freshest I have ever breathed and the views are something out of a painting. We rented a car and winged it, enabling us to go wherever we wanted.This place should be on everyone's bucket list.
2. W-Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 386 reviews
Reviewed By sandtrap629 - Birmingham, United States
My wife and I hiked the W trail for our 40th anniversary at age 63 & 64. We brought along our two children and their spouses telling them they would be our packmules, but in reality we all had a minimal backpacks as we stayed at refugios - less than 20 pounds. We did not use a guide as they are much more expensive and not needed as the trails are well marked. However, you have to be willing to put in some effort to figure out the logistics of lodging and transportation as that can be fairly complicated. The refugios are owned by different companies and have limited availability so you have to get things reserved well in advance - at least 9 months for peak season IMO. The Puerto Natales airport only has flights a few days a week so when to arrive and leave is more challenging unless you want to take a 3 hour bus ride from Puntas Arenas. Then you have to figure out how to get to the park and in which direction you will hike. What fit our schedule best was arranging for private transportation to take our party of 6 from Puerto Natales to the Lagos Grey Hotel to catch the boat across Lagos Grey and hike to the Paine Grande refugio. From there we hiked to Cuernos refugio seeing the French Valley on the way (hardest day we hiked). Day 3 was a hike to refugio Chileno. The final day was a hike up to Mirador Torres then down to Hotel Torres to catch a bus back to town. You will also find the wether forecasts confusing. You can go to two different web sites for Torres del Paine weather and one will say it will be a high in the 60s and another say the 30s for the same day high. We packed for extremes. For the most part it was nice and in the 50s and 60s for us (late February), but when we hiked up to Mirador Torres the temperature dropped into the 30s with 30 MPH winds gusting to 50 MPH. I would recommend wearing light fast drying long pants rather than shorts as it was never that hot and there are lots of prickly plants you will be encountering. If you enjoy hiking with mountain scenery this is a trip you have to take.
3. 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.
4. Channel of Last Hope (Ultima Esperanza)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
A sail through this beautiful Sound offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and the setting is particularly gorgeous at sunset.
Reviewed By kaybru
You get here by boat from Puerto Natales and it is well worth the trip - you can get off and walk to pretty close to the face of the glacier and it is so beautiful - quite stunning - loved it.
5. Cape Horn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
South America's most southern city.
Reviewed By IN_Travelers47906 - West Lafayette, United States
We took the 5-day cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia. This is shorter than the roundtrip cruise, but I was surprised to find that it seemed that most people had opted for the shorter one-way trip. This review is quite a bit longer than I usually post because the experience was so good despite information being spotty before our departure. I hope the detail provided here will be helpful and will help alleviate any anxieties others may have when considering this cruise. CRUISE ARRIVAL and DEPARTURE: We sailed Punta Arenas to Ushuaia. The cruise terminal is several km from Punta Arenas airport, but our driver had no problem finding the terminal once we provided him the address on our Australis payment receipt. Arrivals are processed from 1-4 pm, with boarding scheduled at 6:00 pm. If you have your passport and have completed the required documents sent to you by Australis, check is quick and easy. Bags are tagged, run through security and stored. Early check-ins have a couple of options. You can remain in the terminal and use the provided WiFi, or you can use the time to explore Punta Arenas for a couple of hours. Punta Arenas is an historic town of some size so browsing especially along the shoreline of the Strait of Magellan is a fun activity. We were most anxious about our disembarkation in Ushuaia. Breakfast served between 8-9 am as usual and passengers are expected to disembark no later than 9:30. Our flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires did not depart until 3:20 pm. What to do? Once we left the ship as independent travelers, we picked up our luggage at the bottom of the ramp, and then carried it ourselves through customs and out of the port area. Total distance, perhaps 200 m. We then carried, pulled it and dragged our luggage a long block up a steep hill and found the Australis office where we checked our luggage for $10 an item. At that point, life got better. We spent two hours walking around Ushuaia before returning to the Australis office, using their facilities, and then catching a cab to the airport. The agents at the office were extremely polite and helpful; however, Australis could definitely improve its service by offering independent travelers an add-on luggage transfer to their office for storage. The start of our cruise was a bit bumpy as the ship was not allowed to come into port until near midnight due to high waves caused by excessive wind. Instead of boarding at 6:00 pm Sunday as scheduled, we boarded at midnight and occupied our room at 1:00 am., Monday. The cruise line should be credited for handling the situation as well as could be expected, by busing all awaiting guests to a very nice local hotel where we were treated to a buffet set up just for us. A major logistical nightmare was accomplished in very short order. Staffer Lorena Álvarez demonstrated remarkable composure providing bi-lingual updates throughout the evening in a way that kept the customers calm and on her side. I am quite sure several members of the crew had little or no sleep that night. I can’t speak from the viewpoint of those passengers who were on the ship that could not docked at least 12 hours later than planned with the need to reschedule all sorts of arrangements. The word among our group was that Australis assisted those passengers in rescheduling flights and making new hotel arrangements, but, because the situation was an act of God, they assumed none of the costs resulting from the incident. I did not confirmed this. The cruise caters to multiple languages and attempts to meet the informational needs of all aboard. Excursions are divided by language and informational announcements are offered in almost every language on board, with Spanish, English and German the most popular. Cruises are all-inclusive. Your final payment is made prior to the cruise and aside from souvenirs you may choose to purchase, everything else is paid for: meals, excursions and alcohol. However, tipping is encouraged at a rate of $15 per person per day. The cruise is booked as 5 days even though it is actually 3 days of touring with Day1 being late afternoon arrival and Day 5 being departure right after breakfast. Even so, $150 seemed to be a common tip for a cabin with two people. The easiest way to leave a tip is to use your credit card at the 2nd-floor reception area. FYI, we also provided a $20 USD tip for our waiter, Leonardo, who is so friendly and attentive. I can only speak for our cabin which was #418, a AAA cabin. I was frustrated when I made our reservation almost a year in advance. This was the first time I was not allowed to select my specific cabin when booking a cruise. I was guaranteed AAA, but all I could do was request king bed, center of the boat away from stairwells and elevators on the starboard side. When my cabin was finally assigned about 6 weeks prior to sailing, it had a twin-bed AAA cabin situated at the extreme front of the ship directly next to the stairs on the port side. The exact opposite of what was requested. I was not happy and after a couple of pointed email exchanges, we were moved to midship port into a cabin originally configured for two twin beds. We missed on the side, but they agreed to reconfigure the cabin for a king bed, and the result was a very satisfactory cabin with a comfortable and an approx. 6’ x 6’ floor to ceiling window. The side of the ship makes little or no difference as the cruise is through narrow channels that are picturesque on both sides. Mornings, the ship drops anchor and moves about 360, providing each cabin a view of the entire surroundings. Cabins are clean and modern but without televisions or WiFi. There is no WiFi anywhere on board. There are several electrical outlets (2 or 3 prong posts in a row); however, we found it helpful to have two power strips. A shelf along the wall across from the bed, a chair and one bedside table are the only furniture aside from the bed. There is about 6’ of carpet between the bed and the outside wall, plus the bed sits high enough to allow opened suitcases to be slid under for storage. A narrow closet is present for hanging clothes and another narrow closet with 6 shelves is present for storage. The bathroom has a shower and a sink with plenty of space below it for storage. WHAT TO WEAR: The dress around the ship and in the dining room is business casual except for the Captain’s dinner which tended to be a bit more formal for some and no different for others. Hi temps for our mid-January cruise were low-mid 50’s during the day, and this was considered warm for the time of year. EXCURSIONS: The ship drops anchor and transfers to and from shore are managed by using tenders, motorized rubber rafts. Excursion transfers to and from the ship take perhaps 5-10 minutes each way, and we never got a drop of water on us the entire trip. There are at least two crew members assisting you every time you get into or out of a raft. It is suggested that you dress with 2-3 layers and it is good to have a backpack that will allow you to put on or take off a layer on the fly. Crew wear waterproof pants and boots because they often need to stand in water to assist passengers, but we did not encounter a need for boots or waterproof pants at any time during our cruise. You almost certainly will encounter mud and slick rock on your hikes and walks requiring shoes that provide a good grip and that provide a solid (not mesh) toe to keep your toes and feet dry. I always carried a plastic bag for my camera, but it was never needed. Once onto a raft, people were taking pictures the entire transfer. Especially around the glaciers. UV can be an issue and light rain can occur at any moment, so a hat is essential. Winds are always present so a hat (sock hat?) that is not susceptible to flying off is a good choice. The guides and excursions are top-flight. The guides are all young, engaging, energetic and work well as a team. Every excursion requires a transfer to shore via Xodiac raft. The raft pilots are generally older men who have other jobs aboard ship (including ship helmsmen) and are very serious about their jobs. You sense that guides and pilots maintain a clear respect for one and coordinate their responsibilities to ensure safe passage for the guests. Five excursions are included in the price for the cruise’s three active days. Day 2: Leaving from Puerto Arenas, a 1-hour morning excursion is provided to a small island to visit Magellan penguins via the Xodiac rafts. Rafts were loaded by language (same method used throughout) with the rafts coordinated so as not to interfere with one another or the wildlife. Rafts are not allowed to land, but are grounded very close to the penguins and serve as great places from which to observe and photograph the penguins up close An afternoon excursion takes passengers ashore for a nature hike through a very nice forest at the foot of a glacier. Day 3: Glacier visit: Passengers are transferred to a observation point on land that places them in position for the viewing and photography of a sizeable glacier that is right in front of them. A brief overview of the area geologic history is provided by the guide, After the excursion to the glacier, the ship departs and passes through Glacier Alley for close up viewing of 5-6 glaciers that line the narrow passage on both sides for over an hour. Day 4: Passengers are transported to Cape Horn to visit the monument at the “End of the Earth” as well as the lighthouse that is still maintained by a keeper and their family on the island. The final excursion offered in the afternoon of Day 4 is a landing at Wailua Bay. In addition to this excellent schedule of excursions are 1-2 60-minute daily lectures that are very informative and professionally done. The ship also provides an on-line network of all lectures and maps that can be viewed in the cabins. Very helpful resources for those keeping journals. Each day of the trip was fully packed with meaningful activities to provide the best cruise experience possible. However, be advised that every day is dependent upon weather and sea conditions. We felt very fortunate to have ideal days with smooth seas, partly cloudy/sunny skies for our mid-January cruise, but this is not the case for all cruises. Despite having to insist on the location and set up of our cabin and the late start on Day 1, everything else on the cruise was top-flight, providing a once-in-a—lifetime experience and memories!!
6. 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
7. Glacier Grey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,955 reviews
Whether hiking to it or simply viewing it from afar, this massive glacier is truly extraordinary.
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
Viewed Grey Glacier from a distance during a moderate hike within Torres Del Paine National Park. It was simply awesome and to view and hold some of the broken small icebergs of the glacier from up close in the lake was memorable. There are several other options of viewing the grey glacier including boat navigation. Certainly would very highly recommend viewing the Grey Glacier to any tourist.
8. Nordenskjold Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 515 reviews
Formed by a melting glacier, this beautiful lake is a milky turquoise color, produced by the algae at the bottom.
Reviewed By Stephen47 - Leighton Buzzard, United Kingdom
We visited the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine last November staying at the excellent Hotel Lago Grey. The view from the window of our very comfortable room looked out across the Lago Grey to the mountains with the Glacier Grey to our left. The hotel's restaurant was very good and the staff pleasantly attentive. The journey to the National Park is very long - we came up from Punta Arenas - but it is well worth while. The turquoise of lakes and the blue and white of the mountains are awesome.
9. 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.
10. 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.
