Top Things to do in Punta Arenas
Top Restaurants in Punta Arenas
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What to do and see in Punta Arenas, Magallanes Region: The Best Bus Tours
Overlooking the Strait of Magellan, this isolated city in southern Patagonia bustles with windswept trekkers en route to glacier-filled Torres del Paine National Park or an Antarctic cruise. Before transiting, take note of the mansion-lined main square, Plaza Muñoz Gamero; the City Cemetery, with its elaborate tombs; and the Sara Braun Palace and Braun Menendez Residence, a preserved slice of the city's wealthy pioneer past. Daily flights connect the city with Santiago and Ushuaia.
Restaurants in Punta Arenas
1. Punta Arenas Shore Excursion: Fort Bulnes Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
While in port, visit Fort Bulnes on this 4-hour shore excursion from Punta Arenas. See Chile’s first settlement – an abandoned site built in 1843 and restored a century later. Learn about the fort’s unique construction and its historical importance as you walk around with your guide. Enjoy spectacular views of the Strait of Magellan while you explore the barracks, chapel, log cabins and more!
Inclusions: Professional guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Port pickup and drop-off, Worry-free Shore Excursion guarantee
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks
2. Punta Arenas Shore Excursion: City Sightseeing Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
While in port in Punta Arenas, see the city’s historical highlights on this 2-hour shore excursion. Take in sweeping views of the Strait of Magellan from Cerro Mirador and visit the city’s historical cemetery to admire the elaborate tombs. At the Regional Salesian Museum you’ll learn about the indigenous people who inhabited Patagonia, and enjoy a tour of the Magallanes Regional Museum in the Braun-Menendez Palace.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Port pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Worry-free Shore Excursion guarantee
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks
3. San Isidro Lighthouse and Fort Bulnes Heritage Route
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
08:00 hrs Pick up of passengers instead of lodging. 08:30 aprox hrs Departure from Punta Arenas to San Isidro Lighthouse by route 9, "end of the continental roads". * Home Walk to the San Isidro Lighthouse. This trekking of medium difficulty will take you to the southernmost continental lighthouse in the world inaugurated in 1904. * In total the walk is 8 kms on the edge of the beach. In the whole walk you could observe fauna and flora, Dawson Island and a large part of the Darwin Mountain Range. Estrecho Park, where we will visit historical places, patrimonial tour. * Fuerte Bulnes, established in 1843, which was the first Chilean settlement in Patagonia. * Visitor Center, where you can learn about the natural and human history of the Strait of Magellan. * Visit to the geographical center of Chile, a milestone that marks the center of our country considering the territory it intends on the Antarctic, to then return to Punta Arenas.
Inclusions: Local guide (Spanish - English), Snack, First aid kit, Emergency radio, Transport
Exclusions: Strong Entrance Bulnes
Reviewed By Karin325
Do not use this company. With a confirmed booking back in November our private tour for 4 people was a nightmare. I was forced to make another down payment of 50 USD to ensure the tour, according to Austral Tours Patagonia. We were met at the cruise terminal, only to learn that the guide was actually a driver who had instructions to collect more people at a later time and a different spot. When speaking to someone at head office I was accused for not paying. We had to fight to get our deposit back and were dropped on a side walk. My brother-in-law, who is 84 years old, needs a cane to walk. This experience in Chile left the worst impression. How can a company like this represent their country? They should be ashamed of themselves and perhaps work with animals instead of humans.
4. Private Cruise Shore Excursion From Punta Arenas: City Tour & Fort Bulnes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to discover the most interesting sites in the area at your own pace with the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. Come discover Chile’s first permanent settlement in Patagonia and learn about the city’s history and culture. Visit colonial Fort Bulnes in the Strait of Magellan Park.
Inclusions: Private Transportation from Cruise Terminal in Punta Arenas, Multilingual Guide, Bottled Water, Entrance Fee to Fort Bulnes, Digital Photographs
Exclusions: Optional Gratuity for Guide, Lunch
Reviewed By Dreamer64284
Sean was awesomely the best of the bestest - very highly recommended!!! We toured Valparaiso and Vina del Mar with him, and he dropped us off at Santiago for our cruise embarkation the following day. That was our first trip to South America - our pre-cruise tour, as we cruised Chile, Antarctica, Falkland Islands, Argentina, Uruguay - still so many places to explore in this area. We will definitely come back, and use Sean's company again...
5. Full Day Torres del Paine Private tour, departing from Punta Arenas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Experience an unforgettable day full of breathtaking lakes, stunning mountains, and glaciers. Our private vehicle will take you on a one-day tour to Torres del Paine National Park.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, WiFi on board, Private guide
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, Entrance fees, Snacks
Reviewed By intensewhatever
I took this tour on December 11, 2019 and it was fantastic. Not enough people signed up for the tour but the operator let me still take the tour by myself. Gerardo picked me up in his personal car and took me everywhere he wanted to show me. He let me stay as long as I wanted at places and even took me by some things that weren't in our original itinerary. He knew a lot about the area and its history, and it was a fantastic introduction to the region. He went above and beyond to make my experience as comfortable and meaningful as possible. It was obvious he believed it when he told me that tourism experiences were important and and he'd rather take more time to help his client have the experience they wanted. Also, I understand Spanish pretty well so I usually don't mind if tour guides don't really speak English, and in my experience, tour guides say they can speak English but actually can't. This guy's English was practically perfect and he had lived in the U.S. for awhile. So if you need to make sure you have an English-speaking guide, this is your best bet. I 100% recommend this company once tourism opens up again after Covid-19.
6. Punta Arenas & Parque del Estrecho Shore Excursion
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Experience Patagonia like few do, with comfort plus local insight. Immerse yourself in the epic tale of Patagonian conquest, one of passion, endurance, and intrigue. Relive Ferdinand Magellan’s adventure, stand on the stern of his ship, visit world-class landmarks, such as the Cementerio Municipal. Layer up, and visit the first Chilean settlement at Fort Bulnes. Learn stories about fierce nature and unbroken willpower. If weather permits, you will see prancing dolphins on the blue Estrecho waters. We offer complementary wi-fi, bottled water, and treats. Enjoy our hassle-free experience, sit back, and enjoy an unforgettable day, we got you covered!
Inclusions: Complementary on-vehicle Wi-Fi (Subject to geographical availability), Food tasting, Bottled water, Local guide, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Gratuities, Entrances Fees
Reviewed By jerrady
If you only have a day, this is the way to see Torres del Paine. We probably got 5-6 hours in the park, and were driven around to all of the key sites. No, this won't be a hiker's dream, but we only had a day. We got there and back safely, the car was very comfortable, we brought a sandwich as instructed, and enjoyed our guides. This tour is best for someone who speaks a little Spanish, and we enjoyed learning some new Spanish words and vice versa. Guides were very friendly.
7. Bus transfer from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Book a bus ticket to go from Punta Arenas in Chile to Ushuaia in Argentina, the southernmost city in the world!
Inclusions: Ticket
Exclusions: Transfers in/out
Reviewed By Cheryl B
Go with a good appetite, so many variety of meats, take just a little so you can make it to the end! Loved the lamb, filet mignon, garlic beef the best. Even saved room for dessert and left feeling very satisfied
8. 13-Day Best of Patagonia Tour from El Calafate to Ushuaia: Los Glaciares, Torres del Paine and Tierra del Fuego National Parks
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 32 reviews
Discover the best of Patagonia’s phenomenal beauty on an unforgettable 13-day tour. See the stunning glaciers, majestic mountains and pristine national parks that make Patagonia a world-renowned region. Setting out from El Calafate, you’ll visit both Argentine and Chilean Patagonia. Embark on day-long guided tours to explore iconic places such as Los Glaciares National park, Torres del Paine, and Tierra del Fuego National Park. Marvel at Perito Moreno Glacier and its towering ice walls, canoe along the Lapataia River, and enjoy ample free time. The tour concludes in Ushuaia and includes lodging throughout. *13-day Patagonia adventure tour from El Calafate to Ushuaia *See the best of Patagonia in both Argentina and Chile *Enjoy free days in El Calafate and El Chalten to explore on your own *12 nights of accommodation with daily breakfasts included
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 4 nights accommodation in El Calafate, 3 nights accommodation in Ushuaia, 2 nights accommodation in El Chalten, 2 nights accommodation in Puerto Natales, 1 night accommodation in Puerto Arenas, Transfers mentioned in the itinerary & international buses , Tours described in the itinerary, Professional English- and Spanish-speaking guides
Exclusions: International or domestic flights, National Park entrance fees (Los Glaciares $20; Torres del Paine $43; Tierra del Fuego $15), Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary (taxis cost less than $7 USD), Food and beverage, unless specified , Port Tax (approx $2 USD), Optional tours & Tips
Reviewed By 512williamf
Wonderful tour. Picked us up at the hotel and made our way to the Glacier The tour guide was was outstanding. She was very knowledgeable and kind. The driver was also first rate. We really enjoyed the whole experience and would recommend it to anyone. I would suggest a visit to the Glacier Museum prior to the tour for all relevant insight to the glacier.
9. Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
-Personalized attention -We went to all the tourist attractions of Torres del Paine Park Either way, see highlights like the Cascada Paine . Since many agencies do not go through this beautiful tourist attraction because they have to deviate an hour but it is worth it to make our passengers happy
Inclusions: Professional guide
Exclusions: Snacks, tickets to the Park
Reviewed By robertkristian
The pinguiens was there, but few and no other animals. All such activities are two expensive in Argentina and Chile, too expensive for the locals also, and to many restrictions on movements. These tours have been the only downs on our three months trip to A and C. In my country you do not pay to visit national parks. No gusto.
10. Self Drive Experience in Torres del Paine National Park - 6 Days
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
Everyone agrees that the best time to visit Patagonia is during the summer months of December to February but you can also travel through many areas of northern Chile throughout the year. The main season is in September - March when average daytime ranges from 65°F in the sun to the low 40°s. We highly recommend visiting Patagonia during summer (December to March), since it´s the warmest time of year, of course, with average high temperatures of around 15°C but in this time winds are at their strongest and can reach over 74 miles an hour. During Fall: March, April and May, is a pleasant time to go photographing wildlife and landscapes and marvel on the Patagonia's changing plant life. Winds are not as strong as they are in the spring. Daily highs fall into the 40's and 50's, making comfortable conditions for exploration. REQUIREMENTS: Meet the minimum age 25 years old A valid driver’s license and passport for each driver. (An international permit is not necessary to drive in Chile)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 1 night accommodation at Hotel Cabo de Hornos, 2 nights accommodation at Hotel Martin Gusinde, 2 nights accommodation at Hotel Rio Serrano, Free Parking at the hotels , 6 days car rental, category D (Nissan XTrail 4x2 automatic or similar), Unlimited Kilometers, local taxes, Pick-Up and Drop-Off at Punta Arenas around 12:00 PM, CWD, PAI and SACA insurances, Tailor-Made Itinerary featuring a day-by-day breakdown, Activities and museums schedule, suggested restaurants, etc
Exclusions: Gasoline , Extra days , Extras at the hotel, Meals , Personal Insurance
Reviewed By bigfin2016
Did this trip in February. To sum it up it consists of 11 hours in a minivan to visit three churches in Chiloe, none of them is interesting unless you are an academic interested in the technical details of wooden church building in the mid 19th century. However good the guides are (and our guide was excellent) this piece of Chile is not worth visiting. The drive to Castro in Chiloe island comprises a 70km motorway run to a ferry and then more than two hours driving along a scruffy, semi industrialised road with no redeeming features to Castro. On arrival the only logical question is "why bother". There are so many beautiful places in Chile I would suggest that people give this excursion a swerve and prevent the total waste of a day of their lives.
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