Punta Arenas, Chile

City of Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas in Tierra del Fuego

Punta Arenas is the main city in the Strait of Magellan and the capital of the Región de Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena, Chile.

Located at 53°10′ S 70°56′ W on the Brunswick Peninsula, Punta Arenas is one of the southernmost cities in the world. It was founded in 1849.

The Punta Arenas harbour was considered one of the most important in Chile before the construction of the Panama Canal, because it was used by ships to prepare for the difficult passage around Cape Horn. Today it is mostly used by tourism cruises and scientific expeditions. The city is often a jumping-off point for Antarctic expenditions.

Punta Arenas is the biggest city in the Chilean Patagonian Region. In 2000, it had a population of 120,000.

Tourism

Near Punta Arenas Ski Center

Patagonia is recognised worldwide for amazing sights and wilderness. Interesting places to visit include:

• Penguin colonies in Seno Otway and Magdalena Island.
• Rey Jorge Island Natural Sea Park (whale observation).
• Torres del Paine National Park, near Puerto Natales.
• Seno Skyring

The city of Punta Arenas has a rich history, reflected in places such as:

• Regional Museum, with historical artifacts and part of the Braun-Menéndez Mansion.
• Maggiorino Borgatello Museum, Salesian Society museum of natural history and prehispanic ethnic groups.
• Punta Arenas Cemetery.
• Cerro Mirador Ski Center, which has a beautiful view of the Strait of Magellan.