THE PROVINCE OF MAGELLAN'S

THE CITY OF PUNTA ARENAS AND ITS MAIN ATTRACTIONS

An urban centre located on the shore of the Magellan Strait , in the Brunswick peninsula approximately 53-54 latitudes south.

The city of Punta Arenas is the Capital of the Region of Magellan's; it was originally named Punta Arenosa ( Sandy Point ). Discovered by J. Byron in the seventeenth century and funded in 1848, becoming the urban centre and the begging of the commercial, cultural and social development.

 

Punta Arenas offers many excursions to its main attractions. Its natural beauty is our main resource which can be visited by land, sea and/or air. Traveling in the Magellan's area can be very versatile; tours are offered by many different travel agencies and can also be self planned depending on the guest's interests. Visiting the most southern city of the continent and being able to reach the Chilean Antarctic territory is a plus to its indescribable beauty.

   

Starting from Punta Arenas there are paths which lead to Seno Otway ( 70 km north), a turist and scientific attraction where the penguin colony is found.

The path towards Rio Verde and Seno Skyring is equally attractive specially to anyone interested in fishing; during this track there is a variety of fauna to be seen, spotting a great amount of swans, flamingos and beautiful landscapes.

   

South of Punta Arenas is the Brunswick Peninsula which is rich in history. This path has been discovered by pioneers, natives, conquerors and colons; the main places to visit are Fuerte Bulnes and puerto Del Hambre (Bulnes Fort and Port Hunger) which are rich in legendary tales.

There are also many interesting excursions offered from Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas. The main attractions are: Torres del Paine national Park, the Bernardo O'Higgins Park, the Natural monument of the milodon cave, the Baguales mountain range, the "tres Pasos" (three steps) area, Laguna Figueroa, the Dorotea mountain range and Laguna Sofia.

   
   
   
* Fotografías y texto, gentileza Sernatur Región de Magallanes