Punta Arenas Tours
On the Strait of Magellan
Punta Arenas is the largest city in Chilean Patagonia, built on the shore of the Strait of Magellan. For most travellers it is the airport where the trip to Torres del Paine begins, but the city and its surroundings deserve at least a day or two: penguin colonies, historic mansions and the waters that connected two oceans for centuries.
From here you can sail to the Magellanic penguin colony on Magdalena Island, cross to Tierra del Fuego to see king penguins, drive north to Puerto Natales or board a flight to Antarctica. It is the southern hub of our Patagonia tours on the Chilean side.
Browse our Punta Arenas tours below, or combine them with the rest of the region: most travellers pair Punta Arenas with Torres del Paine and El Calafate, and we build the whole route as a single tailor-made trip.
From October to March. This is also the season of the Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island, and the time when boat trips on the Strait of Magellan run regularly. Summer brings long days, but also strong winds, so layers are essential.
How far is Punta Arenas from Torres del Paine?
Around three hours by road to Puerto Natales, and about two more to the National Park. That is why we usually plan a night in Puerto Natales rather than doing the whole drive in one day.
Yes. Punta Arenas is the departure point for the air-cruise itineraries to Antarctica, which fly across the Drake Passage and board the ship in the South Shetland Islands. It is the fastest way to reach the White Continent.
One or two nights is usually enough. One full day for the penguins and the city, and a second one if you want to cross to Tierra del Fuego. Most travellers then continue north to Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine.
Magdalena Island, in the Strait of Magellan, is home to one of the largest Magellanic penguin colonies in southern Chile and is reached by boat in season. For king penguins, a full-day trip to Tierra del Fuego takes you to the colony at Bahía Inútil.
Cool and windy all year, even in summer, with temperatures that rarely go above the mid-teens Celsius. The weather can change several times in a day, so pack a windproof jacket, warm layers, a hat and sunglasses.
Why Start Your Patagonia Trip in Punta Arenas?
Because it is the main gateway to the south. Punta Arenas has daily flights from Santiago, and from here the road connects with Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine and the Argentine side of Patagonia. Starting here lets you add wildlife and history to the trip before the mountains.
The city itself tells the story of the region. The mansions around the main square were built by the wool and shipping families of the late nineteenth century, when every ship between the Atlantic and the Pacific passed through the Strait of Magellan. Their history is still visible in the museums, the cemetery and the old port.
And the wildlife is closer than you think. Magellanic penguins, cormorants, sea lions and, on some routes, dolphins and whales live within a boat ride of the city. It is one of the best places in Patagonia for travellers who come for the animals as much as for the landscapes.
Whether you want a quick stop before Torres del Paine, a wildlife trip through the Strait of Magellan or the starting point of an Antarctic expedition, every Punta Arenas tour we design is private and tailor-made. Explore all our Patagonia tours to plan the rest of the route.
Best Tours in Punta Arenas
These are the experiences we build most Punta Arenas itineraries around, from half days in the city to full days across the Strait.
Magdalena Island Penguin Colony
A boat trip across the Strait of Magellan to an island covered with the burrows of thousands of Magellanic penguins. A marked path lets you walk among them, with the lighthouse at the top of the island.
King Penguins in Tierra del Fuego
A full day crossing the Strait to Tierra del Fuego to see the colony of king penguins at Bahía Inútil, the second largest penguin species in the world. A long day, but a unique one in South America.
Punta Arenas City Tour
The main square and its mansions, the viewpoint at Cerro de la Cruz, the Municipal Cemetery with its sculpted cypress trees and the waterfront. A good half day on arrival.
Nao Victoria Museum
Full-size replicas of Magellan’s ship Nao Victoria and other historic vessels that sailed these waters. An easy stop that brings the history of the Strait to life, and a favourite with families.
Fuerte Bulnes & the Strait of Magellan Park
A drive south along the Strait to the reconstructed fort where Chile first settled the region, with walking trails and wide views over the water towards Tierra del Fuego.
Antarctica Air-Cruise
Fly from Punta Arenas across the Drake Passage and board an expedition ship in Antarctica. Ideal for travellers who want to see the White Continent without two days at sea each way.
Who Are Punta Arenas Tours Best For?
For wildlife lovers
Penguins, sea lions, seabirds and, with luck, dolphins and whales. Punta Arenas is one of the best bases in Patagonia to see marine wildlife up close.
For travellers heading to Torres del Paine
A night in Punta Arenas breaks up the journey and adds a penguin colony to the trip before the drive north to Puerto Natales and the park.
For history lovers
Magellan, the wool barons, the explorers who crossed the Strait: few places in Patagonia hold this much history in such a small area, and a local guide makes all the difference.
For Antarctica travellers
If your trip includes the White Continent, Punta Arenas is where the air-cruise itineraries begin. We plan the days before and after so you arrive rested and ready.
For travellers combining Chile and Argentina
From Punta Arenas you can continue to Torres del Paine and cross to El Calafate by land, seeing both sides of Patagonia in one trip.
For wildlife lovers
Penguins, sea lions, seabirds and, with luck, dolphins and whales. Punta Arenas is one of the best bases in Patagonia to see marine wildlife up close.
For travellers heading to Torres del Paine
A night in Punta Arenas breaks up the journey and adds a penguin colony to the trip before the drive north to Puerto Natales and the park.
For history lovers
Magellan, the wool barons, the explorers who crossed the Strait: few places in Patagonia hold this much history in such a small area, and a local guide makes all the difference.
For Antarctica travellers
If your trip includes the White Continent, Punta Arenas is where the air-cruise itineraries begin. We plan the days before and after so you arrive rested and ready.
For travellers combining Chile and Argentina
From Punta Arenas you can continue to Torres del Paine and cross to El Calafate by land, seeing both sides of Patagonia in one trip.
