Patagonia Traveler

Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas: The Historic Gateway to the Strait of Magellan

Punta Arenas is a city of "firsts" and "lasts." As the southernmost continental city in Chile, it exudes a unique atmosphere of old-world grandeur mixed with the rugged spirit of Antarctic exploration. Its history is written in the opulent palaces of wool barons and the legendary waters of the Strait of Magellan. With its colorful rooftops and panoramic views of the sea, Punta Arenas offers a fascinating cultural prelude to the wild wonders of deep Patagonia.

5 tripsin Punta Arenas
Cruise ship Stella Australis anchored in Patagonian waters with snow-capped mountain peaks and forested coastline in background.
Tourists hiking along a glacial lake with turquoise waters and towering blue ice formations in Patagonia.
Cruise ship Stella Australis silhouetted against a golden sunset over the Patagonian waters.
Cruise ship anchored near a glacier-capped mountain in Patagonia with zodiac boats departing for excursions.
Tourist photographing glacier landscape from cruise ship deck in Patagonia, wearing orange life vest.
Patagonia CruisesMulti-country tripsNature and LandscapesTrekking & Adventure

Patagonian Explorer – Australis Cruise

5 days
Argentina, Patagonia, Chile

During the navigation of the Ushuaia - Punta Arenas route you will be able to see thebreathtakingbeauty of Patagonia. This tour offers a visual spectacle of great beauty for its vegetation and geography. Embark on this expedition cruise specially designed for your comfort.

From
USD 2,435per person
Tourist photographing glacier landscape from cruise ship deck in Patagonia, wearing orange life vest.
Cruise ship Ventus Australis navigates icy waters near a blue glacier surrounded by snow-capped mountains in Patagonia.
Glaciar Águila cascades down snow-covered peaks above turquoise waters, framed by temperate rainforest in Chilean Patagonia.
Zodiac boat with passengers in orange life jackets approaches a penguin colony on a Patagonian beach during an Australis cruise.
Patagonia CruisesMulti-country tripsNature and LandscapesTrekking & Adventure

Australis Cruise Fjords Tierra del Fuego

5 days
Argentina, Chile, Patagonia

Journey from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia through Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, aboard a comfortable ship with expert guides ensuring a safe and memorable experience.

From
USD 2,435per person
Zodiac boat with tourists navigating through icebergs in Antarctic waters surrounded by glacial ice.
Tourists on a cruise ship deck viewing snow-capped mountains and icebergs in Antarctica's pristine polar waters.
Four Gentoo penguins emerge from icy Antarctic waters near a glacier in Patagonia.
Weddell seal yawning on Antarctic ice with whiskers and flippers visible in natural habitat.
Adult penguin with two fluffy chicks on rocky terrain in Antarctica.
Antarctic seal rests on rocky beach in Patagonia, displaying characteristic whiskers and curious expression.
Antarctica CruiseNature and LandscapesLuxury Travel

Classic Antartica Air-Cruise

8 days
Argentina, Antarctica

A unique experience. You will have the great opportunity to explore the characteristic fauna from Antarctica and enjoy a magnificent landscape with icebergs and fjords. You will navigate between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. The aim will be to cross the Lemaire Channel and latitude 65°.Unmissable!

From
USD 19,995per person
Expedition cruise ship navigates icy waters near snow-capped peaks in the Antarctic Circle.
Four Gentoo penguins emerge from icy Antarctic waters near a glacier in Patagonia.
Two kayakers in a red boat navigate icy Antarctic waters surrounded by floating icebergs and glaciers.
Two sea lions resting on moss-covered ground in Antarctic waters, their heads raised toward the sky.
Antarctica CruiseMulti-country tripsNature and Landscapes

Air-Cruise Polar Circle

10 days
Argentina, Antarctica, Chile, Patagonia

Jumping over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, this experience takes you to one of the most spectacular and remotest places on earth – Antarctica. Sail to the far south, and be one of the few adventurous travelers to cross the Antarctic Circle.

From
USD 24,995per person
Magellan Discoverer expedition ship navigates icy Antarctic waters surrounded by glaciers and icebergs with zodiac boat nearby.
Two commercial aircraft with yellow and orange livery parked at an airport hangar under cloudy skies.
Passengers relax in a bright lounge with panoramic windows overlooking Patagonian fjords aboard an Antarctica cruise ship.
Luxury cabin bedroom overlooking the Beagle Channel with folded towels on the bed and mountain views in Ushuaia, Antarctica region.
Grilled lamb chop with mashed potatoes and red pepper garnish paired with white wine in Patagonia.
Tourists on a cruise ship deck viewing snow-capped mountains and icebergs in Antarctica's pristine polar waters.
Zodiac boat tour passengers approach a massive blue glacier wall in Antarctica during an expedition cruise.
Multi-country tripsNature and LandscapesAntarctica Cruise

Antarctica Express Air – Cruise

6 days
Argentina, Chile, Patagonia, Antarctica

During this voyage, you will have the opportunity of enjoying a unique experience. You will discover the loneliest, windiest, coldest and driest continent, Antarctica. You will set sail from Ushuaia and navigate the Beagle Channel, explore Cape Horn and sail through the mythical waters of the Drake Passage.

From
USD 7,795per person

Travel Essentials

Historic cannons overlook the Atlantic Ocean at a coastal fortification in Punta Arenas, Patagonia.

Climate

Cold and wind-swept. Even in summer, temperatures rarely exceed 55°F (13°C). The famous "Patagonian Wind" is a constant companion here.

Elegant Palacio Sara Braun mansion with ornate white facade and mansard roof at sunset in Punta Arenas, Patagonia.

Best Time to Visit

October to March. This is when the penguin colonies are active and the sea conditions are best for navigation.

Duration

1 or 2 nights. Perfect as a "soft landing" or a final cultural stop before heading home.

Logistics

Many travelers arrive at Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to travel to Torres del Paine. It is also a departure point for Antarctic air cruises and a port of arrival and departure for expedition cruises.

Three King Penguins interact on a rocky beach in Patagonia, showcasing their distinctive black and white plumage with orange markings.

Must-See Experiences

  • The Strait of Magellan: Stand on the shores of this historic passage where Ferdinand Magellan changed the world's geography forever.

  • Isla Magdalena (Penguin Colony): Take a boat trip to see one of Chile’s largest colonies of Magellanic penguins—a spectacle of nature involving over 120,000 birds.

  • The Cemetery of Punta Arenas: Often cited as one of the most beautiful in the world, its manicured cypress trees and ornate mausoleums tell the story of the region’s European pioneers.

  • Nao Victoria Museum: Step inside a full-scale replica of the first ship to circumnavigate the globe, offering a tactile connection to the age of discovery.

  • King Penguin Park: The only place in South America (outside of Antarctica or the subantarctic islands) where you can observe a colony of majestic King Penguins.