Things to do in Punta Arenas
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Punta Arenas
Magdalena Island
Magdalena Island is a small, uninhabited island located in the middle of the Strait of Magellan that, along with neighboring Marta Island, is part of the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument in Chile. Every spring in the Southern Hemisphere, tens of thousands of pairs of Magellanic penguins return to the island to dig burrows in the grassy slopes and sandy soil to nest, lay eggs, and raise their chicks, staying until around March of the following year when they leave the island with their grown chicks. The time the penguins spend on the island is the prime season for visiting. Combining wildlife observation, strait scenery, and maritime history, it is a representative destination for exploring the natural ecology of Chilean Patagonia.Punta Arenas · 35.4 km from downtown
Mirador Cerro De La Cruz
This is a strategically located observation deck with a spacious terrace at the bottom, where people can overlook the magnificent view of the city.Punta Arenas · 419m from downtown
Monumento Natural Los Pinguinos
Punta Arenas · 35.6 km from downtown
Cape Froward
Cabo Froward is located on the northern shore of the Strait of Magellan. It is the southern tip of the South American continent. Cabo Froward requires hiking from Rio San Pedro, where the road ends, to reach it. There is a large metal cross on the mountain of Cabo Froward to commemorate Pope John Paul II's visit to Chile in 1987.Punta Arenas · 85.1 km from downtown
Monumento Hernando De Magallanes
The monument was built around 1920 to commemorate the navigator who discovered the Strait of Magellan. The monument is about 10 meters high and is made of bronze.Punta Arenas · 617m from downtown
Bulnes Fort
Punta Arenas · 51.8 km from downtown
Torres del Paine National Park
The term "Paine" in Torres del Paine National Park originates from the local Tehuelche language and means "blue," named for the park being surrounded by deep blue glacial lakes. The park is famous for its granite peaks that soar into the clouds, numerous glaciers, and lakes of various colors. The park's core views are concentrated around the Paine Massif. Three granite spires known as the Torres del Paine rise straight up, forming a recognizable skyline together with the Cuernos del Paine. Grey Lake and Grey Glacier are spots for viewing icebergs and glacial calving, with blue ice chunks that have broken off from the glacier's edge often floating on the lake surface. French Valley is surrounded by towering rock walls, and from the valley floor, you can look up at the shark-fin-shaped granite ridges. Nordenskjöld Lake features emerald green water that sets off the Cuernos del Paine in the distance. The classic W Trek connects the three major attractions of Grey Glacier, French Valley, and the Torres del Paine, making it a popular multi-day hiking route in the park. The park is located in the transition zone between the Magellanic subpolar forests and the Patagonian steppe, featuring four vegetation zones: steppe, shrubland, forest, and Andean desert. Guanacos are common mammals in the park, and pumas, grey foxes, and the endangered South Andean deer also inhabit the area. As for birds, Andean condors soar between the cliffs, and rheas run across the grasslands.Chile · Torres del Paine
Parque del Estrecho de Magallanes
Punta Arenas · 48.8 km from downtown
Nacional Reserve Laguna Parrillar
Punta Arenas · 37.5 km from downtown
Mirador Humedal 3 Puentes
Punta Arenas · 5.8 km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Punta Arenas
Featured Day tours in Punta Arenas
View all Day tours
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 215.36CAD 226.7
Featured Outdoor experiences in Punta Arenas
View all Outdoor experiences
FromCAD 256.89
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 204.59CAD 215.36
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 294.09CAD 309.57
Free things to do in Punta Arenas
Magdalena Island
Punta Arenas · 35.4 km from downtownMirador Cerro De La Cruz
Punta Arenas · 419m from downtownMonumento Natural Los Pinguinos
Punta Arenas · 35.6 km from downtownCape Froward
Punta Arenas · 85.1 km from downtownMonumento Hernando De Magallanes
Punta Arenas · 617m from downtownBulnes Fort
Punta Arenas · 51.8 km from downtownTorres del Paine National Park
Chile · Torres del PaineParque del Estrecho de Magallanes
Punta Arenas · 48.8 km from downtownNacional Reserve Laguna Parrillar
Punta Arenas · 37.5 km from downtownMirador Humedal 3 Puentes
Punta Arenas · 5.8 km from downtown
More ways to travel from Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas Cruises
See all cruises
Group Tours in Punta Arenas
View More Group Tours in Punta Arenas
What travellers say about Punta Arenas
巫球王December 17, 2019
5.0
Chile's Penguin Island is a stunning and picturesque tourist destination! Named after the many penguins that inhabit it, it's a must-see for tourists, photo-ops, and Instagram-worthy spots! Come check it out!
Magdalena Island
137***66April 11, 2020
5.0
The scenery is picturesque, deeply moving, and the food is delicious.
Mirador Cerro de la Cruz (Cross Hill Observation Deck) is located high above Punta Arenas. The scenery is picturesque and the whole city is in full view, which is very touching. Sitting in a restaurant on the hill and enjoying lunch, you can enjoy this coastal city, which is even more enjoyable.
Mirador Cerro De La Cruz
M32***23April 11, 2020
5.0
A round trip hike from 5 to 6 days. Beautiful scenery, complex route with 3 river crossings, 1 of which was at least waist deep water and very icy. Passing through rocks and muddy mobs. But it was totally worth it. The views from Cape Froward to the entire channel were beautiful. The bus left at 7:30 from Ignacio Carrera with Chiloé.
Cape Froward
_TI***k0September 16, 2023
5.0
Must visit. Did a day trip from El Calafate to Torres del Paine. Felt like we stepped into a painting with a filter. I didn't realise such colours could exist naturally. Would visit again but complete a trek.
Torres del Paine National Park
