7 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Punta Arenas, Chile

Looking for the top things to do in Punta Arenas, Chile? We’ve got you covered!

You might be traveling here to see the adorable penguins Punta Arenas is famous for. But if you’re wondering what else there is to do here, I’m happy to tell you that there are lots of unique activities! We’ve traveled to Punta Arenas three different times now and found new experiences each time.

So whether you’re up for trekking through the Patagonia region, seeing a variety of penguins and wildlife, or want to dive into the history of this old city, it’s all here. All of these activities are easy to book and fit into your schedule, so you can simply enjoy the sights!

Things to do in Punta Arenas, Chile

1. See Penguins on Isla Magdalena

This has to be first on my list of things to do in Punta Arenas because it is what Punta Arenas is most famous for—penguins! Isla Magdalena is a small island 35 kilometers (22 miles) off the coast of Punta Arenas. This island is said to be home to over 150,000 Magellanic penguins!

In such a small space with so many penguins, it is almost impossible not to see any penguins, which makes visiting Isla Magdalena such a popular activity for tourists!

There are a few ways to reach Isla Magdalena, but taking this organized tour is by far the easiest and most fun! If you go on your own, the public ferry is slow and very expensive, so this is the better option.

And once we were out there, the experience totally lived up to the hype. The guides knew exactly where to find the penguins and shared tons of fun facts about their behavior and quirks. In just an hour on the island, we saw hundreds of them. And we didn’t just see penguins, either—there were sea lions, cormorants, and more southern gulls than I could count!

Since this tour leaves early in the morning, you’ll catch the penguins when they’re most active. And because it only takes about half a day, you’ll still have plenty of time to explore the rest of Punta Arenas afterward. It’s such a magical way to start the day and an absolute must-do while you’re here.

2. Go on a Punta Arenas City Tour

There is no better way to get to know a city than with a local. Going on a city tour with a local guide is the best way to see all of the most popular sights and learn a ton in a short amount of time. Punta Arenas is such an interesting city too, so there’s a lot to learn. That’s why this full-day city tour is one of the top-rated tours in Punta Arenas – check out the 130+ 5-star reviews here!

We started out by exploring Fort Bulnes, which is the first Chilean settlement in the region. This area is simply stunning, and it was really interesting learning about the history here too. There’s a museum and a coffee shop here, but I really enjoyed wandering around and taking in the views.

Our guide led us to more city sights, such as the iconic cemetery and the Plaza Muñoz Gamero. We finished up by checking out a lookout above the city for more of those impressive views! This tour was really comprehensive, and we couldn’t believe how much there was to learn about Punta Arenas. I’d say it’s an essential tour for first-time visitors—I was blown away!

Oh, and did I mention this is a private tour? Just the cherry on top!

3. See King Penguins

Many people have no idea that there are different penguins you can see from Punta Arenas, and one of them is the King Penguins! These penguins are the second-largest penguin species in the world (after the emperor), and let me tell you, they are magnificent to see! 

Just like the Magellan Penguins, it’s easiest to see King Penguins on an organized tour. We went on this full-day tour, and it fulfilled all of our penguin dreams!

We saw dozens of penguins and watched them for nearly an hour (from a respectful distance of about 20 meters (65 feet) with the help of binoculars). These rare penguins are so entertaining as they waddle and swim about. I even saw a fluffy brown chick! 

It is a little bit of a mission to visit the king penguins from Punta Arenas. You must first take a ferry across to the island of Tierra del Fuego and then drive approximately 1.5 hours to reach Parque Pinguino Rey, where the king penguins are. That’s why we opted to take the organized tour—it made this journey way easier. We also had a few other stops along the way, such as the Porvenir Museum and the quaint Cerro Sombrero village.

This tour is the best way to see king penguins! You can book it from November through March, and it operates every day except Mondays, so make sure you plan in advance!

4. Day trip to the Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine is a very famous National Park about a 3-hour drive from Punta Arenas. 

I love Torres del Paine National Park! I’ve hiked the “W” and “O” circuits, which are both multi-day hikes. They aren’t for the faint of heart, though, so if you’re not up for an 8-day trek or don’t have the time for one, a full-day tour to Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas will be a great alternative! 

This full-day tour is the best out there, with dozens of positive reviews (see them all here!). Upon arriving in the national park, you’ll see a handful of gorgeous lakes, surrounded by the biggest mountains you’ll ever see! Seriously, it’s hard to describe how stunning this area is – you’ll just have to go see it for yourself. My favorite stop on this day tour is Grey Lake, where you’ll take a short walk to the Grey Glacier, as you can see in the photo above!

I also love that this tour visits the Mylodon Cave for about 40 minutes of exploration. Visiting here is another perk of taking a tour because it makes finding these gorgeous sights a breeze. 

It’s important to note that entrance to the Mylodon Cave or Torres del Paine National Park is not included. Be sure to bring money with you and check the exact costs with the tour provider before you go.

Otherwise, this tour makes visiting the beautiful national park simple. Just be prepared for a long day, but it was beautiful and totally worth it! 

5. Go Mountain Biking 

There are some great trails for mountain biking near Punta Arenas! From riding downhill through the forest to around the ski club, it is all quite the adventure and a unique experience here. We love mountain biking in really scenic areas because it’s such an immersive way to explore. Plus, you can cover a lot more ground than walking!

In order to go mountain biking, you must book a tour. This tour is a full-day experience that drives you to three different areas where you’ll be able to go downhill mountain biking! I love that this lets you get off the main tourist track and into the wilderness. We saw a lot of wildlife and learned about the history of the area from our local guide.

This small group tour will give you tons of views, including the Strait of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego Island, and Otway Sound. Plus, snacks, park fees, all equipment and gear, your guide, and transport are included!

Related Read: Let us help you plan your entire trip and check out our 2-week Patagonia itinerary for our top travel tips, recommendations, and favorite activities!

6. Go Whale and Dolphin Watching 

Getting out on the water to try and spot the local wildlife is always an adventure! From Punta Arenas on this whale-watching tour, you could spot various species of whales, including humpback whales and sei whales.  

But whale watching tours aren’t just about whales in this part of the world. Expect to see dolphins (like we did!), sea lions, various birds, and even glaciers! 

This tour will be a 12-14-hour day and will take you out to visit the Francisco Coloane Marine Park by sailing through the Strait of Magellan. This is one of the southernmost parts of the world, so your chances of seeing whales and other marine life in these uninterrupted waters are very high.

I think that this is one of the most unique places to go whale watching in the world, as you’re so close to Antarctica and on the strait that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans—how cool is that!?

Whale watching season runs from early December to the beginning of April. Tours don’t run every day, so be sure to book your tour early to ensure your date. This tour includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, transportation, and your whale watching experience, which we think is well worth it for such a bucket-list experience!

7. Hike inside Magallanes National Reserve

You don’t have to travel far to go hiking in Punta Arenas. On the outskirts of the city is the Magallanes National Reserve, where you can hike the Lenga Trail! I know you’re probably thinking that most hikes in the Andes Mountains are incredibly strenuous, but that’s why I love this trail! The Lenga Trail is a short 2.5 km (1.6 mi) hike that all healthy individuals should be able to easily complete.

To make your day even easier, you can book this private hiking tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll get to explore the Patagonian forest and learn all about this unique ecosystem. Believe me, this place is gorgeous, and I had tons of questions about it!

Your guide will take you through the Andes Mountains, where you’ll see beautiful flowers and plants as you cover different types of terrain. There may be a few different opportunities to spot wildlife, and binoculars are provided to give you optimal viewing capabilities.

I love hiking tours because I don’t have to worry about logistics such as parking, finding the trail, or packing lunch – they take care of it all for you! An included box lunch is provided for you to enjoy halfway through the trek, and then you’ll be refueled to keep going.

With a total duration of about four hours, it’s the perfect adventure to fit into a day of exploring Punta Arenas. It’s relaxed, scenic, and incredibly rewarding—a great way to experience Patagonia without committing to a full-day trek.

Where to Stay in Punta Arenas, Chile

There are tons of different places to stay in Punta Arenas! Here are a few of the best hotels for every budget based on customer service, location, and value for money!

Luxury – $$$

Hotel Jose Nogueira is one of the most beautiful hotels in Punta Arenas. It’s located inside a historical building from 1895, which is within walking distance of many shops and restaurants. The rooms are huge and cozy, and the on-site bar and restaurant are the perfect place to relax and enjoy during the evenings. And there’s even a comfortable sunroom to enjoy, too. Really, it’s one of the more memorable stays in Punta Arenas if you ask me!

Rooms are about $192 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.

Mid-range $$

Almasur Punta Arenas is the hotel for you if you like amenities and being just a couple of minutes from the main square! The rooms are modern, comfortable, and very clean. The hotel has a gym and a hot tub to relax in, they provide a delicious buffet breakfast, and the on-site restaurant has an impressive spread of Chilean dishes and wine. All this for just around $139 USD a night!

Check availability and reserve your room on Booking.com.

Budget – $

Haiken Hostel offers private rooms with private external bathrooms, plus a delicious breakfast! There is also a spacious shared kitchen, so you can save money on your other meals by cooking here. The hostel is super clean, and the 24/7 front desk does everything in their power to help guests whenever possible.

Private rooms start around $55 USD and can be booked on Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Thanks for reading!

I hope our blog has helped you discover what to do in Punta Arenas as well as everything you need to plan your trip! I truly enjoyed Punta Arenas, Chile (way more than I thought I would) and I hope you do too!

If you’re traveling more in Patagonia be sure to check out our range of Patagonia blogs – they are sure to be helpful too! Or easily click from my other recommending guides below:

24 FUN Things to do in Santiago, Chile

13 Things You Need to Know About Renting a Car in Patagonia

6 BEST Tours in Torres del Paine National Park