20 Exciting Things to do in Punta Arenas, Chile + COMPLETE Travel Guide

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Punta Arenas, Chile is most famous among tourists for penguins. And yes, you should see penguins while you’re there – I mean, they are soooo cute! But what many people don’t realize is that there are actually tons of other fun and exciting things to do in Punta Arenas, Chile.  

I’ve been to Punta Arenas on three different occasions now while traveling in South America and in all of that time, I’ve come across a wide range of unique activities and things to see in and around Punta Arenas. 

So in this blog, not only am I going to tell you about seeing penguins (and the two best places for that), but I’ll also let in on some of the lesser-known things to do in Punta Arenas as well as the best places to stay and how to get around! 

About Punta Arenas, Chile  

Punta Arenas is a small city located on the southern coast of Chile in the world-famous region of Patagonia. It is home to approximately 120,000 people making it the largest inhabitant site so far south!

For many, Punta Arenas, Chile is their starting and/or finishing point for an adventure in Patagonia or Antarctica.

The airport is very accessible offering multiple flights each day from places like Santiago at a very cheap price. There are also plenty of buses and flights out of Punta Arenas to reach popular tourist destinations like the Torres del Paine or Antarctica. Therefore, Punta Arenas has become somewhat of a tourist hub. 

Unfortunately, many people simply transit through Punta Arenas spending a maximum of one or two nights.  

To me, this is a little disappointing as I personally really love the city and found tons of interesting ways to keep myself busy for several days! If you take your time and spend a few days in Punta Areas, Chile I’m sure it’ll grow on you too! 

17 Exciting Things to do in Punta Arenas, Chile  

1. See Penguins on Isla Magdelena  

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 Small Magellan 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.  

You can either visit Isla Magelena on your own taking the public ferry, or you can opt to go on an organized tour.  

Most of the time, I recommend doing activities on your own when possible simply because you have more freedom, time, and it’s generally cheaper.  

But not this time.  

The public ferry you must take if you go on your own is slow. It takes over three hours to get to Isla Magdelena! And then once you’re there, you only have one hour on the island before you must catch it back to Punta Arenas. To me, that sounds like a lot of time on a rocky boat for only a short amount of time on the island…not ideal.  

Plus, the ferry is pretty expensive at 96,943 CLP ( $103 USD) per person considering it is only a means of transport and you will need to make your own way to the port and won’t have a tour guide.

An organized tour is not much more expensive, and to me, it is worth it. Tour company boats will get you to the island faster and they give you much more time to explore. Having a guide is also a great bonus as you can learn about the penguins and the area at the same time too! 

I recommend booking this particular tour as not only do you visit Isla Magdalena, but you also go to Isla Santa Marta where you can see sea lions and cormorants too!

Related Read: One of the best tours in Ushuaia involves seeing penguins, too!

2. See King Penguins  

Many people have no idea that there are different penguins you can see from Punta Arenas and they are 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! 

I recently went to visit the king penguin colony for myself and I had a fantastic time. I 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.)

You can do it on your own if you rent a car, or you can do what I did and go on an organized tour. I really loved the tour as my guide was amazing and provided a ton of info. Plus, we also had a few other stops along the way (including the next thing on my list!) 

For more detailed information, check out my blog all about penguins in Punta Arenas and the best tours!

Related Read: Most people spend at least day or two in Chile’s capital city. Here are the best things to do in Santiago!

3. Take the Ferry to the town of Porvenir on Tierra del Fuego Island

Taking the ferry over to Tierra del Fuego is a thing to do on its own. I mean, if you do choose to visit the king penguins then you’ll ride on it anyways, but overall it is a fun thing to do from Punta Arenas! From the ferry, you even have the opportunity to spot dolphins or whales.  

The ferry docks in a town called Porvenir which is the capital of Tierra del Fuego Island. While there isn’t much to do in Porvenir, I do recommend visiting the town museum. Here, you can learn about the local wildlife and indigenous people, the Selk’nam.  

Not to mention, there is actually a really mummified Selk’nam person named “Kela” in the museum! She is on display in a thin glass case. To see a real mummy just in a little glass case is really rare (most are protected in a world-class museum behind bullet-proof glass in temperature-controlled rooms these days.) 

So ya, I’d say it’s worth a visit (especially since they want to send Kela to Santiago so she may not always be at this museum.) 

Book a full-day tour to Tierra del Fuego which includes a stop at Porvenir, the museum, the king penguin colony, and ferry ride (the same as I did) online in advance!

4. Visit Craft Breweries and Drink Locally Made Beers 

Patagonia has really put itself on the map for craft beers and microbreweries in recent years, and that’s really no surprise.

One of the biggest influences of the taste of beer is water. So, it’s no wonder this region (with some of the cleanest water in the world) makes some of the best beer! 

Some of the best places to go for a craft beer in town include Cerveceria Hernando de Magallanes or Bar Bulnes. Both places brew their own beer and have a range of craft beers on tap to offer.  

There’s a night drinking tour you can take part in if want to feel the personality of the city as it comes alive at night. In this tour, you will be greeted with a sour before exploring a restobar in Punta Arenas before heading to another restobar or nightclub. Each stop includes a drink of your choice – so 3 in total. Entrance to bar/club is included.

Alternatively, you can buy the local beers from the supermarket to just enjoy at your hotel.

5. Walk the Waterfront Promenade

The main waterfront promenade in Punta Arenas is a lovely place to go for a stroll. With views of the ocean and numerous monuments, it’s the perfect place to spend an hour or two and an ideal free thing to do in Punta Arenas.  

The Maritime Monument is the largest monument in town representing the first settlers who arrived in this area. It is a common place for tourists to check out.

Or if you want, you can even stop in at the massive ocean-side casino inside the Dreams Hotel (a beautiful hotel to stay in with an amazing view!)

6. Visit a Museum

There are a few different museums in Punta Arenas. I myself, am not particularly a huge “museum lover” so I typically limit my visits to one museum per city.  

In Punta Arenas, some of the museums include Centro Cultural Braun-Menendez, Museo Salesiano, and Museo Regional De Magallanes, with the most popular being the Nao Victoria Museum. Here, you can find large ship replicas and information about the history of Punta Arenas and trade along the Strait of Magellan.

It is open from 9 am to 7 pm and costs $6 USD or 4,500 CLP for the entrance fee.

The museum is located just outside of Punta Arenas so you will need a taxi to get there. However, if you do go on a city tour (see more info below) a stop at the maritime museum is often included.

7. Go Souvenir Shopping

Daniel will cringe at the fact that I am including shopping on this list of things to do in Punta Arenas, but the truth is that Punta Arenas, Chile is one of the best places in Chilean Patagonia to go souvenir shopping!

Why? Well, it is considerably cheaper than other places like Puerto Natales or the Torres del Paine.  

So, if you want a few souvenirs you might as well get them here! Around the main plaza there are plenty of places to go to buy souvenirs. Or, along the main waterfront boardwalk, there is a lovely shop called Puerto del Estrecho Tourist Center that has some really high-quality souvenirs for sale.  

Related Read: A visit to the Marble Caves in Patagonia are one of Chile’s top hidden gems!

8. Eat at Kiosko Roca 

You simply must visit Kiosko Roca for lunch one day. This tiny little restaurant is famous among both locals and tourists (just look at how busy it was when we were there) and for good reason – it’s delicious! 

Their menu is very simple, they sell choripan and banana milkshakes. Choripan is a chorizo-type meat served on a flatbread grilled sandwich and it’s very popular in Chile. At Kiosko Roca can also get it with cheese (choriqueso) which I highly recommend! 

Expect to pay between 600-700 CLP (0.60-0.70 cents USD) per choripan depending on whether you get it with cheese or not, and 800 CLP (0.85 cents USD) for the banana milk (so lunch for less than $2 USD!)

Since this place is often very busy don’t expect to go for a sit-down lunch. I recommend going in, ordering your choirpan and milk to go, and then going to eat elsewhere. The seating in the restaurant is only bar-style and it is very limited.  

With that said, you simply have to eat here – it is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Punta Arenas!

This food and city tour actually includes a stop at Kiosko Roca!

9. Explore a Historic Shipwreck

There are a couple of different historic shipwrecks near Punta Arenas. The shipwrecks serve as a reminder of how treacherous the seas can be in this area and the problems they had back in the day using the Strait of Magellan as the main transport route before the Panama Canal was opened.  

While there are a couple around, the closest is just on the edge of Punta Arenas called Lord Lonsdale.

There is no entrance fee or fence, you can just walk right up to the shipwreck and explore it for yourself. Although the wreck is a couple of kilometers outside of Punta Arenas but still worth checking out! 

10. Go on 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 to the best way to see all of the most popular sights and learn a ton in a short amount of time.

City tours vary in price depending on the length of time and whether they include transport or not. This particular walking city tour is really affordable at only $65 USD. It is a quick tour hitting all of the city highlights in 3 hours.

If you want something more in-depth, you can opt for this full-day tour which includes a stop at the cemetery, viewpoint, maritime museum, and more!

Related Read: If visiting Argentina while in South America consider visiting Ushuaia which is the starting point for a voyage to Antartica.

11. See native birds at Humedal Tres Puentes

This natural wetland is a fabulous and free place you can visit if you are interested in seeing the area’s most prized bird species.

Humedal Tres Puentes has over 50 species of birds including the Chiloe Wigeon and White-tufted grebe. You can choose to walk the land here or opt for a tour by bike when visiting in person.

12. Walk up to Mirador Cerro de la Cruz  

Only a short 15-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas is the Mirador de la Cruz. Here, you get views from above the colorful town. It is a short walk, perfect for doing at sunset! 

The location of the lookout is on Google Maps, just search “Cerro de la Cruz.”

13. Day trip to the Torres del Paine National Park

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

I love the Torres del Paine National Park! Three years ago I hiked the 5-day “W Trek” in the park, and then most recently I completed the 8-day “O Circuit.” Since I like the park so much, I really think you should spend more time there if your itinerary allows.  

But, if you are very short on time and it is either you visit on a day trip or not at all…then you need to go! From Punta Arenas, there are a few different tours that will take you to the Torres del Paine for a day. Just be prepared for a long day, but it was beautiful and totally worth it! 

This Torres del Paine tour from Punta Arenas comes highly rated and visits some very beautiful spots including the Mylodon Cave, Three Towers Mountain, and checking out the Grey Lake area. You can expect a full-day tour like this to cost around $120 USD per person.

Related Read: There is a lot more to know about the Torres del Paine National Park besides the famous W Trek!

14. Go Mountain Biking 

Near Punta Arenas, there are some great trails for mountain biking! From riding downhill through the forest to at the ski club, it is all quite the adventure and a unique experience in Punta Arenas.

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 about to go downhill mountain biking! 

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

15. Learn some history inside the Cemetery of Punta Arenas

You might be thinking “Seriously, a cemetery?”, I know… not your typical activity so let me elaborate. The cemetery in central Punta Arenas is actually quite beautiful to stroll around in during the day and it has some interesting history to behold.

Some people enjoy just a brief walkthrough to see the unique architecture of the tombs and landscaping while others spend a couple of hours photographing and looking at the notables from the town’s history buried inside. Either way, if you have the time why not have a look?

It is free to enter but if you don’t see yourself making a separate trip here it is often a stop on a city tour such as this one.

16. Experience the Punta Arenas Ghost Walk Tour 

This is really an alternative city tour that is actually quite famous in Punta Arenas. First of all, it is very affordable at only $25 USD per person. Second of all, it adds a spooky touch to a historic walking tour.  

With candlelight in hand, you’ll learn all about mythologies as well as a bit about the darker side to Punta Arenas’ history. The tour also takes place at sundown, just to add to the “spooky” theme. 

With its affordable price tag and interesting concept, the Ghost tour is one of the top activities in Punta Arenas!

17. Try “Patagonian-style” Lamb 

Chilean and Argentinians love their meat, that’s no secret. So, if you’re not a vegetarian, I recommend trying some of it! 

The “Patagonian-style Lamb” is a traditional way to cook lamb on a stick over hot coals for several hours. Many restaurants around town like Parrilla Los Ganaderos will offer this option for dinner. Even if you don’t try this specifically in Punta Arenas, it is a must-do while you’re in Patagonia at some stage! 

If you’re simply after some steak, a restaurant called Parilla San Telmo is amazing and also very affordable!  

18. Go Whale & Dolphin Watching 

Getting out on the water to try and spot the local wildlife is always an adventure! From Punta Arenas on a 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 particular tour will be a 12-14 hour day 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 likely.

Hot Tip: The most famous place to go whale watching in Patagonia is Puerto Madryn, Argentina! If you have the chance, be sure to visit!

19. Take a Trip to Antarctica! 

You’re already so far south, if you have the time and money, you might as well zip on down to Antarctica!

Now, I’m not going to lie to you, this is one thing on this list I personally have not done – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t on my bucket list! One day, I will fork out the big bucks and venture to Antarctica, but for now, I will only dream.  

But if you can, you should go! In fact, you can fly to Antarctica from Punta Arenas and back in a full one-day tour! It is pricey, but I’m sure it is worth it! 

This tour includes half the cost of four nights of accommodation in Punta Arenas to allow for multiple departure dates in case of bad weather. So, although it is only one day in Antarctica, you need to allow for four nights (3 days) for this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Then, off you go for your epic full day in Antarctica

Going to Antarctica is definitely one of the most exciting things to do in Punta Arenas!

Related Read: Read my thoughts on how to prepare to trek the Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia. It was quite the experience to visit Perito Moreno and there’s a lot I wish I would’ve known beforehand!

20. Hike inside Magallanes National Reserve

You don’t have to travel far to go hiking. On the outskirts of Punta Arenas is the Magallanes National Reserve where you can hike the Lenga Trail either on your own or on a small group half-day tour. The Lenga Trail is a short 2.5 km (1.6 mi) hike that all healthy individuals should be able to easily complete.

If you book this tour, your guide will take you through the Andes mountains you’ll see beautiful flowers and plants as you cover all different types of terrain. There may be a few different opportunities to spot wildlife and binoculars are provided to give you optimal viewing capabilities. An included box lunch is provided for you to enjoy halfway through the trek.

This 4-hour tour is priced at $150 USD per adult.

Plan your visit to Punta Arenas, Chile 

Getting in/out of Punta Arenas, Chile 

The international airport in Punta Arenas is the most common way people arrive and leave, specifically on flights to and from Santiago.

Bus transport is also very common in Chile as the buses are safe and comfortable. You can book reliable buses online in advance on the website BusBud (what we always use) that depart from either the town center or the airport. Or another option is booking a shuttle route with Bookaway.

Common bus routes include going to Puerto Natales (to visit the Torres del Paine) or Ushuaia, or Rio Gallegos in Argentina.  

In addition, people can reach Punta Arenas from Tierra del Fuego Island on a ferry.

Cruise ships also frequently dock in Punta Arenas.

Getting Around Punta Arenas, Chile

Taxis and Ubers are the easiest way to get around long distances in Punta Arenas. However, if you book a centrally located hotel you will be able to walk almost everywhere! 

Driving in Chile and Patagonia, in general, is also very easy and safe. Just book a rental car and you’re off! We rented a car for nearly two weeks and loved it! You can read all about our experience on our blog about renting a car in Patagonia.

Where to Stay in Punta Arenas 

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!

Budget Hotels and Hostels in Punta Arenas, Chile

La Morenita – This is small locally owned hotel offering some of the cheapest dorm beds in town. Although it’s nothing fancy, the beds are comfortable, and they have a full shared kitchen, hot showers, and an included hot breakfast. It’s your best bet for a good budget option priced at $17 USD for a bunk in an 8-share room.

Haiken Hostel – Haiken Hostek offers private rooms with private external bathrooms which all include 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.

Check prices and availability for Haiken Hostel!

Mid-Range Budget Hotels in Punta Arenas

Almasur Punta Arenas – This is the hotel for you if you like amenities and being just a couple 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 buffet breakfast and for dinner a spread of Chilean dishes and wine. All this for just around $139 USD a night!

Hostal Boutique Patagonia Mística – This small hotel doesn’t cut any corners when it comes to comfort. The rooms are spacious, modern, and spotlessly clean. The staff here are known for being very helpful and providing top-notch recommendations to visitors. And yet, rooms are less than $100 USD per night.

Luxury Hotels in Punta Arenas

Hotel Jose Nogueira – One of the most beautiful hotels Punta Arenas inside of a historical old building from 1895 that is within walking distance to many shops and restaurants. Rooms are huge and cozy. The onsite bar and restaurant is the perfect place to relax and enjoy during the evenings and there’s even a comfortable sunroom too. Really, it’s one of the more memorable stays in Punta Arenas if you ask me! Rooms are about $192 USD per night.

Hotel Isla Rey Jorge – This hotel is set in a mansion-style building with a homey feel while not sacrificing luxury. It is very central and there in an onsite restaurant and pub. Rooms include a delicious breakfast and the staff are said to be amazing! Rooms are also very affordable at less than $100 USD per night!

The Best Time to Visit Punta Arenas, Chile

The best time of year to visit Punta Arenas, Chile (or Patagonia in general) is mid-November to mid-March. This is the summer months meaning the weather is warmer and more ideal for the great outdoors – which is what this part of the world is all about! During the summer, you will have the largest selection of activities to do in Punta Arenas.

Money and ATMs 

In Punta Arenas, USD is widely accepted in addition to the local currency of Chilean Pesos. However, if you do pay with USD expect to get a worse rate than at the “cambios” money exchange places. There are plenty of money exchanges in town around the plaza, but oddly enough, there are none at the airport! So, it’s best to change money at the Santiago airport before arriving in Punta Arenas.  

Most ATMs will charge about 6,000 CLP ($6.50 USD) to withdraw cash at a maximum amount of 200,000 CLP ($214 USD). Many places will accept credit or debit card. 

Travel Insurance 

Never travel without it! Be sure to plan in advance and buy travel insurance before you leave for your trip. Personally, I use SafetyWing because it is very cheap for long-term travelers or ex-pats. However, Daniel prefers World Nomads which covers all of his adventure sports without a worry!  

Related Read: If you are wondering what Patagonia highlights were our favorite then read our guide on the most amazing things to do in Patagonia!

Thanks for reading!

I hope my 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:

Best cities in Latin America

Camping in Torres del Paine National Park

Fun things to do in Santiago, Chile

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