With around 115,000
inhabitants, 25% of Croatian descent, Punta Arenas, capital of the 12th
Region, is one of the world's southernmost cities. The city's economy
is based on the region's oil production, coal-mining, petrochemical industries,
sheep farming and a booming fishing industry. The city is also a major
port for the Strait of Magellan's growing ship traffic, and is also the
main jumping-off point for Antarctic expeditions - scientific as well
as tourism-oriented - by ship or by plane. The city still bears the mark
of the early entrepreneurs' philosophy; isolation and loneliness are bearable
only when one lives splendidly and in contact with the great outdoors.
In the center of Punta Arenas is the Plaza Muñoz Gamero. The plaza is
surrounded by trees and is dominated by the beautiful statue erected in
homage to the city's founder - Portuguese sailor Fernão Magalhães (Magellan).
Along the streets surrounding the square are the Cathedral and mansions
built at the start of the 20th century by the rich cattle ranchers, such
as the Palacio Sara Braun. Among the city's highlights are the Palacio
Braun Menendez, which contains a great local history museum and the Museo
Salesiano, which documents the evolution of the region. For shoppers,
the city also offers a Duty Free Zone (Zona Franca) where international
brands are available at reasonable prices.
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Average
Temperature in Punta Arenas
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Set
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
|
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| °C |
10.8
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10.4
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8.7
|
6.4
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3.9
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2.2
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1.7
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2.5
|
4.3
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6.6
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8.4
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10.0
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| °F |
51.4
|
50.7
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47.7
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43.5
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39.0
|
36.0
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35.1
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36.5
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39.7
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43.9
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47.1
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50.0
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Average
Rainfall in Punta Arenas
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Set
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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| mm. |
35.4
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28.1
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39.3
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41.0
|
42.4
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32.4
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33.8
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33.1
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27.5
|
23.6
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28.8
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31.5
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| Inches |
1.4
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1.1
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1.5
|
1.6
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1.7
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1.3
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1.3
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1.3
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1.1
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0.9
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1.1
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1.2
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The weather in Punta Arenas and the Magallanes Region is extremely changeable, varying from windy and rainy to hot and sunny in a matter of minutes. Passengers should come prepared and always take layered and waterproof clothing with them whenever they go ashore as well as a good high-factor sunblock.
PUNTA ARENAS AT
A GLANCE
Distance to travel: 20 km (12 miles)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Departure from the pier with a panoramic view of the city and the Straits
of Magellan from the Observation Point of La Cruz Hill where an informative
lecture on the city and the region is given. Proceed towards the Regional
Museum, passing through the main avenues. The Museum is kept by the Salesian
friars and exhibits a magnificent collection of the flora and fauna of
the region besides exclusive relics of the folklore and handicraft of
the native indian tribes. Afterwards, drive to the cemetery with its beautiful
gardens and huge cypress avenues. Here you admire splendid mausoleums
of pioneer families as well as a gravestone where the last Onas, extinguished
Fireland indians, are buried. Next comes the Patagonian Institute boasting
a collection of old local cars and replicas of pioneer houses; it also
exhibits historical pictures of Punta Arenas dating back to 1905. Last
stop is the Plaza de Armas square, with a look on the Hernando de Magallanes
monument. During the tour, an optional box lunch may be served.
Timetable
08:00 Drive from pier to La Cruz Hill observation point with photo stop
on hill
08:30 Drive to Regional Museum for a 40-minute visit.
09:30 Drive to cemetery including 30-minute visit
10:20 Drive to Patagonia Institute for a 40-minute visit
11:00 Main square
11:55 Back at ship
Included: Private vehicle with air conditioning, Local English
speaking guide, Entrance fees
Not Included: Gratuities for guide and/or driver, Any item not
mentioned above.
Distance to travel: 115 km (71 miles)
Duration: 4 hours
Departure from Mardones pier through and drive 80 kms. (49 miles) Northwest following the road leading across a huge sheep farm before bordering Otway Bay with a magnificent view of the almost permanently snow-covered mountains of the Pinto Range and Riesco Island. Continue skirting Otway Bay until you get to the penguin caves where these birds live (Magellan penguins or Sphenicus Magallanicus) and have their nests. Flights of wild geese and many rheas may be seen on the way as part of the rich fauna of the Chilean Patagonia.
Notes: Season: November through early March.
Walking is involved to get close to the penguin caves of at least one mile, each way, over an uneven path with one bridged fence with wooden steps and a handrail on one side.
The tour is subject to the road conditions for motorcoaches.
Timetable
08:30 / 12:30 Departure from Mardones pier
10:00 / 14:00 Arrival at Penguin Colony for a one-hour walking
11:00 / 15:00 Drive back to Punta Arenas
12:30 / 16:30 Arrival back at pier.
Included: Private vehicle with air conditioning, Local English speaking guide, Entrance fees where applicable, Meals only where indicated.
Not Included: Gratuities for guide and driver, Any item not mentioned above.
Distance to travel: 276 km (172 miles)
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included: Barbecue lunch at Rio Penitente Farm
Today we will visit one Hacienda called Penitente (same as the river passing close by), which belonged to a British family and is still operated by their descendants. Departure from the pier with a panoramic view of the city and the Straits of Magellan from the Observation Point of La Cruz Hill. Continue crossing downtown Punta Arenas and, while passing the Monument of the Patagonian Shepherd, before heading north along the road that leads to the Argentinian border. Past very British looking "estancias" (farms, surrounded by the only trees to be found in this area). We will have a chance to see rheas (Magellan ostriches), wild geese, black necked swans and, of course, sheep; also, if lucky, could admire some lonely condor tracing circles in the sky. Brief stop at Villa Tehuelches, a small village next to the highway, founded in 1966. The vast expanses of the steppes surrounding Laguna Blanca (an extinct sheep ranch company) roll away opposite the village. The road heads toward the peaks of Cordillera Chilena range, running through forests that contrast sharply with the meager vegetation of the pampas. Arrival to Rio Penitente, an active typical Patagonian "estancia" with and English style country house from the beginning of the century. History and tradition have been kept in these remote lands. An "esquilador" will give us a demonstration of sheep-shearing. Afterwards enjoy a Patagonian style BBQ lunch. Return to ship retracing our way to Punta Arenas.
Timetable
09:00 Departure from Pier
La Cruz Hill observation point
09:30 Begin journey to Rio Penitente
10:30 Arrival to estancia
Lunch
Activities
14:30 Leave for Punta Arenas
16:00 Back at pier
Included: Private vehicle with air conditioning, Local English speaking guide, Entrance fees, LUNCH (set menu)
Not Included: Gratuities for guide and/or driver, Any item not mentioned above.