Located on the Strait of Magellan, near the southern tip of Chile, Punta Arenas is a port of call for South American cruises and a departure point for Antarctica expeditions. Punta Arenas is best known as the gateway to southern Patagonia including Torres del Paine National Park and El Chalten and its proximity to the penguin colony at Isla Magdalena.
The city of Punta Arenas is compact and easily walkable. All the main city sights such as the Palacio Sara Braun and the Magallanes Regional Museum are centrally located around Plaza Munoz Gamero, the city’s main square. Opt for a city sightseeing tour and enjoy convenient round-trip transportation from the Punta Arenas cruise port.
Other options include an excursion to Fort Bulnes, a reconstructed village of Chile’s first settlement. Also of interest is the city’s historic cemetery, a collection of tombs, sculptures, and mausoleums that depicts the history of Chile’s first settlement in Patagonia.
Most cruise ships dock at the Arturo Prat, a short taxi ride or 15-minute walk to the center of town. Some ships may dock at the Mardones/Bahia Catalina Pier, which is a 20-minute taxi ride from downtown. Shore excursions generally include port pickup and drop-off, and tour departure times coincide with the cruise ship schedule.
Spanish is the official language in Punta Arenas, and very little English is spoken. The Chilean peso is the local currency, and ATMs are available around the city’s central plaza. Many shops, restaurants, and museums will take US dollars, and credit cards are widely accepted. The cruise terminal has restrooms, a café, and souvenir shop.