Punta Arenas was founded as a penal colony by Chile in 1848. Nestled amid spectacular mountain vistas on the eastern shores of the Brunswick Peninsula, it played host to mariners crossing the continent by ship. Europeans followed, searching for newly discovered gold and establishing vast swaths of sheep farms locally and throughout the surrounding region. Over time, Punta Arenas became one of Chile’s most important ports as, before the opening of the Panama Canal, it laid on the northernmost transcontinental shipping route.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Highlights of Punta Arenas
Explore the sights of Punta Arenas and sample Chile’s most famous cocktail.
Strait of Magellan Park
Explore the majestic scenery of the Strait of Magellan and learn about the history of its early settlements.
Patagonian Farm Experience
Learn about the lives and work of the Chilean sheep farmers that settled the distant lands of southern Patagonia.
Punta Arenas & Magellan’s Discovery
Explore the world’s most southerly city and discover the history of the globe’s first oceanic circumnavigation.
Strait of Magellan by Kayak
Paddle a kayak on one of the most famous waterways in the world: the Strait of Magellan.
Magdalena Island & Penguin Reserve by Catamaran
Cruise to Magdalena Island to observe one of the world’s largest colonies of Magellanic penguins.
Punta Arenas Sights & Patagonian Asado
Experience the iconic sights of Punta Arenas and savor the taste of a delicious lamb asado, or barbecue.
Heritage of Patagonia
Gain insight into Punta Arenas during visits to a museum, a historic mansion and a panoramic viewpoint.
