Gateway to the Southern Chile and Antarctica
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is a unique city. Located along the mythical Strait of Magellan, its name is intimately linked to that of the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Next to being the capital of the Magallanes Region and the Chilean Antarctic, it used to be one of the most beautiful cities in Chile thanks to its geographical location and its unique history.
Ferdinand Magellan, also known as Fernão de Magalhães in Portuguese, was a renowned Portuguese explorer who discovered the South American continent and is best known for leading the first successful expedition to circumnavigate the Earth. His statue presides over the Plaza de Muñoz Gamero in the center of the city.
It’s fascinating to learn about the historical significance and development of Punta Arenas in southern Chile. The city’s origins as a fort to defend the territory and its settlers, as well as its role as an important prison colony, shaped its early history. The migration of inhabitants from Fort Bulnes to Punta Arenas in 1848 and the subsequent livestock activity and gold exploitation encouraged the arrival of European immigrants, contributing to the settlement’s growth and development.
The strategic location of Punta Arenas near the Strait of Magellan made it a crucial pass for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans until the inauguration of the Panama Canal in 1920. This proximity to the strait also helped the city become a significant port for commercial activities, which continues to be an essential aspect of its economy today.
Palace-like buildings in Punta Arenas, reflect the prosperity of the city’s rich exporters of wool and timber in the late nineteenth century
Remnants of palace-like constructions in Punta Arenas, reflecting French, Italian, and English architectural styles, showcase the prosperity of the city’s rich exporters of wool and timber in the late nineteenth century. This growth and prosperity have continued, making Punta Arenas a thriving city in Chile’s southern region.
The grandeur of the city also reflects in its cemetery. This is the final resting place for many notable figures from Chilean and Magellanic history, including explorers, politicians, pioneers, and business people. The graves and mausoleums in the cemetery reflect the diverse heritage and cultural influences of the people buried there, with styles ranging from Gothic and Neoclassical to Art Nouveau and Art Deco.
Nowadays the city is the global gateway to the South Pole, and at least fifteen nations, with research stations on Antarctica, use the city as their home port. Yes, the Antarctic history is rooted in this city. Take Pardo Villalón, the Spanish-born pilot, who launched an epic rescue mission aboard the steamer Yelcho, to save Earnest Shackleton’s crew of the Endurance. The ship was trapped in the pack ice of the Weddell sea and was eventually crushed, forcing the crew to survive on the Antarctic ice for almost 2 years. The bow of the Yelcho nowadays stands proud on the waterfront, overlooking the Strait of Magellan.
Boutique hotel La Yegua Loca
Paola Milosevic and Sergio Solar have deep roots in Patagonia, with their grandparents being Croatian pioneers who arrived in these lands many years ago, to seek a new life. Together they built the boutique Hotel La Yegua Loca, which is situated at the edge of the historic city center of Punta Arenas. “The essence of Patagonia runs through our veins, as we grew up surrounded by the simplicity of life in the countryside” says Paola, who manages the hotel. “We take great pride in showcasing this heritage through our historical house dating back to 1929. Sergio meticulously restored the it, paying attention to every detail. Each room has a different ambiance. If you don’t come to stay at the hotel, you may want to come for dinner.”
La Cocina de la Nonna Restaurant offers the purest essence of Patagonian cuisine, richly influenced by Croatian and regional traditions. The restaurant takes pride in rescuing and presenting an array of authentic recipes, such as the renowned Sunda of Centolla (King Crab), the succulent Lamb Garrón, the delightful Croatian Ñoquis (gnocchi), and the perfectly grilled Octopus.
Adding to the ambiance and cultural experience, the restaurant’s bar pays homage to the traditional Patagonian pulperías, reminiscent of the past. The Bar serves an excellent home brewed beer, as well as Potro Sour, a delightful local concoction that captures the essence of the region, and the refreshing Ruibarbito, a beverage that perfectly complements the culinary delights on offer.
La Cocina de la Nonna Restaurant is not just a place to dine; it’s an authentic and immersive journey through the flavors and cultural heritage of Patagonia. Staying at La Yegua Loca is an experience not to miss when exploring the end of the world
Stay at La Yegua Loca
Its 15 rooms are a homage to the old trades and traditions rooted in the Chilean Patagonia: The Coachman, The Stable, The Braider, The Orchard, The Milkman, The Blacksmith, The Carpenter and The Shearing Shed.
Travel Tip 1
Museo Historio Natural Rio Seco
Tucked away in an old warehouse from the early 1900’s, on the way to the airport, outside Punta Arenas, you find the Museo Historio Natural Rio Seco. The museum displays the skeletons of numerous marine mammals, personally preserved by Benjamin Cacares, a Marine Biologist and built up by his artist brother Miguel. Together with a team of four, they aim to encourage and promote the southern indigenous culture and preserve the natural heritage of the Magallanes region. They can tell stories of how an 11-person crew tackled the formidable challenge of defleshing a 21-meter, 70-or-so tonne juvenile blue whale that beached itself at the eastern entrance to the Strait of Magellan a two-hour drive north of Punta Arenas.
Fort Bulnes
Travel Tip 2
Fuerte Bulnes
Nestled in the untamed beauty of Chile’s Patagonia region, Fuerte Bulnes is a testament to the spirit of exploration and human resilience. Built in 1843, this meticulously reconstructed fort holds immense historic significance as the very site where Chile’s colonization of the Strait of Magellan began. Strategically constructed to secure territorial claims, Fuerte Bulnes served as a vital base for early explorers and settlers who faced the unforgiving Patagonian wilderness.
Stepping through the fort’s sturdy walls, you are transported to a bygone era. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories of the pioneers who braved the harsh elements, as restored buildings provide a window into their daily lives. Informative displays intricately weave the historical tapestry of the region, unraveling the challenges and triumphs of the past.
Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, Fuerte Bulnes offers panoramic vistas of the Strait of Magellan and the Andes. Marvel at the shimmering waters and feel the invigorating ocean breeze, reminding you of the resolute determination that once defined this place.
Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, Fuerte Bulnes offers panoramic vistas of the Strait of Magellan and the Andes
Isla Magdalena
Travel Tip 3
Penguin Colony at Magdalena Island
Embark on a journey to the Penguin Colony at Magdalena Island, a wildlife sanctuary nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Patagonia. Board a boat and cruise towards this island where a remote world awaits. As you set foot on the island, you will be greeted by a bustling community of Magellanic penguins. Watch them waddle along the rocky shores, torpedo into the pristine waters, and interact with each other in their natural habitat. Follow the designated trails that wind through the island. Capture priceless moments as they engage in courtship rituals, tend to their nests, and navigate the stunning coastal scenery.
Magellanic penguins are named after the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who first encountered them during his voyage in 1520. They are known for their distinctive black and white plumage. They have a black head, back, and tail, with a white belly and a large white stripe that extends from their eyes to their chin. This unique facial pattern helps them identify each other in large colonies and provides camouflage while swimming in the ocean. These penguins are known for their impressive annual migration. They travel long distances, covering thousands of kilometers, to reach their breeding grounds. Each year, they return to the same nesting sites, often forming large colonies with thousands of individuals. These penguins are monogamous and mate for life, typically laying two eggs in a burrow or nest made of pebbles and feathers. Be ready for an unforgettable experience and an even more unforgettable smell.
Magellan Strait
Travel Tip 4
The legendary Strait of Magellan
“The Strait is a giant key opening up the gateway to endless possibilities and undiscovered treasures.” wrote Ferdinand Magellan in 1520. Embark on a captivating voyage through the legendary Strait of Magellan, a historic waterway that has enchanted explorers and sailors for centuries. This iconic passage, located at the southern tip of South America, connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, offering a gateway to the vast wonders of Patagonia. As you navigate the pristine waters the surrounding landscapes, with snow-capped peaks and dramatic cliffs stretching as far as the eye can see. Feel the sense of adventure and discovery as you follow in the wake of famous explorers like Ferdinand Magellan and Charles Darwin. Experience the thrill of sailing through this legendary channel, where strong currents and unpredictable weather add to the excitement. Marvel at the diverse wildlife that calls the Strait home, from playful dolphins to majestic seabirds. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or an intrepid adventurer, the Strait of Magellan promises an unforgettable journey, immersing you in the untamed beauty of Patagonia’s maritime heritage.
Feel the sense of adventure and discovery as you follow in the wake of famous explorers like Ferdinand Magellan and Charles Darwin
San Isidro
Travel Tip 5
San Isidro Lighthouse
Nestled along the rugged coastline of Patagonia, the San Isidro Lighthouse stands as a beacon of history and natural beauty. Perched atop a rocky promontory, this iconic lighthouse offers panoramic views of the sweeping ocean and dramatic cliffs that characterize the region.
Originally built in 1904, the San Isidro Lighthouse has witnessed the passage of time and the changing tides of maritime navigation. Today, it stands as a testament to the importance of guiding ships safely through treacherous waters.
Visitors can explore the lighthouse’s interior, gaining insight into its rich maritime heritage. From the top, breathtaking vistas unfold, showcasing the untamed wilderness and the crashing waves below.
The San Isidro Lighthouse is not only a historic landmark but also a gateway to the natural wonders of Patagonia. Take a moment to breathe in the salty air, listen to the sounds of the sea, and immerse yourself in the rugged beauty that surrounds this iconic structure. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine, inviting you to experience the untamed spirit of Patagonia firsthand.
Flights to
the end of
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Beyond Punta Arenas with DAP Airlines
Based in Punta Arenas, with over 43 years in the business and a fleet of airplanes and helicopters in permanent growth, DAP connects the main points of Patagonia and Magallanes by flight, including Antarctica.
The company offers a selection of tour programs that allow travelers to experience the most spectacular destinations of Antarctica & Patagonia from a privileged point of view, as well as traveling across Chile and to a variety of destinations in South America by charter, tourist or business flights.
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