Experiences and local guides in Punta Arenas

Nature

Punta Arenas faces the Strait of Magellan, the route that linked the two oceans before the Panama Canal. Off the city lies Isla Magdalena with 60,000 pairs of Magellanic penguins; to the south, Tierra del Fuego with the only king penguin colony outside Antarctica; and westward, fjords, the Marinelli glacier and Cape Froward, the southernmost point of the continent. Wind, sea lions, Commerson's dolphins and skies that change every hour.

Activities

• Boat trips to Isla Magdalena and Marta (penguins, sea lions) from October to March
• King penguins at the Parque Pingüino Rey in Tierra del Fuego, crossing the strait by ferry
• Kayaking in the strait and Otway Sound, trekking to Cape Froward and in the Magallanes reserve
• Skiing at the Club Andino with sea views (June to September), snowshoe treks
• Fuerte Bulnes, Nao Victoria museum, pioneers' cemetery and mansions, Magellanic lamb and king crab

When to go

October to March for penguins and boat trips, with 17-hour days and strong wind. King penguins can be seen all year. June to August for snow and skiing, with few tourists and low prices.

How to get there

Presidente Ibáñez airport (PUQ) is 20 km away, with flights from Santiago (3 h 30) and Puerto Montt. Buses to Puerto Natales (3 hours), Ushuaia (10 to 12 hours with ferry) and Río Gallegos. Boats to Isla Magdalena leave from the pier or Tres Puentes; for Tierra del Fuego and the king penguins, ferry from Punta Delgada or Tres Puentes to Porvenir.