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Punta Arenas Chile Tours

P unta Arenas, the capital of the Magallanes region, sits alongside the Straits of Magellan at southern latitude of approximately 54º south.

The city of Punta Arenas, founded in the mid-1800s, grew into a center for commerce, culture and society that spread its influence over the entire region. It was named after the translation of the English term "Sandy Point", given to this place by John Byron, who explored the area on 17th century.

From Punta Arenas it is possible to do excursions to the main tourist attractions of the Region. Resources are mostly natural beauties that may be visited by land, sea and air.

The tourist has an extensive range of possibilities, with tours scheduled by local travel agencies, but one also has the opportunity to organize travels according to interest.

These sites can be visited independently or on a city tour organised by a local tour operator. Prices on request.

The Cerro de la Cruz offers breathtaking views of the city. Take Senoret street to Colon avenue, turn left and walk uphill for two blocks.

From there, Tierra del Fuego can also be seen as well as Monte Sarmiento and the southern part of the Brunswick Peninsula. Wrecks of old sailing ships are visible in the distance.

Continue on the city’s main streets and avenues to the Plaza Munoz Gamero, which features a monument to Magellan.

Here opulent mansions – the homes at one time of pioneers who settled here and made fortunes in the wool and livestock industries.

Costanera Avenue offers beautiful views of the strait and the bustling activity of the harbour.

Along the streets of the city you can see many monuments: the shepherd which represents the workers’ struggle as well as the dog, the horse and the sheep that made the region rich.

Proceed to the cemetery where the tombs of pioneers have been exceptionally well preserved among well kept gardens and Cypress stands.

From Punta Arenas it is possible to travel around Seno Otway (km. 70 north), a place with tourist and scientific appeal where is located the Penguin Colony, with about 6,000 specimens of Magellan species, such as Aptenodytes Forsteri, Spheniscus Magellanicus, Pygoscelis Adeliae, Aptenodytes Patagonicus.

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