Sights in Punta Arenas
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Isla Magdalena
Isla Magdalena has thriving Magellanic penguin colonies. Five-hour tours on the Melinka ferry land for an hour at the island and depart the port on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from December through February. Confirm times in advance. Book tickets through Turismo Comapa ([tel] 200-200; www.comapa.com; Magallanes 990) and bring a picnic.
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Cementerio Municipal
Among South America’s most fascinating cemeteries, with both humble immigrant graves and flashy tombs, like that of wool baron José Menéndez, a scale replica of Rome’s Vittorio Emanuele monument, according to Bruce Chatwin. See the map inside the main entrance gate.
It’s an easy 15-minute stroll northeast of the plaza, or catch any taxi colectivo (shared taxi with specific route) in front of the Museo Regional Braun-Menéndez on Magallanes.
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Museo Regional Braun-Menéndez
This opulent mansion testifies to the wealth and power of pioneer sheep farmers in the late 19th century. The well-maintained interior houses a regional historical museum (ask for booklets in English) and original exquisite French-nouveau family furnishings, from intricate wooden inlaid floors to Chinese vases.
In former servants’ quarters, a downstairs cafe is perfect for a pisco sour while soaking up the grandeur.
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Castillo Milward
Fans of Bruce Chatwin's famous travel memoir In Patagonia will want to check out Charley Milward's house, known as Castillo Milward (Milward's Castle). This is the house belonging to Chatwin's enigmatic relative who originally inspired the writer to journey to Patagonia. Explorer Ernest Shackleton also stayed here in 1914 while planning to rescue the crew of the Endurance, which was crushed by ice in Antarctica.
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Palacio Mauricio Braun
This opulent mansion houses a museum that testifies to the wealth and power of pioneer sheep farmers in the late 19th century. One of Mauricio Braun's sons donated the house to the state, against other family members' wishes. Divided into sections, one part is a regional historical display, while the other displays the family's original French nouveau furnishings and details, from intricate wooden inlay floors to Chinese vases.
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Museo Naval y Marítimo
A naval and maritime museum with historical exhibits which include a fine account of the Chilean mission that rescued Sir Ernest Shackleton’s crew from Antarctica. The most imaginative display is a replica ship complete with bridge, maps, charts and radio room.
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Museo del Recuerdo
Pioneer days are made real again at the Patagonian Institute’s Museo del Recuerdo, part of the Universidad de Magallanes. On display are a collection of antique farm and industrial machinery, a typical pioneer house and shearing shed, and a wooden-wheeled shepherds’ trailer. The library has historical maps and a series of historical and scientific publications.
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Instituto de la Patagonia
The Patagonian Institute houses the Museo del Recuerdo, with a collection of antique farm and industrial machinery imported from Europe, a typical pioneer house and shearing shed (both reconstructed), and a wooden-wheeled trailer that served as shelter for shepherds. The library also has a display of historical maps, and a series of historical and scientific publications.
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Plaza Muñoz Gamero
A central plaza of magnificent conifers surrounded by opulent mansions. Facing the plaza’s north side, The Casa Braun-Menéndez houses the private Club de la Unión, which also uses the tavern downstairs (open to the public). The nearby monument commemorating the 400th anniversary of Magellan’s voyage was donated by wool baron José Menéndez in 1920. Just east is the former Sociedad Menéndez Behety, which now houses Turismo Comapa. The cathedral sits west.
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Mirador Cerro la Cruz
Worth the few minutes' walk from the plaza and up a series of steps is Mirador Cerro la Cruz, a lookout over the city and the water. It's a great place to shoot some photos, as the view takes in the city's wide streets and tall buildings (there are at least one or two), with the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego in the distance.
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Museo Regional Salesiano
Especially influential in settling the region, the Salesian order collected outstanding ethnographic artifacts, but their museum touts their role as peacemakers between the Yaghan and Ona and settlers.
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Monumento Natural Los Pingüinos
One of two Magellanic penguin colonies near Punta Arenas, Monumento Natural Los Pingüinos has about 50,000 breeding pairs and is accessible only by boat to Isla Magdalena in the Strait of Magellan. Admission to the island is included in the price of the ferry trip.
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Club de la Unión
Facing the north side of the Plaza Muñoz Gamero is the Club de la Unión, the former Sara Braun mansion, some rooms of which are open for public visits.
Just east is the former Sociedad Menéndez Behety, now housing the Turismo Comapa offices.
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Reserva Forestal Magallanes
Great hiking and mountain biking through dense lenga and coihue, 8km from town.
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Casa Braun-Menéndez
Facing the Plaza Muñoz Gamero’s north side is the Club de la Unión, which houses the former Palacio Sara Braun, now known as the Casa Braun-Menéndez.
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