Punta Arenas

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Wagon at Museo del Recuerdo pioneer museum.

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Overview

A sprawling metropolis on the edge of the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas defies easy definition. It's a strange combination of the ruddy and the grand, with elaborate wool-boom mansions and port renovations alongside urban sprawl. Set at the bottom of the Americas, it is downright stingy with good weather – the sun shines through sidelong rain.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Cementerio Municipal

Punta Arenas

Among South America’s most fascinating cemeteries, with both humble immigrant graves and flashy tombs, like that of wool baron José Menéndez, a scale…

Palacio Sara Braun on Plaza Munoz Gamero.

Plaza Muñoz Gamero

Punta Arenas

A central plaza of magnificent conifers surrounded by opulent mansions. Facing the plaza’s north side, Casa Braun-Menéndez houses the private Club de la…

Ship bridge replica in the Naval and Maritime Museum.

Museo Naval y Marítimo

Punta Arenas

A naval and maritime museum with historical exhibits that include a fine account of the Chilean mission that rescued Sir Ernest Shackleton’s crew from…

Museo del Recuerdo

Punta Arenas

On display are a collection of antique farm and industrial machinery, a typical pioneer house and shearing shed, and a wooden-wheeled shepherds’ trailer.

Museo Regional de Magallanes

Punta Arenas

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…

Museo Río Seco

Punta Arenas

The pet project of the Caceres brothers, this funky homespun museum is a delightful detour for fans of natural history. Imaginative displays use fine…

Instituto de la Patagonia

Punta Arenas

Pioneer days are made real again at the Patagonian Institute's Museo del Recuerdo, part of the Universidad de Magallanes. The library has historical maps…