Things to do in Southern Patagonia
-
Masay
While Masay appears to have your standard Chilean sandwich/pizza restaurant menu, it does everything better than standard. It's very clean, offers fast service, serves oversized and always quality sandwiches, and abundantly topped pizzas. For those who are tired of the southern 'red meat served with red meat' diet, it offers top-rate chicken sandwiches made with breast meat and individual vegetarian pizzas that are a meal in themselves.
reviewed
-
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.
reviewed
-
A
La Luna
This local favorite, known for fresh seafood dishes and a lively, colorful atmosphere, is becoming a little too touristy – but non-Spanish-speaking travelers will appreciate the multilingual staff when trying to decide between scallops stewed in garlicky sauce and chupe de centolla (crab casserole).
reviewed
-
B
La Marmita
Unbeatable for its ambience as well as its tasty fare, Marmita has fresh salads and hearty, home-cooked creations.
reviewed
-
Hiking, The 'W'
Should one hike the 'W' or go for the whole Circuit? The answer lies in one's time, hiking experience and endurance. Doing the Circuit takes five to eight days, while the 'W' takes at least three to four. If you're not driving, figure another day or so for transportation connections. With the Circuit you will definitely see more and get further away from the crowds; however, the 'W' neatly packages the park's 'highlight' views into a tighter period of time.
The majority of trekkers start both routes from Laguna Amarga, although it's also possible to hike from the Administración or take the catamaran to Lago Pehoé and start from there. The treks are not without difficulty,…
reviewed
-
Hiking, The Circuit
Should one hike the 'W' or go for the whole Circuit? The answer lies in one's time, hiking experience and endurance. Doing the Circuit takes five to eight days, while the 'W' takes at least three to four. If you're not driving, figure another day or so for transportation connections. With the Circuit you will definitely see more and get further away from the crowds; however, the 'W' neatly packages the park's 'highlight' views into a tighter period of time.
The majority of trekkers start both routes from Laguna Amarga, although it's also possible to hike from the Administración or take the catamaran to Lago Pehoé and start from there. The treks are not without difficulty,…
reviewed
-
Cueva del Milodón
In the 1890s German pioneer Hermann Eberhard discovered the partial remains of an enormous ground sloth in a cave 25km northwest of Puerto Natales. The slow-moving, herbivorous milodón, which stood nearly 4m tall, was supposedly the motivating factor behind Bruce Chatwin’s book In Patagonia. The 30m-high Cueva del Milodón pays homage to its former inhabitant with a life-size plastic replica of the animal. It’s not exactly tasteful, but still worth a stop, whether to appreciate the grand setting and ruminate over its wild past or to take an easy walk up to a lookout point. Camping (no fires) and picnicking are possible. In February the cave hosts a cinema festival.
reviewed
-
C
Cementerio Municipal
Among South America’s most fascinating cemeteries, Cementerio Municipal contains a mix of humble immigrant graves and flashy tombs under topiary cypresses. In death as in life, Punta Arenas’ first families flaunted their wealth – wool baron José Menéndez’ extravagant tomb is, according to Bruce Chatwin, a scale replica of Rome’s Vittorio Emanuele monument. But the headstones also tell the stories of Anglo, German, Scandinavian and Yugoslav immigrants. There’s also a monument to the Selk’nam (Ona) and a map posted inside the main entrance gate.
reviewed
-
Torres del Paine Circuit
14 days (Punta Arenas)
A classic trek around the dramatic Towers of Paine.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$3,560 -
D
Museo Regional Braun-Menéndez
This opulent mansion 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. The well-maintained interior is divided into two sections: one half is a regional historical museum (booklets with English descriptions are available); the other half displays the original exquisite French-nouveau family furnishings, from intricate wooden inlaid floors to Chinese vases.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Parque Nacional Pali Aike
The park has several hiking trails, including a 1700m path through the rugged lava beds of the Escorial del Diablo to the impressive Crater Morada del Diablo; wear sturdy shoes or your feet could be shredded. There are hundreds of craters, some as high as a four-story building. There’s also a 9km trail from Cueva Pali Aike to Laguna Ana, where there’s another shorter trail to a site on the main road, 5km from the park entrance.
reviewed
-
Mirador Dorotea
So you've been running around town all morning trying to organize gear & plans for the park and want to get out & do a little warm-up hike? Head to Mirador Dorotea, less than 10km from Natales. Dorotea is the large rocky outcrop just off Ruta 9. There is a big sign that identifies the hike to the lookout at lot 14 just off the road. The hike takes you through a lenga forest & up to a splendid view back over Puerto Natales, the glacial valley and the surrounding mountains.
reviewed
-
E
Turismo Comapa
If you have the time, a more atmospheric alternative to Seno Otway is the thriving Magellanic penguin colonies of Monumento Natural Los Pingüinos on Isla Magdalena. Five-hour tours on the Barcaza Melinka (adult/child CH$25,000) land for an hour at the island and depart the port on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, December through February. Confirm times in advance. Book tickets through Turismo Comapa and bring a picnic.
reviewed
-
Day Hikes, Parque Nacional Torres Del Paine
Walk from Guardería Lago Pehoé, on the main park highway, to Salto Grande, a powerful waterfall between Lago Nordenskjöld and Lago Pehoé. Another easy hour's walk leads to Mirador Nordenskjöld, an overlook with superb views of the lake and mountains. For a more challenging day hike, try the four-hour trek leading to Lago Paine, whose northern shore is accessible only from Laguna Azul. The route offers tranquility and gorgeous scenery.
reviewed
-
Eberhard Ranch
Surrounded by tranquil fjords and looming mountains, the original homestead and estancia in the region, Eberhard Ranch, is impossibly scenic and gives a taste of the area outside of the internationalized outdoor-sports mecca of Puerto Natales. At the ranch you can see gauchos at work. It is not a tourist show, but real work, which includes the slaughter of sheep - so it is not for the faint of heart. To arrange a visit contact Estancia Travel.
reviewed
-
Afrigonia
Don’t doubt it – even though the Afro-Patagonian wave has yet to hit mainstream, this romantic restaurant is easily the best in town. Diners delight in the innovation and attention to detail. Combine Papas tsavo (crisp fried new potatoes in herb sauce) with kayapas (curried chicken stuffed with spinach and mashed peanuts). Or try mint roasted lamb. There is no way to lose. It’s run by a friendly Zambian-Chilean couple.
reviewed
-
F
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.
reviewed
-
G
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.
reviewed
-
Eberhard Ranch
Surrounded by tranquil fjords and looming mountains, the original homestead and estancia (estate) in the region, Eberhard Ranch, is impossibly scenic and gives a taste of the workaday area. You can see the gauchos as they work - it's not a tourist show, but real work, which includes the slaughter of sheep (you've been warned!) To arrange a visit contact Estancia Travel in Puerto Natales.
reviewed
-
H
Museo Naval Y Marítimo
Punta Arenas’ naval and maritime museum has varied exhibits on model ships, naval history, the unprecedented visit of 27 US warships to Punta Arenas in 1908, and a fine account of the Chilean mission that rescued British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton’s crew from Antarctica. The most imaginative display is a replica ship complete with bridge, maps, charts and radio room.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Ñandú Artesanía
With shops all over town, Ñandú has crafts, postcards, local maps and any other tourist items that you may desire.
The main thing to shop for in town is outdoor gear. There are a number of shops lining Arturo Prat, Manuel Bulnes and Eberhard; however, prices are higher here than larger towns, and you'll be better off picking up gear in Punta Arenas or in Argentina.
reviewed
-
I
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.
reviewed
-
J
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.
reviewed
-
K
Plaza Muñoz Gamero
Punta Arenas' main square, Plaza Muñoz Gamero is landscaped with exotic pine trees and surrounded by opulent mansions. Note the monument commemorating the 400th anniversary of Magellan's voyage. (Rub - or kiss - the toe of the Ona statue for luck.) Facing the north side of the plaza is the Club de la Unión, the former Sara Braun mansion.
reviewed
-
Chill-e
Painted bright red and green like the colors of a spicy chili, this multiroomed lounge would be hip in Santiago, let alone Puerto Natales. Come chill out on a couch (in your own side room if you have an entourage), sample Mexican snacks, sip cocktails or fine wines, and listen to a variety of DJs on the decks. Only open on weekends in winter.
reviewed
