This southernmost region of Patagonia is also known as the “Gateway to Antarctica.” It is a spectacular byway where visitors can connect with diverse nature and wildlife. As an Acupuncturist-at -Sea, I visited this unique port-of-call and enjoyed especially seeing the nearby Magellan Penguins on Otway Sound. So, read on to learn about overall Punta Arenas Chile attractions and its adorable penguins.
Punta Arenas Background
Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese Explorer, first sailed and discovered the Strait of Magellan and the region in 1519. Thus, both the Strait and the famous Magellan Penguins are named after him. Located in the southernmost region of South America’s Patagonia, Punta Arenas is also the capital city on the Brunswick Peninsula. Moreover, it’s even considered the world’s most Austral or Southern city. However, Argentina claims this title for the nearby Ushuaia. Both the Strait of Magellan and Otway (Seno) Sound border the peninsula.
Being in the southernmost tip of South America among the archipelago, the region is home to some of the most, overall, unique landscapes and wildlife in the world. Therefore, Punta Arenas serves as a good hub, from which to explore this stunning part of the world.
Most importantly, there are many great opportunities to see penguins. The most popular destination is the Isla Magdalena, requiring a boat ride to the island. However, I enjoyed the Magellan penguins on Otway Sound, just a 45-minute taxi ride away from Punta Arenas. As one of the Gateways to Antarctica, Punta Arenas is the base for Fly the Drake Cruises. Therefore, tourists fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island in Antarctica, where they embark the cruise.
Punta Arenas Chile Attractions
Plaza de Armas Munoz Gamero
A great way to kick off exploring Punta Arenas is in this impressive plaza. Among lush greenery, it showcases a wonderful monument for the famous Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, who discovered the region back in 1519. I stopped there with friends and got a fun photo.
Mirador Cerro de la Cruz
Just a 15-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas, this offers a wonderful panoramic view of Punta Arenas and its surroundings. This includes scenes, such as, the Strait and the colorful buildings to get the gain perspective on the area.
Nao Victoria Museo
At this museum, visitors see a replica of one of the most famous ships in the world, Magellan’s Carack Ship. Most importantly, this ship navigated around the infamous Cape Horn and helped discover this part of the world.
Isla Magalena
This is the most popular place to see the Magellan penguins near Punta Arenas. However, it is necessary to take a boat to this tiny island, barely a half square mile in size. Most noteworthy, here lives one of the most significant Magellan penguin colonies, with an estimated 120,000 nesting penguins.
Otway Sound’s Magellan Penguin Colony
The Otway Sound’s penguin colony is easier and cheaper to see than the Isla Magdalena penguins. However, the colony is smaller at Otway Sound. Friends and I took a 40-minute taxi ride here. Then, we enjoyed seeing dozens of Magellan Penguins walking on the land and huddled together along the rugged shores.
The Penguin Colony is open from October – March. Furthermore, the penguins usually lay their eggs in October and start hatching the fuzzy chicks by late November. These black and white medium-sized penguins grow up to 76 cm tall. Within inches, I saw many of these adorable creatures, even noticing the mottled, pink markings on the feet and eyes of the younger ones. Also, they are aka “Jackass Penguins” because of their braying sound.
Overall…
This unique and rugged part of the world is so dramatic and exhilarating. Moreover, Punta Arenas is the perfect hub for the Strait of Magellan area and southern Patagonia. Whatever, you do here do not miss out on the adorable penguins! Also, from Punta Arenas we cruised to the epic Beagle Channel of Glacier Alley in the Chilean Fjords and Easter Island explained in articles below.
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