Punta Arenas, Chile

Punta Arenas, Chile
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Punta_arenas.jpg
Author: Insilentio


Punta Arenas is the capital of Magallanes & Antartica Chilena, the southernmost region of Chile. It covers 17,846.3 sq km (6,890.5 sq mi) and has a population of 120,000 (2011 estimate). Punta Arenas is the biggest city south of the 46th parallel south.

Punta Arenas is located on the Brunswick Peninsula (Península de Brunswick). It stretches south to Cape Froward, the southernmost point on the mainland of South America. The city experiences a semi-arid, ocean-moderated climate. The warmest month is January, with the average high temperature of 14.7°C (58.5°F). Coldest month is July, when the average low drops to -12°C (11°F). Punta Arenas is dry. The annual rainfall is just 376 mm (14.8 in). May tends to be the wettest month, recording 41.6 mm (1.638 in) of precipitation.

Shipwreck, Punta Arenas
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amadeo,_Primer_vapor_de_Chile._San_Gregorio,_Patagonia,_Chile.jpg
Author: Daniel Diaz Nauto


The name Punta Arenas means "sandy point". Initial European settlement in the area goes back to 1584, when the Spanish established two settlements, Nombre de Jesús, followed by Rey don Felipe. Both failed due to the harsh climate, and were coyly called Puerto Hambre ("port of hunger"). These settlements were established so as to prevent raids by English pirates, so it was ironic that the last surviving member of the settlement was rescued in 1587 by Thomas Cavendish, an English pirate.

The hostile terrain was left as they were the subsequent centuries until 1843, when the Chilean government renewed its effort to establish a settlement way down under. The expedition was led by British sailor John Williams, and on 21 September, 1843, a new settlement was established. In 1848 it was relocated to a more superior located, by the Las Minas rivers. And this was the site that became Punta Arenas.

Nao Victoria Museum, Punta Arenas
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nao_Victoria_2011_12_01.JPG
Author: Juanmatassi


For much of the 19th century, Puntas Arenas served as a military installation and a penal colony. The colony took on a more civilian character towards the end of the 19th century, with the arrival of settlers to start sheep ranches. Discovery of gold also brought an influx of prospectors.

The economy of Punta Arenas today depends on its port activity, the oil industry, fishing and sheep breeding. Being the southernmost city in South America, it is the port of all for ocean liners and round-the-world cruises.

Visiting Punta Arenas

Many casual tourists reach Punta Arenas as a stop on round-the-world and transatlantic cruises. As an independent traveler, you can reach the city by flight from Puerto Montt and Santiago.

Magellan Memorial, Plaza Muñoz Gamero, Punta Arenas
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PArenas_Magallanes.JPG
Author: Buron444

Places of Interest in Punta Arenas

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