Overview of Paine River and snow-capped Paine Massif.

Matt Munro

Southern Patagonia

Pounding westerlies, barren seascapes and the ragged spires of Torres del Paine – this is the distilled essence of Patagonia. The provinces of Magallanes and Última Esperanza boast a frontier appeal perhaps only matched by the deep Amazon and remote Alaska. Long before humans arrived on the continent, glaciers chiseled and carved these fine landscapes. Now it's a place for travelers to hatch their greatest adventures, whether hiking through rugged landscapes, seeing penguins by the thousands or horseback riding across the steppe.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Historic cemetery.

    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…

  • Parque del Estrecho de Magallanes

    Parque del Estrecho de Magallanes

    Southern Patagonia

    The historic sites of Puerto Hambre (Port Hunger) and Fuerte Bulnes are the centerpiece of this privately managed park, an excellent introduction to…

  • Dawn with moon at the Torres del Paine massif at Lake Lago Pehoe, National Park Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

    Parque Nacional Torres del Paine

    Southern Patagonia

    Soaring almost vertically more than 2000m above the Patagonian steppe, the granite pillars of Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine) dominate the landscape of…

  • Tourists on a exploration cruise approaching the Balmaceda glacier on the Last Hope Sound, Bernardo O Higgins National Park, Patagonia, Chile.

    Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins

    Southern Patagonia

    Virtually inaccessible, Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins remains an elusive cache of glaciers. It can be entered only by boat. From Puerto Natales, full…

  • 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…

  • Single Magellanic penguin at Isla Magdalena.

    Monumento Natural Los Pingüinos

    Southern Patagonia

    The thriving Magellanic penguin colonies of Monumento Natural Los Pingüinos on Isla Magdalena and Isla Marta are well worth visiting, particularly if you…

  • 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…

  • Wagon at Museo del Recuerdo pioneer museum.

    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.

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