Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas is the capital city of Chile's southernmost region, Magallanes and Antartica Chilena, in South America.

Most visitors head to a penguin reserve. Otway Bay is a remote colony of about 4,000 Magellanic penguins and Isla Magdalena, an island that's home to 120,000 seasonal penguins. (Note: the penguins generally migrate in early March).

The centrepiece in Punta Arenas is the tree-lined Plaza Munoz Gamero, dominated by a bronze statue of Ferdinand Magellan, the explorer.

Two museums of note are the Palacio Sara Braun, a national landmark located just across from the plaza and Museo Regional de Magallanes.

Torres del Paine is a fabulous park ideal for hiking. The land here has been sculpted by flowing lava, and is home to wildlife, flowers, trees and many animals and birds.

There are many tours to Antarctica from here.

Popular souvenirs include lapis lazuli, penguin items, alpaca jumpers and wood carvings. A good selection of handicrafts and souvenirs can be found at the central plaza (Plaza Munoz Gamero), the main shopping avenue is Avenida Bories.

There is a wide range of seafood, fish and meat dishes on offer, try the local Pisco Sour tipple.

Ships dock at Arturo Prat, a 10-15 minute walk from the centre of town. Occasionally, the more remote commercial pier, Mardones/Bahia Catalina Pier, may be used, which is a 20 minute taxi ride away from the downtown area.

Metered taxis are readily available pier side.