10 Historical & Heritage Tours in Punta Arenas That You Shouldn't Miss

July 21, 2021 Misti Hsu

Overlooking the Strait of Magellan, this isolated city in southern Patagonia bustles with windswept trekkers en route to glacier-filled Torres del Paine National Park or an Antarctic cruise. Before transiting, take note of the mansion-lined main square, Plaza Muñoz Gamero; the City Cemetery, with its elaborate tombs; and the Sara Braun Palace and Braun Menendez Residence, a preserved slice of the city's wealthy pioneer past. Daily flights connect the city with Santiago and Ushuaia.
Restaurants in Punta Arenas

1. San Isidro Lighthouse and Fort Bulnes Heritage Route

Austral Tours Patagonia
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

08:00 hrs Pick up of passengers instead of lodging. 08:30 aprox hrs Departure from Punta Arenas to San Isidro Lighthouse by route 9, "end of the continental roads". * Home Walk to the San Isidro Lighthouse. This trekking of medium difficulty will take you to the southernmost continental lighthouse in the world inaugurated in 1904. * In total the walk is 8 kms on the edge of the beach. In the whole walk you could observe fauna and flora, Dawson Island and a large part of the Darwin Mountain Range. Estrecho Park, where we will visit historical places, patrimonial tour. * Fuerte Bulnes, established in 1843, which was the first Chilean settlement in Patagonia. * Visitor Center, where you can learn about the natural and human history of the Strait of Magellan. * Visit to the geographical center of Chile, a milestone that marks the center of our country considering the territory it intends on the Antarctic, to then return to Punta Arenas.

Inclusions: Local guide (Spanish - English), Snack, First aid kit, Emergency radio, Transport

Exclusions: Strong Entrance Bulnes

Reviewed By Karin325

Do not use this company. With a confirmed booking back in November our private tour for 4 people was a nightmare. I was forced to make another down payment of 50 USD to ensure the tour, according to Austral Tours Patagonia. We were met at the cruise terminal, only to learn that the guide was actually a driver who had instructions to collect more people at a later time and a different spot. When speaking to someone at head office I was accused for not paying. We had to fight to get our deposit back and were dropped on a side walk. My brother-in-law, who is 84 years old, needs a cane to walk. This experience in Chile left the worst impression. How can a company like this represent their country? They should be ashamed of themselves and perhaps work with animals instead of humans.

2. Private Cruise Shore Excursion From Punta Arenas: City Tour & Fort Bulnes

Muelle Prat, Av. Costanera del Estrecho de Magallanes 1398, Punta Arenas, Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena, Chile Chile Dream Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to discover the most interesting sites in the area at your own pace with the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. Come discover Chile’s first permanent settlement in Patagonia and learn about the city’s history and culture. Visit colonial Fort Bulnes in the Strait of Magellan Park.

Inclusions: Private Transportation from Cruise Terminal in Punta Arenas, Multilingual Guide, Bottled Water, Entrance Fee to Fort Bulnes, Digital Photographs

Exclusions: Optional Gratuity for Guide, Lunch

Reviewed By Dreamer64284

Sean was awesomely the best of the bestest - very highly recommended!!! We toured Valparaiso and Vina del Mar with him, and he dropped us off at Santiago for our cruise embarkation the following day. That was our first trip to South America - our pre-cruise tour, as we cruised Chile, Antarctica, Falkland Islands, Argentina, Uruguay - still so many places to explore in this area. We will definitely come back, and use Sean's company again...

3. Strait Park - Fort Bulnes

Plaza Benjamín Muñoz Gamero 745, Punta Arenas, Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena, Chile Turismo Viento del Sur
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

In this tour you and your companion will have the possibility of taking a tour that will trace you back in the history of our region, its discovery, the settlement of the Chilean people, and the different feats of sailors who arrived in these lands.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup

Exclusions: Park Tickets

Reviewed By browncondo2102

They did an excellent job in the time they had to tour us to all of the important spots in and around the city. The highlight was the Nap Victoria Museum. Our tour ended at the artisan market.

4. History of Antarctic Exploration Small Group City Tour

Borealis Adventures Patagonia
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Explore the history of exploration in the world's southern extremes on this unique city tour in Punta Arenas- the main jumping-off point to Antarctica. See historic sites where Ernest Shackleton, Otto Nordenskold, Roald Amundsen and other heroes came during their missions to conquer the White Continent. Visit replicas of some of the famous ships that sailed these waters on quests to find new worlds, new life, and new hope. Finish with drinks in the Bar Shackleton to watch real footage of Ernest Shackleton's famously ill-fated expedition before being taken back to your drop-off destination of choice to continue your own Southern adventure.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance Fees, Finish your tour with a refreshment in the Bar Shackleton. Please note that minors will be served only non-alcoholic refreshments.

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By BIERHAND

It was a beautiful and varied hike through the Patagonian forest. Our extremely charming and competent hiking guide entertained us with little anecdotes and conveyed many interesting facts about the different ecosystems. In a relaxed atmosphere we walked through the forest where we learned a lot about the different mushrooms and other plants. At the end we had local specialities which were really delicious. And I was lucky: although I hadn't announced it, there was a gluten-free version for me. Altogether a nice excursion, especially because of the nice hiking guide.

5. Punta Arenas & Parque del Estrecho Shore Excursion

Amigos Tours
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5.0 based on 46 reviews

Experience Patagonia like few do, with comfort plus local insight. Immerse yourself in the epic tale of Patagonian conquest, one of passion, endurance, and intrigue. Relive Ferdinand Magellan’s adventure, stand on the stern of his ship, visit world-class landmarks, such as the Cementerio Municipal. Layer up, and visit the first Chilean settlement at Fort Bulnes. Learn stories about fierce nature and unbroken willpower. If weather permits, you will see prancing dolphins on the blue Estrecho waters. We offer complementary wi-fi, bottled water, and treats. Enjoy our hassle-free experience, sit back, and enjoy an unforgettable day, we got you covered!

Inclusions: Complementary on-vehicle Wi-Fi (Subject to geographical availability), Food tasting, Bottled water, Local guide, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Gratuities, Entrances Fees

Reviewed By jerrady

If you only have a day, this is the way to see Torres del Paine. We probably got 5-6 hours in the park, and were driven around to all of the key sites. No, this won't be a hiker's dream, but we only had a day. We got there and back safely, the car was very comfortable, we brought a sandwich as instructed, and enjoyed our guides. This tour is best for someone who speaks a little Spanish, and we enjoyed learning some new Spanish words and vice versa. Guides were very friendly.

6. Best of Patagonia: Forest Hike + City Tour

Borealis Adventures Patagonia
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4.3 based on 3 reviews

Get to know the natural beauty, history, and culture of Patagonia on this exciting full-day small group excursion. Begin the day submersed in nature with an easy hike through the Reserva Forestal Magallanes. This little-known national park boasts stunning views of the Rio las Minas, mixed Nothofagus forest, and abundant birdlife typical of the region of Magallanes. Get introduced to the wildlife, flora, fauna, geology, and history of the area by your expert guide before finishing your hike at a scenic lookout and enjoying a picnic lunch of Patagonian cuisine. Then, travel through the city, stopping at historical and cultural points of interest, including the Museo Maggiorino Borgatello, the Municipal Cemetery, and the Plaza, to learn about the story of the people of Patagonia and the unique culture that has come to thrive in this remote land. Finish with high tea and pastries in a beautiful antique cafe before being returned to your ship, hotel, or other accommodation.

Inclusions: Enjoy delicious Patagonia Blend Tea at Kallfu Cafe., Enjoy a delicious picnic boxed lunch of local cuisine after your hike. Please notify us of any dietary restrictions in advance., Sample delicious local pastries along with your tea at Kallfu Cafe., Use of a Trekking Pole, Use of Binoculars, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Please help us reduce plastic waste by bringing your reuseable water bottle for hydration on the trail.

Reviewed By BIERHAND

It was a beautiful and varied hike through the Patagonian forest. Our extremely charming and competent hiking guide entertained us with little anecdotes and conveyed many interesting facts about the different ecosystems. In a relaxed atmosphere we walked through the forest where we learned a lot about the different mushrooms and other plants. At the end we had local specialities which were really delicious. And I was lucky: although I hadn't announced it, there was a gluten-free version for me. Altogether a nice excursion, especially because of the nice hiking guide.

7. Fort Bulnes Tour

Patagonia Full
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4.0 based on 1 reviews

A historical place that speaks of the origins of colonization in these lands, in a location with a privileged view of the Strait of Magellan.  The diversity of native flora and fauna added to the discovery of the history of the origins of colonization in these lands make the perfect mix for this excursion

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Snacks, All Fees and Taxes

Reviewed By Quest64909942169

After a lot of confusion regarding which port we were going to dock in, I cancelled this trip. IT turned out that Punta Arenas is a tender port so we wold have been very close to the pick up point. There isn't much to see here as the place has seen a lot of the unrest in Chile. We wandered around on our own which I didn't really feel comfortable with. I therefore would recommend an organised trip such as this. The pick up point was a bit of a longer walk away from previous ports with slight hills to walk up. Of course, much cheaper than the onboard option.

8. Full-Day Punta Arenas and Magellan Strait Tour

Tours Punta Arenas - Day Tours
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3.9 based on 18 reviews

Enjoy this day tour to the Magellan Strait Park and the city of Punta Arenas departing from either your hotel or from Punta Arena's port! This tours is for travelers who have little time to meet Punta Arenas offering two tours in one day!

Inclusions: Transport by private vehicle, Hotel/Port pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, tickets

Reviewed By robertkristian

The pinguiens was there, but few and no other animals. All such activities are two expensive in Argentina and Chile, too expensive for the locals also, and to many restrictions on movements. These tours have been the only downs on our three months trip to A and C. In my country you do not pay to visit national parks. No gusto.

9. Full day Punta Arenas (Regular tours)

Tours Punta Arenas - Day Tours
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1.0 based on 1 reviews

All the most important places to visit in Punta Arenas are included and you can meet them in one day -Panoramic view Punta Arenas city from Andean club -Fuerte Bulnes

Inclusions: Guide in English, French, Spanish

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By robertkristian

The pinguiens was there, but few and no other animals. All such activities are two expensive in Argentina and Chile, too expensive for the locals also, and to many restrictions on movements. These tours have been the only downs on our three months trip to A and C. In my country you do not pay to visit national parks. No gusto.

10. Punta Arenas: Half day traditional City Tour

Ruta Chile - Whole Saler Tour Operator

Punta Arenas is history itself. Every corner reminds us about the adventures and experiences of the pioneers. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Strait of Magellan and the city. This is a tour on the well outlined and well-designed avenues and squares that house more than 30 monuments.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation by car or minibus

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By L8738FOsofiac

We took this tour last year. The guide doesn’t speak English at all, and keep repeating the same information over and over. They also don’t let you move and ask you to be next to them all the time. Amazing place but awful guide

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