Punta Arenas Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Punta Arenas tours and things to do at the gateway to Chilean Patagonia: sail to Magdalena Island to walk among thousands of Magellanic penguins, journey to the granite towers of Torres del Paine, meet king penguins in Tierra del Fuego, cruise the Strait of Magellan and explore historic Fort Bulnes. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Punta Arenas by interest
Whatever brings you to Punta Arenas — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Magdalena penguins
120,000-strong colony.
ExploreTorres del Paine
Granite towers.
ExploreKing penguins
Tierra del Fuego.
ExploreCity tour
Pioneer mansions.
ExploreStrait of Magellan
Historic passage.
ExploreFort Bulnes
Frontier fort.
ExploreIsla Marta
Sea lion colony.
ExplorePunta Arenas highlights
Penguins & Patagonia.
ExploreTop attractions in Punta Arenas
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Magdalena Island
Penguin colony.
Torres del Paine
Granite towers.
King Penguin Park
Tierra del Fuego.
Plaza & Mansions
Pioneer city.
Strait of Magellan
Historic passage.
Fort Bulnes
Frontier fort.
Isla Marta
Sea lion colony.
Punta Arenas
Patagonia gateway.
By boat awayMagdalena Island
Penguin colony.
4–5 hr awayTorres del Paine
Granite towers.
Tierra del Fuego awayKing Penguins
Rare colony.
Punta Arenas awayStrait of Magellan
Historic passage.
1 hr awayFort Bulnes
Frontier fort.
By boat awayIsla Marta
Sea lion colony.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Punta Arenas visitor asks before booking.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
Long days and mild weather — peak season.
Peak
December to February is busiest and warmest.
For penguins
November to March, when colonies are active.
Shoulder
November and March are quieter but cooler.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Cold, short days; penguin tours pause.
Best overall
December to February for wildlife and long days.
One day
Magdalena penguins and a city tour.
Two days
Add Torres del Paine.
Three+ days
Add the Tierra del Fuego king penguins.
For wildlife
Magdalena Island and Isla Marta.
For scenery
Torres del Paine National Park.
For history
The city and Fort Bulnes.
On foot
The centre and plaza are easily walkable.
By boat
Ferries and boats reach the penguin islands.
By tour
Tours reach Torres del Paine and Tierra del Fuego.
By taxi
Taxis serve the port, airport and sights.
Where to stay
Stay near Plaza Muñoz Gamero in the centre.
Chilean peso
Chile uses the peso; cards are widely accepted.
Magdalena Island
Book penguin trips early — sailings depend on weather.
Torres del Paine
It is a very long day — start early and dress warmly.
King penguins
Bring binoculars; the colony is kept at a distance.
Wind
Patagonian wind is fierce — pack layers.
City
Don’t miss the ornate municipal cemetery.
Combos
Some navigations pair Magdalena penguins with Isla Marta.
Penguin tours
Magdalena sailings fill up — book ahead.
Torres del Paine
Full-day tours fill up — reserve early.
King penguins
Limited Tierra del Fuego trips fill up — book ahead.
Strait cruises
Boat excursions fill up — reserve early.
Fort Bulnes
Combined tours fill up — book ahead.
Summer peak
December to February is busiest — book far ahead.
Magdalena penguins
From about €90 for a boat tour.
Torres del Paine
Around €92 for a full-day tour.
King penguins
About €163 for a Tierra del Fuego tour.
City tour
From €55 for a city sightseeing tour.
Fort Bulnes
Around €80 for a Fort Bulnes tour.
How to save
Join group penguin and Torres del Paine tours rather than private ones.
Punta Arenas through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Penguins & long days.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Best.
- Best for
- Late penguins.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cooler.
- Best for
- Very quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cold.
- Best for
- Penguins return.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Windy.