Punta Arenas is a port city built through perseverance, shaped by the wind, and its history marked by the Kawésqar people, the first inhabitants of this land, as well as European migration.
The historic center of Punta Arenas offers visitors fascinating spots that provide a closer look at Patagonian culture and history. Here’s our selection of 4 must-visit places in the southernmost city on Earth.
Punta Arenas Downtown: A Place Rich in History
Every corner of Punta Arenas speaks about the ancient history of this territory, located between channels and fjords, almost hanging by a thread that connects it to the continent.
The urban center is no exception. As you explore, you’ll find multiple signs of this history, carefully preserved and proudly maintained by its inhabitants. Getting to the center of Punta Arenas is easy, whether on foot or by vehicle.
Here are 4 places you can't miss:
Plaza Muñoz Gamero or Plaza de Armas
This is the perfect starting point for our tour. Declared a "Typical Zone" in 1991 by the National Monuments Council, the square is named after Governor Benjamín Muñoz Gamero, who was murdered during a riot that left the town of Punta Arenas in flames.
At the center of the plaza stands a bronze sculpture dating back to 1920, representing the navigator Hernando de Magallanes, who alerted the world about the existence of the strait that bears his name. Various paved paths allow you to walk from one end of the plaza to the other, under cypress, birch, and other tree species.
The plaza has a popular tradition: it involves kissing the foot of the Patagonian figure seated on the Magallanes sculpture. According to the tradition, anyone who kisses the foot will return to Punta Arenas and be blessed with prosperity. Are you daring enough to try it?
La Taberna
With over 60 years of history, La Taberna is a traditional bar in downtown Punta Arenas. It was built in the basement or foundations of the Sara Braun Palace, now the Club de la Unión, and is accessed via the side of the mansion.
Its architecture is designed like the interior of a ship, with various rooms, a low ceiling, and walls made of stone and native wood. Each room is filled with unique items, making the place feel more like a subterranean museum than just a bar.
Municipal Cemetery
It is said to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. The Punta Arenas Municipal Cemetery reflects another aspect of Patagonian history: the arrival of immigrants or pioneers from around the world, who came seeking to develop businesses like cattle farming.
The park's design is centered around being the resting place for the city's wealthiest residents. In fact, the main entrance is a donation made by Sara Braun, a renowned businesswoman and landowner who, after becoming a widow, dedicated herself to managing the vast fortune created by her husband in Tierra del Fuego.
Another characteristic feature of this place, apart from its impressive mausoleums and tombs, are its cypress tree-lined paths, carefully pruned to maintain their rounded shape.
A popular legend: within the cemetery, there’s a sculpture called the "Unknown Indian," where an indigenous man was supposedly found dead. Since then, people touch its hand and ask for favors, which they later thank with small plaques placed around the sculpture.
Municipal Market
Another aspect of Patagonian culture is its handicrafts, which you can find in the Municipal Market of the city. One of the local crafts available is junquillo weaving, a natural fiber from the area. This craft originates from the Kawésqar people, who used these objects for fishing, carrying, and storing food—essential items in their daily lives. You’ll also find traditional crafts made of wool, leather, and wood, passed down from generation to generation.
Travel with MITTA in Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas offers many urban and natural spots to explore, so traveling by car is the best option for discovering them comfortably. At MITTA, we offer an excellent rent-a-car service in Punta Arenas with the best selection of vehicles. Contact us!