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

Itinerary
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Stop At: Costanera de Punta Arenas, Av. Costanera del Estrecho de Magallanes, Punta Arenas Chile

Explore Punta Arenas at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle and at your own pace.

Fort Bulnes in Strait of Magellan Park

We will start the day with a one-hour drive south of Punta Arenas to arrive at Fort Bulnes, which lies within the Strait of Magellan Park and offers fascinating insights into both the motivations of the region’s predominantly Eastern European settlers and the struggles of the remarkably resilient indigenous inhabitants. Founded in 1843 under the command of President Manuel Bulnes, the fort was abandoned and burned down six years later, due to the challenging living conditions and the harsh terrain. In 1943, the fort was reconstructed and it was fully restored in 2002. As you explore the grounds, learn about the original construction of the buildings, manufactured from logs, dirt and bricks made of grass. See the small church and chaplain’s quarters, and visit the jail, post office and stables. Discover the barracks and log cabins at this historic military outpost and imagine living within its defensive walls as you enjoy fabulous views of the sea!

Punta Arenas Waterfront

After visiting the fort, we will drive back to Punta Arenas and head to the Costanera, a boardwalk along the Strait of Magellan, where you will find many restaurants for lunch and to try the local specialty, King Crab.

Plaza de Armas

Following lunch, we will walk to the city’s Plaza de Armas, where you will see a statue of Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan gazing out to the sea. The monument features a number of figures at its base, including a mermaid and an indigenous male whose leg and foot dangle down the base. His foot has been touched so often that the bronze is burnished a shining gold. Legend has it that touching his foot is good luck and means you will return someday to Punta Arenas.

Municipal Cemetery

After strolling around the plaza and souvenir shopping, we will visit the Municipal Cemetery. The cemetery tells the story of the early settlers to the area. The beautiful mausoleums of the wealthy rival those of the Recoleta in Buenos Aires. Here you will find the tomb of the Indio Desconocido or “Unknown Indian.” His body was found on an island in 1929 and brought here. Rumors began that he had miraculous powers so people started leaving money at the grave asking for special favors. The money was collected and eventually a bronze statue was placed on his grave. The last member of the Selk’nam indigenous tribe was buried here.

Lookout at Cerro de la Cruz Hill

Then, we will go up Cerro de la Cruz Hill, where you will enjoy panoramic views of the city and Strait of Magellan.

Nao Victoria Museum

The tour ends with a visit to the Nao Victoria Museum, which offers visitors the experience of interacting with replicas of the ships that contributed with the discovery and colonization of the region, including the Victoria commanded by the Ferdinand Magellan, which was the first ship to circumnavigate the world between 1519-1522.


Duration: 6 hours