Official Language:
Spanish
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Currency:
Peso
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Population:
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Punta Arenas: The climate of this area is of a cold steppe variety. Most of this region has a very heavy rainfall and during winter snowfall is common. The port of Punta Arenas was founded to give it shelter from the fierce westerly winds that blow continuously in this region. Because it is in the rainshadow of mountains , it has a lower rainfall than most places in this area. The temperatures in summer range from a minimum of 5ºC to a maximum of 59°F/15ºC, while in winter the maximum and minimum are 40°F/0-5ºC respectively in the coldest month (August). The rainiest month is January, with amounts that reach 89 mm.
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PORT: Cruise ships will dock either at Puerto Prat or Catalina Pier.
The voyage through the Strait of Magellan is a wonderful experience, which offers cruise passengers some extraordinary sights of natural beauty.
Punta Arenas is located on the western side of the Strait, and is the capital of the Magallanes Region and the bustling center of one of the world's largest sheep farming areas. It has promoted local commerce and encouraged immigration from central Chile. It is the best and largest port for thousands of miles. It provides a base for South Atlantic fishing boats and Antarctic research vessels. The city center features impressive mansions dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
When Punta Arenas was founded back in 1848, it was originally made into a military garrison and penal settlement. It also provided a convenient location for shipping en route to California during the Gold Rush. In the early years, the economy depended on wild animal products, such as sealskins, guanaco hides and feathers from the rhea (the South American ostrich). The economy improved when the government authorized the purchase of 300 purebred sheep from the Falkland Islands. This success led to further investment in sheep. By the turn of the century, there were nearly two million animals in the territory.
Today, Punta Arenas has the look of a bustling city, with a fine cathedral and an attractive central square. It is also a major base for the Chilean navy. A statue of the explorer Magellan salutes present-day navigators.
Visitors to this most southern part of the world should keep in mind that this is frontier land; the most attractive features are found within the rugged nature and wildlife.
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Attractions |
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Shopping:
If you are looking to shop you will find that the leather goods, sheepskin, hand-woven rugs and hand-knit sweaters are good buys. Punta Arenas' free-port status offers duty-free imported goods such as crystal, Lladro figurines, cameras and perfumes. Approximately 15 minutes away is a special duty-free zone (Zona Franca) as well as the main shopping area in town at Plaza de Armas.
Plaza de Armas:
This beautiful square is the center of Punta Arenas. Here visitors will see the statue of Magellan with the mermaid and two Fuegian Indians at his feet. Around the square are a number of interesting buildings from the turn of the last century, such as the Club de la Union, which was built by a French architect, and of course the cathedral.
Fort Bulnes:A 45-minute drive along the Strait of Magellan will give you a fabulous view of the countryside. There is also the restored wooden complex of the fort commemorating Chile's first settlement at this site in 1843.
Golf:
La Roca Country Club designed by the Bill Phillips and the Phillips design group of Arizona is a favorite with golf lovers. La Roca Golf Course is a 18 hole (7,100m) course situated on 2 high cliffs overlooking the port of Caldera and the Pacific Ocean. The view is incredible.
Magdalena Island Penguine Reserve:
One of Chile's largest penguin colonies. Located on Magdalena Island, the site was declared a natural monument in 1982.
Olga Teresa Estancia:
Founded by French-Irish immigrants in the early 20th century. They established themselves as sheep farmers in the middle of the vast Patagonian pampas. Today, the estancia has opened its doors to a limited number of visitors to demonstrate how these farmers lived and conquered the land. Located 50 miles north of Punta Arenas. It is less than 2 hours to reach the estancia by bus. This lovely location is in the shadow of the Palomares Mountains.
Maggiorino Borgatello Museum:
Founded by the Salesian missionaries, this museum gives a comprehensive overview of the regional vegetation, the habitat of the indigenous people of the region and it's history.
Museo del Recuerdo (Museum of Memories):
Located on the grounds of the Patagonian Institute, the research center of the University of Magallanes. An open-air museum with a collection of antique trains, and machinery and relics of the European settlers in this remote part of the world.
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More Information |
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Web: http://www.chileaustral.com/parenas/
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