Set close to the tip of Chile's southern Patagonia region, Punta Arenas is the southernmost continental city in the world. Situated on the Strait of Magellan, it is best known as a departure point for trips to Antarctica and other bioceanic travelling. The city's charms, history, tax-free shopping, good travellers' services and hospitality make it a popular destination in its own right. It has much to offer by way of history – visit the Mayorino Borgatello Salesian Museum, the Shepherds Monument 'Monumento al Ovejero', and the Patagonia Institute. Don't miss the Nao Victoria Museum, where visitors can view a full-size replica of the first ship to circumnavigate the world, Ferdinand Magellan's ship 'Victoria'.
Set at the extreme south of Chile, within the Alberto de Agostini National Park, Ainsworth Bay is surrounded by majestic glaciers and lush forests. A wonderful network of hiking and climbing trails leads along the edge of the bay to photogenic streams and enthralling waterfalls. Lucky visitors will spot elephant seals on the shore and a lively range of bird species in the jungle. This area is reached only by boat. A number of cruises are available, providing some excellent photography examples of this unique landscape, which has been nicknamed ‘the end of the earth’.
Located along the breathtaking Chilean Patagonia coast, Pia Glacier offers spectacular views of sparkling white, icy landscapes. Visitors can view the glacier, which compares in size to the country's capital, Santiago, via a guided cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia. Lucky visitors can experience the sights and sounds of huge chunks of ice breaking and falling from the enormous structure. The surrounds, some of which can be hiked, are verdant and colourful, decorated with bright red ‘calafate’ berries, yellow lichens and bright green mosses.
Located on the remote Isla Navarino in the south of Chile, Wulaia Bay is characterised by extraordinary landscapes of grasslands and rocky coastline, glittering blue waters, and layers upon layers of snow-capped mountains in the distance. This was once home to the Yaghan people, a historic aboriginal tribe that settled there some 10 000 years ago and got around on canoe. It is still possible to see the rock barriers they created on the beach to catch fish. Only one full-blooded, native speaker is left. Apart from its numerous Yaghan archaeological sites, the area is also known for having been visited by Charles Darwin in 1833, and it is possible to take a tour of the area which retraces his steps.
Widely regarded world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia is a strikingly beautiful destination on the southern coastline of Tierra del Fuego Island, backed by mountains and facing onto Beagle channel. The city’s elegant commercial centre offers a variety of cultural and entertainment activities, while its natural location means that adventure enthusiasts are spoilt for choice, with kayaking, skiing, hiking and sailing all on offer. For a more serene excursion, boat cruises are a popular way to view the glacier off Ushuaia’s coast.
