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Punta Arenas is the southernmost city not only in Chile but also in the world. It gives one a chance to study the diverse culture and rich history of Chile. This city is situated beside the Magellan Strait. This Strait has historical significance because most ships used to sail here before the construction of the Panama Canal. Travour offers online booking for Punta Arenas Chile Tours. The major tourist attractions of the city are:
Center City:
The Monument to Ferdinand Magellan is at the center of the Plaza de Armas. According to local belief, whoever touches the toes of one particular bronze statue of the monument will someday return to Punta Arenas. Government buildings, a union club, mansions and well-kept gardens surround the plaza.
Mount of the Cross:
You can view the whole city from the top of this hill. The wrecks of old sailing ships and Sarmiento Mount are clearly visible.
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The northern peak of Cerro de la Cruz offers a view of the industrial area, horticulture neighborhood and the Duty Free zone.
"Maggiorino Borgatello" Salesian Museum:
This church, constructed by the Salesian missionaries, is maintained through voluntary contributions. The exhibits in the museum include the history, flora and fauna of the region, indigenous tribes, mineralogy, the work of the missionaries, photographs of the various tribes and samples of their tools.
The Salesian Churches:
The Cathedral is the first brick building in Punta Arenas. It was constructed when the original building, made of wood, was destroyed. It is dedicated to the Sacred Heart. The Maria Auxiliadora Sanctuary is a larger church.
Braun-Menendez Regional Museum:
This museum is located within the Braun-Menendez Mansion. By using historical objects, illustrations and photographs it depicts the discovery, colonization and development of the Magallanes region.
The Patagonian Institute:
It is a research center for scientific and technological fields. It houses a library, a handicraft store and a botanical garden. A major attraction of this institute is the Old Time Museum that has a collection of restored machines and tools of pioneering times.
Parque Nacional Torres del Paine:
This is South America's foremost national park. The tall granite pillars of the Torres del Paine make an attractive sight when they drop abruptly into a valley. This beautiful valley is a magnet for the tourists because of the sparkling blue lakes, creeks, rivers, waterfalls, huge glaciers and impenetrable forests. Gaunaco, Chilean deer and birds of various kinds can be found here and an effort is made to protect them.
Duty Free Zone:
Articles of every kind are sold at a reasonable price in the stores in the tax free zone.
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Municipal Theater:
The first fort in Punta Arenas was earlier situated on the site where the theater resides now.
The Cemetery:
The cemetery's main feature is the presence of the huge mausoleums built by the wealthy families of the region a long time ago. A memorial to the fallen indigenous people of the region can also be found here.
Fort Bulnes and Port Famine:
These places are historically significant. Fort Bulnes established Chilean authority over the Puerto del Hambre region along the Strait of Magellan. The present fort is a recreation of the original fort. You can see a church, jail, chaplain's quarters, post office and stables. The Spanish settlers starved to death before they could colonize the city of Rey Don Felipe. It was later renamed as Port Famine or Puerto del Hambre.
Magdalena Island:
Thousands of Magellanic Penguins, cormorants, sea lions and other birds inhabit this island and its neighboring islet Marta. These islands are known as The Penguins Natural Monument. | The penguins return here annually from October to March to lay their eggs and raise their young. It is suggested to take a boat trip to these islands in order to enjoy the view the most.
Travour offers tour booking, and travel packages for Punta Arenas Chile Tours.
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