Visit Punta Arenas

The southern Patagonian city of Punta Arenas has led a varied existence since its foundation in 1848. At one time or other it has served as a whaling station, penal colony, military base and a centre for sheep farming. Today, Punta Arenas is a charming and peaceful city, which makes a good stopping-off point on the way to or from Tierra del Fuego, across the Magellan Strait.

A statue of Magellan, with a mermaid and two Fuegian Indians at his feet, stands prominently in the Plaza Munoz Gamero. There are also several good museums in the city, with exhibits on Patagonia's fascinating maritime and natural histories. Punta Arenas is a regular stop-off on the Patagonia luxury cruise route - with nearby attractions including a colony of 150,000 Magellanic penguins at Isla Magdalena and scenic look-outs for whale watching.

Patagonia & the Carretera Austral

15-day tailor-made self-drive from £5,265 pp incl. flights

Combine an adventurous drive on the Carretera Austral from Balmaceda to Valle Chacabuco with a stay in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. This two-week tour also includes a stay, and guided tour, in Chile's capital, Santiago.

Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile

Highlights of Chile

13-day tailor-made holiday from £6,475 pp incl. flights

From the austere landscapes of the north to the granite spires of the Patagonian south and the cities of Santiago and Valparaíso in between, this tailor-made holiday takes in the best of Chile’s history, heritage, landscapes and wildlife.

Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, Torres del Paine

Spirit of Chile with Tierra Hotels

14-day tailor-made holiday from £9,550 pp incl. flights

Witness the best of Chile's stunning natural world, from the vast expanse of the Atacama Desert to the lakes, glaciers and towering mountains of Patagonia in the south, staying throughout at some of the country's finest hotels.