Frequently Asked Questions
The Weather in Punta Arenas
The weather in Puerta Arenas and throughout the Chilean Patagonia is renowned for its unpredictability, adding to the region's allure. It's not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day, with dramatic shifts in weather patterns —from rain to sun, cold to heat, and wind reaching up to 100 km/hr.
During the summer, the weather in Punta Arenas and its surroundings typically see sunny, windy days, with temperatures ranging from 13 to 20°C during the day and dropping to around 5°C at night. With daylight extending up to 18 hours, the summer season offers ample time for exploration and adventure.
Conversely, winter presents a stark contrast. Daylight hours are reduced to about 8 hours, accompanied by lower temperatures. Daytime highs hover around 8°C, while nighttime lows can plummet to between 1 and -5°C.
Given this climatic variability, it is essential to come prepared for all conditions when visiting Chilean Patagonia, dressing in layers and wearing comfortable, waterproof shoes.
Let us handle your transfer to our hotel in Punta Arenas from wherever you arrive in the region, whether it's Punta Arenas airport, Puerto Natales, or any other location. You will unwind and disconnect from the moment you set foot in Chilean Patagonia.
- How to get to Punta Arenas by air?
Punta Arenas has an international airport situated 20 kms north of the city. You can check flight schedules from Santiago, Concepción, Puerto Montt, and Balmaceda. The flight duration between Santiago and Punta Arenas is approximately 3.5 hours for direct flights, and around 4 hours and 45 minutes for flights with a stopover in the city Puerto Montt.
- How to reach Punta Arenas by sea?
Beginyour trip by boarding the Navimag Ferry, which will take you from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales. From there you will enjoy a memorable journey amidst the stunning fjords of Chilean Patagonia, over 4 days and 3 nights. Upon disembarking, take route 9 North and travel approximately 247 kms until you reach the city of Punta Arenas.
- How to reach Punta Arenas by land?
The journey entails approximately 3,100 kms from Santiago or 2,300 kms from Puerto Montt. The access to Punta Arenas is from Argentina, via Route 255, which connects with Route 9 North Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales, entering Chile through Monte Aymond (Paso Integración Austral) border crossing, situated near the city of Rio Gallegos (Argentina) and 192 kms from Punta Arenas.
- How to get to Punta Arenas from El Calafate by land?
You can reach Punta Arenas from El Calafate crossing through the Dorotea or Casas Viejas borders and then taking Route 9 North. You will need to travel approximately 247 kms until you get to Punta Arenas.
Embark on an journey of a lifetime from Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine, 8th Wonder of the World, with Cabo de Hornos Hotel as your starting point. We can offer several options for you to visit the Park and enjoy the untouched Patagonian scenery. You will be in awe of the majestic Torres del Paine, Cuernos del Paine, and the Paine mountains, contrasting with the turquoise waters of Lago Grey, Lago Pehoé, and Laguna Amarga. The beauty of glaciers and abundant indigenous flora and fauna will add to this unforgettable experience.
- How to get to Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas?
Drive along the scenic Route 9 North, which links Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales over a 247 kms stretch. As you approach the city, continue along the same route towards Torres del Paine National Park. Here, you will encounter two entry options: either through the Sarmiento gateway (112 kms) or the Laguna Amarga gateway (129 kms). Alternatively, take the Y-290 route, same that leads to the Milodon Cave, which offers a shorter path to the Park via the Serrano gateway (80 kms).
- How to get to Torres del Paine from Puerto Natales?
From Puerto Natales you must take route 9 to Torres del Paine National Park. As you aproach it you will encounter two entry options: either through the Sarmiento gateway (112 kms) or the Laguna Amarga gateway (129 kms). Alternatively, take the Y-290 route, same that leads to the Milodon Cave, which offers a shorter path to the Park via the Serrano gateway (80 kms).
El Calafate is one of Argentina's top tourist destinations. Situated at the fringes of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, within the Province of Santa Cruz, this charming town serves as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, home to the awe-striking Perito Moreno Glacier. You can get from Punta Arenas to El Calafate by land, opting to self-drive your own vehicle, joining one of the available tours, or arranging a transfer to Puerto Natales where you will find regular buses with daily frequencies.
- How to get from Punta Arenas to El Calafate?
You can get to El Calafate from Punta Arenas by land, taking route 9 North to Puerto Natales and then crossing through the Dorotea or Casas Viejas borders in a journey of 496 kms.
- How to get from Puerto Natales to El Calafate?
PFrom Puerto Natales you can reach El Calafate by land, traveling along route RN 40 (National Route 40) which covers a distance of 270 kilometers. During the journey you will be crossing the border posts of Cerro Castillo and Cancha Carrera, in a journey of approximately 5 hours.
A visit to Chilean Patagonia comes with a distinctive climate mosaic, where you can experience all four seasons in a single day, amidst fluctuating temperatures and persistent winds, with moments of sunshine.
To ensure your comfort, we recommend dressing in layers, following these guidelines:
Clothing
- Casual clothing
- First layers (top and bottom)
- Second layer (fleece)
- Third waterproof layer (jacket)
- Waterproof pants
- Comfortable and waterproof shoes
- Waterproof gloves
- Hat
Equipment
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Trekking poles
- Backpack
After a long day of exploration, indulge yourself by unwinding and dining in Punta Arenas. Here, you will discover a culinary landscape rich in flavors of Chilean Patagonia, in a variety of restaurants with captivating atmospheres and an array of culinary creations that showcase the region's finest ingredients.
The traditional Asado al Palo, Magellanic lamb roasted vertically on a wood fire, and the sought-after southern king crab are true delicacies of the region. For the most adventurous palates, you can taste a fine selection of ostrich, wild boar, beaver and upland goose.
Let yourself be surprised by the array of handmade and organic gourmet products made in Punta Arenas, each offering delectable flavors and textures. From artisanal jams and oils to sweets and chocolates, many of these creations are prepared with calafate, distinctive fruit from Chilean Patagonia, infusing them with a unique regional charm. You can also find calafate in the finest craft beers, available for your enjoyment at specialized venues throughout the city.
Considered an essential stop in Punta Arenas, the iconic Roca Kiosk, voted one of the “Best Chilean Picadas” (street eateries) in 2012 and 2017, is where you will find the classic chorizo and cheese sandwich paired with a glass of banana milk.
We strongly recommend you delve into the gastronomic scene of Punta Arenas and experience the unique flavors and aromas of this corner of the world —a culinary journey through the southermost cuisine, which promises to leave a cherished lasting impression.