A View Into Pioneering Punta Arenas
Duration: 4 hours
Tour Code: PUQ-002
Experience Punta Arena's historic beauty without a lot of walking during this scenic and relaxing half-day city tour via coach, and a visit to a pioneer family's home.
Depart the pier for the scenic drive through Punta Arenas, the capital of the Magallanes Region. Located near the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas is the world's most southerly city. Your first stop will be at Cerro la Cruz, where you will take in spectacular views and photo opportunities of the city, Magellan Strait, the port and legendary Tierra del Fuego Island.
Next, you will continue on for a visit to the pioneer cemetery, which features avenues lined by tall cypress and splendid mausoleums. A solemn tombstone indicates the place where the last of the now-extinct Ona Indians are buried. A brief photo stop will then be made at the main square, or Plaza de Armas, where some time will also be made available to browse through the handicraft market.
Your drive will then proceed south of Punta Arenas towards Estancia Rio Los Ciervos, located just three miles from the city. Upon arrival, a visit will be made to the spacious home of one of the city's pioneering families. The walls of the ground floor display ancestral photos and Colonial-style furniture. In the home's garage, you will find a few old cars, the blacksmith and a cellar. Finally, you will view dioramas and a video depicting the lives of the first pioneers in this isolated part of the world.
After your visit, some time will be made available for some shopping in an old-fashioned grocery store, or pulperia, before stopping for refreshments at a quincho (a typical chilean country-style dining room).
Following your tour, you will re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier.