We tell you how to meet these adorable animals in Chile
2 DAYS
Located in the heart of the Strait of Magellan, the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument is one of the most impressive places to experience the southern wildlife up close. In these protected islands, especially on Isla Magdalena, lives one of the largest colonies of Magellanic penguins in the world, creating a unique scenario where nature, history, and Patagonian landscapes come together in an unforgettable experience.
DISTANCIA
204 KM
CANTIDAD DE DÍAS
2 days
DESTINOS
PAISAJE
TEMPORADA RECOMENDADA
ATRACTIVOS
ACTIVIDADES
Inicio del itinerario
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Encounter with the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in Chile
Your adventure begins at Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport in Punta Arenas. From there, a 20 km (30-minute drive) transfer will take you to the city center, where you can settle into recommended hotels such as Hotel Cabo de Hornos, known for its comfort and excellent location.
After lunch, get ready to embark towards Los Pingüinos Natural Monument. From the port of Punta Arenas, you will take a boat tour that sails 35 km (approx. 2 hours) to Isla Magdalena, home to more than 120,000 Magellanic penguins. Here you will walk along marked trails, observing these birds up close in full activity: building nests, taking care of their young, or moving along the beach.
Upon returning to Punta Arenas at sunset, enjoy dinner at La Yegua Loca, popular for its Patagonian cuisine and local atmosphere. To end the day, take a relaxed walk along the Costanera del Estrecho de Magallanes, where the southern wind and sea views complete the experience.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Encounter with the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in Chile
Your adventure begins at Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport in Punta Arenas. From there, a 20 km (30-minute drive) transfer will take you to the city center, where you can settle into recommended hotels such as Hotel Cabo de Hornos, known for its comfort and excellent location.
After lunch, get ready to embark towards Los Pingüinos Natural Monument. From the port of Punta Arenas, you will take a boat tour that sails 35 km (approx. 2 hours) to Isla Magdalena, home to more than 120,000 Magellanic penguins. Here you will walk along marked trails, observing these birds up close in full activity: building nests, taking care of their young, or moving along the beach.
Upon returning to Punta Arenas at sunset, enjoy dinner at La Yegua Loca, popular for its Patagonian cuisine and local atmosphere. To end the day, take a relaxed walk along the Costanera del Estrecho de Magallanes, where the southern wind and sea views complete the experience.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
History, navigation, and panoramic views in the Strait of Magellan
After a good breakfast, travel 7 km north of Punta Arenas to visit the Nao Victoria Museum, an open-air museum with real-scale replicas of historical vessels, including the ship used by Ferdinand Magellan during his expedition.
Have lunch at Sotito’s Bar, famous for its Patagonian cuisine and fresh seafood, before continuing to the Parque del Estrecho de Magallanes, located 60 km south of the city. This park offers a mix of history, nature, and hikes with privileged views of the strait.
Here you can visit emblematic places such as Fuerte Bulnes and Puerto del Hambre, and then enter the Mirador Monte Almirante Nieto trail, a 5 km route that offers one of the best panoramic views of the entire area: sea, forests, cliffs, and the imposing Magellanic geography.
In the evening, return to Punta Arenas and have dinner at your hotel or at outstanding restaurants such as Jekus, known for its contemporary Patagonian gastronomic proposal.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
History, navigation, and panoramic views in the Strait of Magellan
After a good breakfast, travel 7 km north of Punta Arenas to visit the Nao Victoria Museum, an open-air museum with real-scale replicas of historical vessels, including the ship used by Ferdinand Magellan during his expedition.
Have lunch at Sotito’s Bar, famous for its Patagonian cuisine and fresh seafood, before continuing to the Parque del Estrecho de Magallanes, located 60 km south of the city. This park offers a mix of history, nature, and hikes with privileged views of the strait.
Here you can visit emblematic places such as Fuerte Bulnes and Puerto del Hambre, and then enter the Mirador Monte Almirante Nieto trail, a 5 km route that offers one of the best panoramic views of the entire area: sea, forests, cliffs, and the imposing Magellanic geography.
In the evening, return to Punta Arenas and have dinner at your hotel or at outstanding restaurants such as Jekus, known for its contemporary Patagonian gastronomic proposal.
What you should know
How to get there by air
Take a flight from Santiago Airport (SCL) to Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport (PUQ) in Punta Arenas. The trip lasts approximately 3 hours and 17 minutes.
How to get there by land
To get to Isla Magdalena, you must hire a maritime tour registered with Sernatur. Travel to the museums and Parque del Estrecho can be done by private vehicle, guided tour, or hired transport.
Climate and clothing
The Patagonian climate is cold, windy, and changeable even in summer. Wear thermal and waterproof clothing, a layering system, hat, gloves, and footwear with good grip. For navigation, bring a windbreaker and additional protection, as the breezes from the strait can be intense.
Must-Know Tips
Respect the rules of the Natural Monument: do not touch or get too close to the penguins, stay on marked trails, and avoid making loud noises. Bring a camera with a good battery, sunscreen, a reusable bottle, and a windbreaker for navigation.
