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Chile's twelfth region,- Magallanes y Antártica Chilena-, lies from 48º South latitude down to the South Pole. Its main feature corresponds to an uneven or rather "mad" geography made up by countless fjords, archipelagoes, mountains, channels, etc. Many of the names conferred on different places are clear demonstration of how hard was for the pioneers reaching these remote lands and taking roots here. Examples abound: Gulf of Sorrows, Tortuous Pass, Last Hope Province, Shipwreck Point, Obstruction Inlet, Useless Bay, Cape Froward, Disappointment Island, Desolation Island, the pathetic Port Famine, etc. But, in spite of this condition, the region offers an enormous touristic potential, among others the magnificent Torres del Paine and Bernardo O'Higgins National Parks, navigation through the Southern channels, islands and millenary glaciers, the historical Strait of Magellan, Cape Horn, Southern Ice Fields, Land of Fire Island, Rio Verde District (considered one of the most beautiful sites all over the World), the World's best sport fishing, fly fishing, etc. and the growing antarctic tourism with flights to Antarctica and sea voyages. The one who comes from weary countries and continents will discover here true Sanctuaries of Nature enjoying one of the last virgin regions on the Earth.

Raul Silva M.

"HOTEL SALTO CHICO - EXPLORA PATAGONIA"

Arrivals and Departures To / From Magallanes Region

Opposed to its geographical isolation, Punta Arenas, -gateway to the Antarctic Continent-, has an excellent port and airport infrastructure. The region's main air terminal is "Carlos Ibañez del Campo", 22 Km. North of Punta Arenas, with facilities capable to receive up to 500 people simultaneously. In Puerto Natales the local airport receives charter and regular flights during the high season. The aerodromes of Porvenir in Tierra del Fuego and Puerto Williams in the Antarctic Province maintain a regular service of regional character. Punta Arenas' two commercial ports, "Arturo Prat" and "Mardones" attend to the traffic of cargo liners as well as the arrival of cruise ships. From Puerto Natales, two passengers and cargo ferries regularly weigh anchor during the high season. These make the round-voyage to Puerto Montt in Chile's Xth Region through spectacular views of the Southern Channels. Because of the irregular geography, travels by land to and from the Region must be carried out via Argentine territory.

Climate

A rainy, moderately cold climate prevails on the channels area while the inland es drier and cooler. The average rain in Punta Arenas is of 440 mm. per year but in Isla Evangelistas can reach more than 2,000 mm. Even in summer the weather is unstable and very often you can experience all four seasons in just one day. The winds, can easily exceed 120 Km/hr (75 Miles/hr). In the avenues hundreds of twisted tree trunks are silent victims of its fury. The temperatures in summer may rise above 18ºC or 20ºC ( 64ºF-68ºF) but in Torres del Paine Park the summer microclimate makes possible sporadic temperatures of 25ºC (77ºF) or more. Since December 15 to January 15 the light can last until midnight and a new dawn will begin at 3.00 or 3.30 A.M. Observing the sky towards the Southern horizon, it never darkens completely. The harshness of winters can significantly vary from one year to the other but in general, the main feature is the absence of winds and an average of 0ºC to 2ºC.

Punta Arenas, the Southernmost City of Mainland America

"Muñoz Gamero" Main Square : Although the city has grown in all directions, its heart continues to be "Muñoz Gamero" Square, so-called after the Governor killed in 1851 at the hands of insurgents. In the center of the Square, the portuguese navigator Hernando de Magallanes looks in the distance, while a little further down the Patagonian Indian passively contemplates the passage of time. The tradition says that the one who kisses the indian's big toe will surely come back one day. This old custom explains the shine of the touched and kissed statue's foot. Surrounding the square a group of buildings of ancient architectural style, restored and adapted to current needs, among others: the ex Cervantes Cinema, Palacio Montes (City Council Building), Bank Branches, the old Menencez-Behety Trade Building (today "Comapa" Tourism Agency), the Union Club and mansions belonging to pioneers such as Jose Nogueira (Jose Nogueira Hotel) and Braun-Menéndez Palace (Regional Museum).

The Graveyard : Although not always a graveyard is the most attractive site to make tourism, the Municipal Cemetery holds a special significance. Through tidy alleys and finely trimmed trees, this cemetery with its tombs and mausoleums evokes from pioneers and ancient shipwrecks to small legions of volunteers that went to give their lives during the World Wars.

The Shepherd : A scene that was common in places where today avenues and buildings predominate. This shepherd with his horse, dogs and flock was photographed entering the town early the 1900s, becoming forever engraved in this illustrative monument whose first granite version was inaugurated in 1944. The current bronze version dates from 1962.

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