October 12, 2013

Not gonna lie. There is not a lot to do in Punta Arenas unless you’re planning on spending some serious dough on a cruise to Antarctica. Seeing as that’s definitely not in our future, we’re only stopping through because it happened to be the cheapest way to get this far south to go to Torres Del Paine National Park.

I don’t usually write very informative travel-guide worthy posts, but seeing as there is not a whole lot of information on budget travel options to Punta Arenas (especially in the shoulder seasons) I thought I’d throw something out there and some of the options we came across.

Before I delve into options, I’ll mention that we were looking to go from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales in October (still pretty early in terms of the Patagonian high season).

In descending order of price/awesomeness:

Option 1: Navimag ferry from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales. This is definitely the most expensive mode of transport but probably the best in terms of experience. It should also be noted that at this time it exists only in theory. The drawback is it doesn’t offer service through the passenger ferry during the low/shoulder season. However, there is a loophole that we heard about from some fellow travelers. It’s still not a guaranteed trip but if you’re really keen on this option you can go to their office in Puerto Montt, put your name on a list and wait a few days (maybe pop over to Chiloe) and try to take the cargo vessel. Supposedly the cargo vessel that traverses the same route takes about 30 passengers a week for ~ $350 USD, meals included. We did not pursue this option but it is out there if you are willing to wait last minute and give it a go.

Option 2: Sky Airlines offers a flight from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas for $150 USD. This is definitely the fastest option and still quite a bargain.

Option 3: Bus from Puerto Varas/Osorno to Punta Arenas for $60 USD or $30,000 CH. This is obviously the option we went with. A total steal. It operates through a company called Cruz Del Sur and is a 31 hour ride which includes a light lunch and breakfast. They stop for dinner just outside Bariloche and there are two border crossings. Pro tip: bring some snacks and water, its a long way without them. You also have to go to the office in Puerto Varas to get the tickets. It is hard to find the route online, but it is available in the offices.

As far as Punta Arenas goes, try and go on a Monday when you can tour the Austral Brewery. It’s only open on Monday. Otherwise check out the park by the waterfront and Cerro la Cruz for a skyline view of the city and its port.