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JWS57
We initially went to the plaza because of the information center there. The attendant spoke excellent English and I was able to get a large map. He gave us some good recommendations for restaurants and answered our questions regarding hours of opening and closing.The plaza is a nice place to sit on benches around the large statue of Magellan. Some crafts people, but seemed like the same items we've been seeing for weeks now.
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flammertime
PA was a surprise, many old historical buildings and two great museums. Well worth a day to wander around. This Plaza had a very nice market the day we were there (Sunday). A mix of hand made and machine made woolen items amongst the usual souviners.
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Globebugs
As plazas go, this one is quite beautiful in the city’s location at the base of Chile and situated close to the majestic Strait of Magellan. The surrounding buildings each side of the plaza are from that era where the town’s prosperity saw mansions, banks and a beautiful Cathedral spring up.While we strolled around the square, we noticed the beautiful green conifers, the flowering garden beds, the impressive monument to Magellan, the souvenir stalls and where possibly our canine friends outnumbered the residents sitting around!One of the most notable buildings is the exclusive Club de la Unión and if you want a taste of the interior then a downstairs tavern is open to the public. The beautiful French - inspired Palacio Sara Braun (with museum), is a stunning heritage building reminiscent of this city’s quiet wealth.Sitting west of the plaza is Sacred Heart Cathedral Church where the single bell tower rises over the square. The church’s colour is a gorgeous creamy yellow and can be visited most days. Several restaurants, cafes and shops add a modern, urban flavour to the plaza but if you like remarkable architecture then you will enjoy walking in the historical heart of Punta Arenas - Plaza Muñoz Gamero.Enjoy your experience!
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The_Oger
My experience of South America was none until I made a trip with the Swedish Navy vessel Carlcrona. After some stops i Brazil we cruised down to the Strait of Magellan and this was really interresting. The nature, fjords, coastline...well..everything was like in Norway, but instead of 5' 6"-6' people with blond hair it was inhabited by mostly small people from the indigenous indian groups. When we sighted Punta Arenas the impression of some really bad navigation hit me even harder. Colourful houses and a the busy port...no...it's Norway! The city of Punta arenas isn't that big, and the "things to see" aren't that many BUT you have to do the town for 1 day. I ended up with some pottery and some other "must have tourist stuff". The thing with PA is the wild nature that it borders to. The island of Tierra del Fuego, the mountains of Torres de Paine, the archipelago of the west coast. I would love to go back but with more than 3 day to spend...hmm...3 weeks could work for me. Lovely people, lovely part of Chile. Go there!
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DebbyI_13
Surrounded by pretty building and commercial areas, restaurants with a short walk to the waterfront. There are adorable vendor carts with artisans selling lots of things, it was fun to browse. The center statues are also vert nice.
