3 amazing destinations to visit from the PUQ Airport

PUQ Airport is the gateway to the most wonderful places in the extreme south of Chile, such as Torres del Paine, Reserva Nacional Magallanes (Magallanes National Reserve), and Tierra del Fuego.

Come to visit the Magallanes Region and fall in love with the wonderful landscapes located at the end of the world! Here we will tell you about 3 amazing destinations to be amazed at in the middle of virgin forests and magical postcards, which you can access from the main airport in Punta Arenas, the regional capital.

Before traveling, do not forget to check out the requirements to enter Chile at the following link.

1. Torres del Paine

Photo: Sernatur Audiovisual Bank.

Come to meet the eighth wonder of the world and one of the best places to take photographs (if not the finest) that exists. Prepare your equipment to walk through landscapes that will make your jaw drop in Torres del Paine National Park.

You will be able to visit Pehoé Lake here, one of the most beautiful in the world, as well as connect with nature in Grey Glacier. You cannot miss the Mirador Base tour and observe the majestic massifs that give the park its name.

What is the weather like in Torres del Paine?

Summer is the most popular season to visit Torres del Paine (December to February), where the temperature rises and reaches an average of 14°C. Nevertheless, it also remains a lovely destination in spring (September to November) and in fall (March to May).

Since the temperature drops to 4°C, the most adventurous travel in winter (July to August) to enjoy the snow. Nevertheless, it is important to take all the necessary precautions as the weather is changeable and the winds can reach gusts of 110 km/h.

What is the time difference in the Torres del Paine?

Although it varies depending on your original destination, we will tell you here the time difference in Torres del Paine regarding some cities in the United States:

• Wyoming (Michigan): +2 hours
• Columbia (South Carolina): + 2 hours
• Montpelier (Vermont): + 2 hours
• Portland (Maine): + 2 hours
• Salt Lake City (Utah): + 4 hours

If you want to learn more about Torres del Paine, check out our article about the park and our travel guide to arrive from Santiago.

2. Reserva Nacional Magallanes

Photo: @greyniana

Another unmissable destination you can access from PUQ Airport is the Reserva Nacional Magallanes, an ecological sanctuary which stands out because of its avifauna and lenga, coigüe and ñirre forests.

The reserve opens every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except on Fridays, when it closes at 4:00 p.m. To enter from Punta Arenas, you must take Salvador Allende Avenue to the East, which is a 10-minute drive.

To access the Reserva Nacional Magallanes, you must buy your ticket in advance at Pases Parques. Prices for foreigners start at $4.000 for teenagers and $7.500 for adults.

3. Tierra del Fuego

Photo: Sernatur Audiovisual Bank.

Do not miss the opportunity to cross the Strait of Magellan and to get to know the natural wonder of Tierra del Fuego, the end of the world!

Among unmissable activities you can find sportfishing in Río Grande and in the Blanck, Deseado and Fagnano Lakes, where you can catch 15-kg trout, nor can you miss the horseback riding at the bottom of Cordillera de Darwin.

Reserva Natural Pingüino Rey           

Make the most of your visit to Tierra del Fuego by visiting the Reserva Natural Pingüino Rey (King Penguin Natural Reserve), where you can meet the impressive penguin that the reserve is named after. You must be a responsible tourist and know all the protocols to see this wonderful animal.

The reserve is open from October to May. It is mandatory to book your ticked in advance at the following link as prices start at $10.000.

You can rent a vehicle in Punta Arenas and cross by ferry to Porvenir to get to the Reserva Natural Pingüino Rey, where you will have to travel for one and a half hourson a gravel road. You can also take out a tour operator registered with Sernatur.