Punta Arenas is the southernmost continental city in the world, located some 2000 miles south of Santiago. It is the main urban center of the Patagonia Region; it is also known as “the end of the world” and the gateway to Tierra del Fuego and the Antarctic Continent. The city of about 120,000 inhabitants is on the shores of the Strait of Magellan, named after Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer sailing for Spain in search of a westward route to the Spice Islands. Kyle and I arrived mid afternoon and immediately ventured out to see the city. Our first stop was the Municipal Cemetery which is distinguished by magnificent mausoleums showing the family history and wealth of the old colonizers and the very large and perfectly manicured evergreen trees which line many of the pathways.

One of the oldest buildings in Patagonia, the José Nogueira Mansion, pictured below, was built in 1890.

Magellan described the Selk’nam Indians of Tierra del Fuego as “giants with large feet”. The monument in his honor, located at the center of the city’s main square, features statues of the Indians, all depicted as very tall with exceptionally large feet. Kyle and I both touched one of the feet for good luck on our adventure.