How expensive is Punta Arenas? How much money do I need for Punta Arenas?
How much does a trip to Punta Arenas cost? Is Punta Arenas expensive? The average Punta Arenas trip cost is broken down by category here. All of these Punta Arenas prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
Accommodation Budget in Punta Arenas
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price for one person for accommodation in Punta Arenas is CL$24,423. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price for a hotel room in Punta Arenas is CL$48,847.
Typical prices for Accommodation in Punta Arenas are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Punta Arenas, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Food Budget in Punta Arenas
Calculated from travelers like you
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While meal prices in Punta Arenas can vary, the average cost of food in Punta Arenas is CL$15,938 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Punta Arenas should cost around CL$6,375 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Punta Arenas is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
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Food2
Meals for one day
CL$15,938
Typical prices for Food in Punta Arenas are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Punta Arenas, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Donut
CL$1,000
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Dinner
CL$24,210
Transportation Budget in Punta Arenas
Calculated from travelers like you
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The cost of a taxi ride in Punta Arenas is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent CL$1,376 per person, per day, on local transportation in Punta Arenas.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
CL$1,376
How much does it cost to go to Punta Arenas? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend SkyScanner or Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
Entertainment Budget in Punta Arenas
Calculated from travelers like you
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Entertainment and activities in Punta Arenas typically cost an average of CL$4,917 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
CL$4,917
Tips and Handouts Budget in Punta Arenas
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average price for Tips and Handouts in Punta Arenas is CL$40,988 per day. The usual amount for a tip in Punta Arenas is 5% - 15%.
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Tips and Handouts1
For guides or service providers
CL$40,988
Alcohol Budget in Punta Arenas
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about CL$3,710 on alcoholic beverages in Punta Arenas per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
CL$3,710
Typical prices for Alcohol in Punta Arenas are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Punta Arenas, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Last Updated: Dec 18, 2019
Punta Arenas On a Budget
Patagonia
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
The only thing predictable about the weather in Punta Arenas is that it's unpredictable. Don't be surprised if you get dramatic shifts in the weather over the course of one day. You are almost guaranteed snow during the winter months. The city sits at a low latitude, but has a subpolar oceanic climate. The temperature is influenced by the ocean, and average lows in July are just below freezing, while highs in January are in the high 50s Fahrenheit. Rainfall is most common in April and May and the snowy season is through the entire winter, from June until September.
Check out our ultimate guide to
Traveling in Patagonia.
Sights
There are some interesting things to see both in town as well as outside of town. In town you might be interested in stopping by La Cruz Hill for views of the city. Also visit Maggiorino Borgatello Museum, Punta Arenas Cemetery, and Austral Brewery, which is the southern most brewery in the world and is sometimes open for a tasting session.
Outside of town you can visit a penguin colony known as "Seno Otway" or see whales at Rey Jorge Island Natural Sea Park. There are also a handful of other parks in the area that are well worth a visit.
Neighborhoods
The city itself is oriented around its main square, "Plaza de Armas." There are several monuments on the square including one of Hernando de Magallanes. Another interesting area is the port area. It's located in the eastern part of the city right next to the city center. The area is less touristy, but has a few shops, travel agencies, and cafes.
Activities
There are a variety of treks and tours that you can enjoy in the area. If you're interested in ecotourism, Amazing Tours is a company that tailor designs trips for hikers in the area. You can also make a five hour trip (two hours each way by boat) to Isla Magdalena Pinguinera. This island is an excellent place to see pengiuns between the months of October and April. It is important that you stay on the path while you're on the island.
If you're interested in shopping, there's a small open market that sells touristy items in the downtown area. There is also a large outlet mall in the outskirts of town if you need to pick up any supplies or hiking equipment.
Food and Dining
Restaurants in the area include pizza, sandwiches, cafes, and seafood among other things. There's a fish market that has a few good seafood eateries on the second floor, but it gets quite crowded at lunch time. There are also a handful of pubs in the area where you can grab a drink and catch up with other travelers.
Transportation
The easiest way to get to Punta Arenas is by air. Just outside of the city you will find the area's main international airport. There are plenty of flights that arrive from Puerto Montt and Santiago. Once you arrive at the airport you'll be greeted by a shuttle bus or taxi and the ride is about 15 minutes. You could also take a bus from Puerto Natles or Rio Gallegos in Argentina. If you're in Punta Arenas during the summer months between December and March, don't be surprised if you encounter some crowds from cruise ships, as this is the peak time for cruising.
Once you're in town, you can walk most places. The wind can make walking unpleasant between the months of September and October. During the most windy days they tie a rope line to city lamp posts so that you can hang on.
If you're hoping to head out of town, you can hire a taxi for the trip. It might cost you upwards of US$50 though, depending on your destination of choice.
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