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Picture of Magallanes, Chile

Travel Guide for
Magallanes

Chile

Cool, windy, subpolar oceanic

Introduction

Magallanes, in southern Chilean Patagonia, is a gateway to wild landscapes where the Andes meet vast steppe and icy fjords. This remote region, once traversed by Magellan and explorers of old, blends European influences with deep-rooted indigenous heritage, creating a unique cultural tapestry. October brings crisp spring weather—expect cool temperatures, fresh winds, and the occasional rain, perfect for outdoor adventures with friends.

Visit the lively city of Punta Arenas for vibrant dining and historic mansions, then explore Torres del Paine National Park with luxury lodges, private guides, and gourmet meals. Embark on a high-end cruise through the fjords, spot penguins on Magdalena Island, and savor world-class Patagonian lamb with your group amid breathtaking scenery.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleTravelling with friends

Dates06-13 October 2025

BudgetHigh budget

AccommodationHotel, villa

Interests and Activities:

outdoor adventuressightseeing and toursvolunteeringgastronomyfestivals and eventsarts and culture

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Picture of Magallanes, Chile

Key Facts

Location

Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena

Currency

Chilean Peso (CLP)

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Population

166,533

Language

Spanish, some English

Electricity

220V, 50Hz, type C/L

Time zone

UTCCLT (UTC-3)

Country code

+56

Internet access

Good coverage; 4G in cities, Wi-Fi common

Climate

Cool, windy, subpolar oceanic

See More Chile Facts

Language:

Spanish

  • hello

    hola (oh-lah)
  • goodbye

    adiós (ah-dee-os)
  • yes

    (see)
  • no

    no (no)
  • how much

    ¿cuánto cuesta esto? (kwan-to kwes-ta es-to)
  • please

    por favor (por fah-vor)
  • thank you

    gracias (grah-see-as)
  • excuse me

    disculpe (dees-kool-peh)

Map

Logistics

To reach Magallanes, Chile, the fastest and most comfortable option is flying. Major airlines offer frequent flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas, the region’s capital, with a travel time of under four hours. Charter flights and private jets are also available for a luxury experience, perfect for groups of friends traveling together.

Long-distance buses from other Chilean cities are an adventurous alternative but much slower and less comfortable than flying. Ferries connect Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams for exploring remote southern areas, though schedules depend on weather, especially in October. Be mindful that strong Patagonian winds or storms can occasionally cause flight or ferry delays in early spring.

Weather

Magallanes, Chile, has a cool, windy climate year-round, with temperatures rarely exceeding 15°C (59°F). Summers (December–February) are mild and breezy, while winters (June–August) can bring chilly winds and occasional snowfall. Rapid weather changes are common, so it’s best to dress in layers for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.

From October 6 to October 13, expect springtime conditions: crisp air, frequent clouds, and gusty Patagonian winds. Daytime temperatures average 4–11°C (39–52°F), with long daylight hours for enjoying tours, volunteering, and arts events. Extreme weather is unlikely this week, but brief rain showers and strong winds may occur, so pack suitable gear.

Food & Drink

Magallanes delights visitors with its Patagonian lamb roasted over open fires, king crab (“centolla”), guanaco steak, succulent seafood, and calafate berry treats. Popular drinks include regional craft beers and Chilean wines. Local specialties highlight the fresh, wild nature of the region.

In Punta Arenas, try fine dining at La Yegua Loca or Restaurante Damiana Elena, both offering gourmet local fare and stylish atmosphere. For cocktails with a view, head to Shackleton Bar at Hotel Cabo de Hornos or La Taberna Andina, while Wake Up Café serves excellent desserts and Patagonian coffee blends.

Tipping is customary—leave around 10% unless service is already included. Menus generally cater to meat-lovers; vegetarians should check in advance. Fine ingredients and a vibrant dining scene make Magallanes perfect for a memorable, upscale friends’ getaway.

A picture of Empanada

Empanada

Empanadas are a beloved Chilean snack, featuring a flavorful filling of meat, onions, olives, and hard-boiled egg, all...

A picture of Cazuela

Cazuela

Cazuela is a delightful Chilean stew that typically includes chunks of meat, corn, rice, potatoes, and vegetables, all...

A picture of Chorrillana

Chorrillana

Chorrillana is a hearty and indulgent Chilean dish composed of French fries topped with pan-fried beef, onions, and...

A picture of Pastel de Choclo

Pastel de Choclo

Pastel de Choclo is a traditional Chilean dish that features a savory pie made with a sweet corn...

A picture of Curanto

Curanto

Curanto is a unique Chilean dish that originated in the Chiloé Archipelago, showcasing a blend of seafood, meat,...

Accommodation

For a luxurious stay in Magallanes, consider The Singular Patagonia in Puerto Natales, a historic hotel with stunning fjord views and gourmet dining. Hotel Cabo de Hornos in Punta Arenas offers elegant comfort in the city center, making it easy to explore local attractions. Both cities are popular bases for exploring Torres del Paine National Park.

If you prefer privacy, book a villa in the region—Awasi Patagonia is a standout, offering exclusive villas with private guides close to Torres del Paine. For reservations, use trusted sites like Booking.com or Expedia. October is peak spring season; accommodations fill quickly, so book early for the best options and group availability.

Itinerary

Begin your Patagonian journey by getting acquainted with Magallanes’ vibrant local culture, history, and cuisine. Set the tone for adventure with a welcoming exploration of the city’s arts and traditions.

Magallanes Regional Museum Exploration

Delve into the history and culture of Patagonia with a guided tour of the Magallanes Regional Museum. Explore exhibits on indigenous peoples, 19th-century explorers, and colonial heritage. Don't miss the original furnishings and artifacts.

Stroll Around Plaza Muñoz Gamero

Take a relaxing walk in Punta Arenas’ iconic Plaza Muñoz Gamero, surrounded by grand colonial architecture. Admire the statues and learn about local legends, including the famous foot of the indigenous Ona statue.

Gastronomic Introduction at La Marmita

Enjoy a welcome dinner with your friends at La Marmita, a top local restaurant. Savor Patagonian specialties like king crab and lamb, paired expertly with Chilean wines. Reservations are recommended for groups.

Full-Day Tour Torres del Paine National Park from Puerto Natales

Full-Day Tour Torres del Paine National Park from Puerto Natales

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Depart from your hotel in Puerto Natales to discover the wonders of Torres del Paine National Park. This full-day tour brings visitors to the most scenic panoramas of the park that are accessible by vehicle. Visit its most famous attractions while learning about flora and fauna of the mountains that characterize the area. As you ride through the park, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy its amazing views, to discover a beautiful waterfall, to gaze at its beautiful lakes and lagoons from the lookout points, and to explore further as you go on short hikes for some even better perspectives.

4.7 (217 reviews)

From $116 USD

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Experiences

Farming Experience in Chile
volunteering

Farming Experience in Chile

Minimum 1 week

Chile

$495/week

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Renovation and Construction in Chile
volunteering

Renovation and Construction in Chile

Minimum 1 week

Chile

$495/week

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English Teaching in Chile
teaching

English Teaching in Chile

Minimum 1 week

Chile

$495/week

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Attractions

4.6 (148 reviews)
Torres del Paine & Milodon cave day tour from Puerto Natales

Torres del Paine & Milodon cave day tour from Puerto Natales

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

The most comprehensive all-day tour (12 hours) of Torres del Paine Park with a little bit of hiking. Join our tour in a shuttle bus (15 seats) and discover Torres del Paine with Howlanders! The full-day tour of Torres del Paine provides the best opportunity to explore several sectors of the park. During the tour we’ll stop at the main attractions, so you won’t have to get too physical with this tour, making it suitable for all travelers :) The highlights of this all-day tour: -Views of Macizo Paine -Lake Sarmiento Viewpoint -Laguna Amarga Viewpoint -Lake Noderhold Viewpoint - Lunch at Pehoé Sector: views of Lake Pehoé and the Cuernos del Paine. - Grey Glacier 1-hour hike: we’ll cross the old Lenga forest until we reach the shore of Lake Grey. - Milodon Cave Natural Monument

From $92 USD

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4.8 (111 reviews)
Full Day Torres del Paine

Full Day Torres del Paine

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Excellent regular shared tour, where you can visit one of the 7 wonders of the world in addition to the beautiful Milodón Cave. YOU MUST BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE AT WWW.PASESPARQUES.CL NO ENTRANCE PAYMENTS ARE BEING RECEIVED IN THE PARK

From $150 USD

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4.0 (32 reviews)
Strait Park - Fort Bulnes

Strait Park - Fort Bulnes

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

In this tour you and your companion will have the possibility of taking a tour that will trace you back in the history of our region, its discovery, the settlement of the Chilean people, and the different feats of sailors who arrived in these lands.

From $55 USD

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4.2 (65 reviews)
Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour and traditional lunch.

Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour and traditional lunch.

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

At Howlanders, we consider the "Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Tour" a must for every traveler visiting Puerto Natales. From the boat, the tour will introduce two of the most impressive glaciers in Chile: Balmaceda and Serrano. In addition to the glaciers, this tour includes a 40-minute walk through a lush forest to reach the foot of the glaciers. On the way back to the ship, you can enjoy a glass of whiskey made with millenary ice from the glaciers, coffee, or a hot cup of tea. Are you ready for a real adventure? Here are all the details of the tour:

From $237 USD

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4.1 (53 reviews)
Punta Arenas and Magellan Strait Tour

Punta Arenas and Magellan Strait Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

You can customize tours. Change the Regional Museum for another of your choice. We also go to more places than the other tours that do city tours and Fuerte Bulnes

From $200 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Half Day Mirador Cuernos del Paine (Minimum 2 pax)

Half Day Mirador Cuernos del Paine (Minimum 2 pax)

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

In us you will find a great team of accredited guides with years of experience in excursions within the Torres del Paine National Park, and we will always provide you with all the necessary tools to turn your visit to the Torres del Paine into an unforgettable experience.

From $145 USD

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4.5 (2 reviews)
Magallanes National Reserve Hiking from Punta Arenas

Magallanes National Reserve Hiking from Punta Arenas

INSTANT

The Magallanes National Reserve is located 8 kilometers west of the city of Punta Arenas and has beautiful hiking trails, where you can walk while admiring the vegetation and, with a bit of luck, the native fauna. We will accompany you on this adventure where you can do two different trekking, one towards the "Las Minas" estuary, and another longer towards Mount Fenton. It is an ideal tour to learn more about the protected native species of the place, and enjoy the breathtaking views.

From $175 USD

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FAQ

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