Punta Arenas (originally Sandy Point) is a three and a half hour flight due south from Santiago (for us a 4am departure from Colchugua Valley !). At 53 degrees south, it is the largest city south of 46 degrees. Although it is the same latitude south as Nottingham is north, it has a very different feel and climate as it is the gateway to Antarctica. It is situated on the north of the Magellan Straits (used by Magellan in the first circumnavigation of world in 1520) with views over Tierra Del Fuego. Its main economy was sheep farming, but is now oil, gas and tourism, making it a relatively wealthy part of Chile.
When Ernest Shackleton heroically securred the rescue of his Endurance crew, they were taken by the Chilean Navy to Punta Arenas. A celebratory dinner followed and Shackleton stayed as a guest in the mansion which was later converted into a hotel where we stayed.
Shilli-Fully Travels 