Weather and wind: four seasons in one day
Here you can get all four seasons in a single day. The sun comes out, it rains, the sun returns and the wind never stops. So the best advice is simple: always go out in layers. T-shirt, fleece and windbreaker, even if the morning looks clear. If the sun is out, take a hat anyway.
The wind is strongest in spring and summer. Hold on to your hat, watch out for car doors, and forget umbrellas: they barely work here. A waterproof jacket with a hood is a much better bet.
Daylight hours and time zone
Daylight changes a lot with the seasons. In summer it gets dark around 22:00, and the best light for photos is between 20:00 and 22:00. In winter, by contrast, it gets dark around 17:00: plan your excursions early.
The Magallanes region stays on UTC−3 all year and does not change its clocks. When the rest of mainland Chile switches to winter time, Punta Arenas is one hour ahead of Santiago. Double-check flight and tour times during those months.
Money, cash and tipping
- Currency: the Chilean peso (CLP). Prices are usually written with the $ sign.
- Cash: some places only take cash, such as the Salesian Museum and several kiosks. Carry Chilean pesos.
- Cards: accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops downtown.
- Tipping: in restaurants and bars the bill usually suggests 10%. It is voluntary. Tipping taxi drivers is not customary.
Getting in from the airport
Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ) is about 20 km north of downtown Punta Arenas. The drive by car or taxi to Armando Sanhueza 965 takes around 20 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. You can take a taxi or a shuttle at the airport; if you prefer, let us know and reception will help you arrange it.
Plugs and what to pack
Chile runs on 220 V and 50 Hz, with type C (two round pins) and type L (three round pins in a row) sockets. If your devices use another standard, bring an adapter.
For excursions, this is the daypack we recommend:
- Windbreaker
- Hat and gloves
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen: the southern sun burns even when it is cold
- Cash
- Spare battery for your phone and camera
Steps from Almasur
All of this is a 10-minute walk or less from the hotel:
| Distance | Place | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 0 m | Hotel Almasur · Surista | Start |
| 100 m | Birra! Cerveza & Buena Mesa | Beer |
| 150 m | Palacio Sara Braun | Heritage |
| 150 m | La Taberna del Club de la Unión | Bar |
| 200 m | Plaza Muñoz Gamero | Heritage |
| 200 m | Shackleton Bar | Bar |
| 250 m | La Cervecería HdeM Bar | Beer |
| 300 m | Naval and Maritime Museum | Museum |
| 300 m | Club K | Nightlife |
| 350 m | La Marmita | Food |
| 400 m | Kiosko Roca | Food |
| 450 m | Sotito’s Restaurant | Food |
| 500 m | Los Ganaderos | Food |
| 600 m | La Yegua Loca | Food |
| 650 m | Bar Lucky 7 | Nightlife |
| 800 m | Municipal Market | Food |
Details on each place are in our guides to the historic centre and where to eat and drink.
Reception is here to help
Hotel Almasur Punta Arenas (Armando Sanhueza 965) and Hotel Almasur Express (Juez Waldo Seguel 530) are connected hotels, about 200 m from Plaza Muñoz Gamero, and reception is open 24 hours. Questions? Just ask. We can help with:
- Excursions: Magdalena Island, Francisco Coloane Marine Park, Pali Aike and more. See our nature guide.
- Taxis and transfers, including to the airport.
- Restaurant and tour bookings.
- An early packed breakfast if you leave before the buffet opens. At Hotel Almasur Punta Arenas the breakfast buffet is included.
If you are travelling on, see how to get to Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas and more things to do in Punta Arenas. Walk, explore and enjoy at your own pace. We’ll be waiting for you when you get back.
