Crossroad to Antarctica
The south beyond the south
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How to get to Punta Arenas
The available transportation options to Punta Arenas include air travel and bus services.
Here are general guidelines for reaching Punta Arenas.
By air – International Flights
If you come from outside Chile, you would generally fly into an international airport in Chile, such as Santiago International Airport (Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport).
By air – Domestic Flights
From Santiago, you can take a domestic flight to Punta Arenas. Several airlines operate flights to Punta Arenas, and the journey usually takes about 3-4 hours.
By Bus – From Other Chilean Cities
You can take a long-distance bus to Punta Arenas from various cities in Chile. Bus services are available, but the journey can take several days, depending on your starting location.
By Bus – From Argentina
If you come from Argentina, you can cross the border by bus. Bus services connect cities like Ushuaia and El Calafate in Argentina to Punta Arenas.
Interactive map
If you come from outside Chile, you would generally fly into an international airport in Chile, such as Santiago International Airport (Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport).
From Santiago to Punta Arenas
From Santiago, you can take a domestic flight to Punta Arenas. Several airlines operate flights to Punta Arenas, and the journey usually takes about 3-4 hours.
Weather in Punta Arenas
Temperature
August is one of the coldest months in Punta Arenas. Daytime temperatures range from around -1 to 5 degrees Celsius (30 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit), and nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing.
Precipitation
There is a possibility of rain or snow during August.
Wind
Punta Arenas is known for its strong winds, which can be particularly noticeable in late winter and early spring. Wind chill can make the temperatures feel even colder.
Daylight
August is the middle of winter in the Southern Hemisphere, so the days are shorter. There are fewer daylight hours (7-8) compared to summer.
Visitors should be prepared for chilly temperatures and dress accordingly. It’s advisable to check the local weather forecast closer to your travel dates for more accurate and up-to-date information.
Airport information
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
Santiago de Chile Airport, also known as Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, serves the city of Santiago, and is the largest and busiest airport in Chile.
Santiago Airport is located in Pudahuel, 15 km (9.3 miles) northwest of downtown Santiago, and has two terminals:
- Terminal 1. Domestic flights.
- Terminal 2. International flights.
Santiago de Chile Airport offers the following facilities:
- Bank offices
- Currency exchange
- Chilean Automobile Club
- Pharmacy
- Travel agencies
- Police station
- Kindergarten
- Medical care
Getting to and from the airport
The airport is 15km from downtown Santiago.
Taxi
You can book a fixed-rate taxi at the counters after the Baggage Claim area. Official taxi drivers wear reflective vests and can show you ID. They have metered taxis.
Bus
Turbus Aeropuerto service connects the airport with various Santiago de Chile metro stations from 06:00 to 20:00. Alternatively, the Centropuerto airport bus services the city on two routes.
Hotel Shuttle
Free airport shuttles are available for guests at several nearby hotels, including the Hilton Garden Inn and the Hotel Diego de Almagro Aeropuerto.
Car rental
Car rental desks are located in the International Arrivals section.
Transit and in-airport hotels
If changing to a domestic flight, you’ll have to collect your baggage and pass Immigration before heading to the domestic terminal.
The Holiday Inn Santiago – Airport Terminal is directly in front of the building, just a few steps outside Baggage Claim. Access is via an internal walkway.
Airport Contact
Address: Diego Barros Ortiz 1704, Pudahuel, Santiago de Chile, Región Metropolitana 9031219, Chile.
Phone: +56 2 2690 1796
Lost and Found: +56 22 690 1707[1]
Website: https://www.nuevopudahuel.cl
Travel Tips / VISA / Currency
TRAVEL TIPS
Check Flight and Bus Schedules. Schedules may vary, so checking the latest flight and bus schedules online or through travel agencies is advisable.
Weather Considerations. Pucón has a cold climate and Punta Arenas has a windy climate during winter. Check the weather conditions and pack accordingly.
Travel Documentation. Make sure to have all necessary travel documents, including passports and any required visas.
VISA
Please visit https://serviciomigraciones.cl/en/permanencia-transitoria-permit/subcategories/tourists/ and check the list of countries that require a visa to enter chile.
All those listed “SI” in the REQ. VISTUR column require a visa to enter Chile.
All Visa applications can be made online directly on the Chilean Ministry of External Affairs website (Spanish). You can choose between English and Spanish. Once you’ve submitted your application, it will be reviewed by the Chilean Consulate you select in the application.
VISA LINK
CURRENCY
The official currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso, and its currency code is CLP.
1 USD = 925 CLP (October, 2023)
Coins: Available coins are worth 10, 50, 100, or 500 pesos.
Notes: You can find notes of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 and 20000 pesos.
A vibrant culture with a polar heritage
