Punta Arenas Sights & Patagonian Estancia on the Pampas
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Port
Punta Arenas, Chile
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Information Not Currently Available
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$249.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
A city sightseeing overview begins with a visit to the La Cruz Hill observation point for a panoramic view over Tierra del Fuego and the Strait of Magellan.
Visit the Maggiorino Borgatello Museum kept by the Salesian Friars, with exhibits of the magnificent flora and fauna of the region, and relics of the folklore and handicrafts of Native tribes such as the Yaganes, Onas and Alacalufes.
Driving to the center of Punta Arenas, you'll stop at Plaza de Armas Square to view and photograph the Hernando de Magallanes Monument and browse among the souvenir stalls.
The Patagonia Institute welcomes you on a tour of the open-air Museum of Memories. You'll see a collection of antique farm and industrial machinery imported from Europe, a typical pioneer house and shearing shed (reconstructed), and a wooden-wheeled trailer that served as a shelter for shepherds.
Your next stop is at the city cemetery. Admire the splendid mausoleums of pioneer families, and don't miss the gravestone marking where the last Ona (Selk'nam), extinct Fireland Natives, are buried.
A drive by coach, heading 50 miles north of Punta Arenas, brings you to Olga Teresa Estancia. This is a typical Patagonian farm set in the pampas. Today, the estancia has opened its doors to a limited number of visitors to demonstrate the lifestyle of the staunch farmers working these vast lands. Watch as the gauchos round up a flock of sheep with their well-trained dogs. Step into the barn for a sheep-shearing demonstration -- it looks easy from a spectator perspective!
A barbecue lunch of tasty Patagonian lamb, grilled slowly for hours on poles around the fire, is a delicious and memorable way to end the day.
Relax on the 50-mile drive back to the ship.
Notes:
The lunch takes place outdoors in a semi-covered shed. It is essential that you wear warm, layered clothing to fully enjoy and participate in this excursion; outer layer should be waterproof and windproof. Bring gloves, a warm hat and a scarf. Wear comfortable walking shoes.