Located on the Brunswick Peninsula, Punta Arenas is among the largest cities in Patagonia. In 2012, it had a population of 127,454. It is roughly 1,419 kilometres (882 mi) from the coast of Antarctica and 635 kilometres (395 mi) from Ushuaia the capital of the Argentine province of Tierra Del Fuego.

• Santa Inés Island
• Desolación Island
• Dawson Island
• Aracena Island
• Clarence Island
• Carlos Island
• Wickham Island

Two early Spanish settlements were attempted along this coast (on the Straits of Magellan). The first was founded in 1584 and was called Nombre de Jesús. It failed due to the harsh weather and difficulty in the settlers' obtaining food and water, and the enormous distances from other Spanish ports. A second colony, Cuidad del Rey don Felipe, was attempted about 80 kilometres south of Punta Arenas. This became known later as Puerto del Hambre, which translates to Port Famine. Spain had established these settlements in an attempt to protect its shipping and prevent piracy by English pirates, by controlling the Straits of Magellan. An English pirate captain, Thomas Cavendish, rescued the last surviving member of Puerto del Hambre in 1587.

When someday comes you'll need to get in.

When someday comes you'll need to be able to get around.