Cerro de la Cruz is a modest hill a few streets from the main square, topped with a cross and a small viewing platform, and it offers the best quick panorama of Punta Arenas. From the top you look across a patchwork of coloured roofs, the grid of streets, the port and the wide grey-blue strait, with the long profile of Tierra del Fuego on the far side. The climb is short, up a stairway from the street, and it takes only a few minutes at an easy pace, which makes it a good break between museum visits or a pleasant stop before dinner. The viewpoint is free and open at any time, though it is best in daylight. Many city tours include a quick photo stop here, and independent walkers can reach it on foot from the plaza in about ten to fifteen minutes. On a clear evening the light turns gold and the colours of the roofs glow, while on a windy day the gusts can be strong enough to push you around, a reminder of where you are.
What you see rewards a slow look. The city spreads out below, with the cathedral spire, the port cranes and rows of houses with metal cladding painted in reds, blues and greens, a style that gives Punta Arenas its distinct look. Beyond them, the strait reflects the sky, and ships move slowly in the distance.
Binoculars pick out details such as ferries, fishing boats and seabirds, and on very clear days you can make out the mountains of the far side. The viewpoint is also a good place to understand the geography of the city, which sits on a narrow coastal strip below the hills.
Make the most of the stop. Go in late afternoon for warm light, wear a windproof jacket and bring a camera. Keep an eye on your footing on the stairs when they are wet or icy. The area is usually quiet, but as with any urban viewpoint, keep valuables close and avoid lingering alone after dark. Local vendors sometimes set up nearby, and cafes on the streets below are good for a warm drink afterwards.
Cerro de la Cruz fits easily into a walking route. Combine it with the plaza, the Regional Museum and the waterfront for a relaxed afternoon, or make it the final stop of a city tour. Travellers with limited mobility should check the stairs or ask the guide about alternatives.
For a short, free and rewarding outing, it is hard to beat, and it gives the city a shape that will help you orient everything else you do.A few extras make the stop richer. Bring a small thermos on cold days, and look for the signs and plaques that mark the viewpoint.
At dusk, the city lights come on one by one and the strait takes on a silvery glow, an excellent subject for photographers. Be aware that the weather can change fast, with clouds sweeping in from the west, so check the sky before you climb. If you have the energy, continue along nearby streets to see more of the colourful houses that cling to the slope, and drop down to the plaza for a hot chocolate.
What to expect
The experience
A short, free climb up a stairway to a lookout platform with a panorama of the city and the strait.
Best time
Late afternoon for warm light; clear days for the longest views.
How long
Thirty to forty-five minutes including the walk.
Tips
Wear a windproof jacket, watch the stairs when wet and bring a camera.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Quick photographs and orienting yourself in the city.
- Families
- A short climb that children usually enjoy.
- Couples
- A pleasant sunset stop.
- Pair with
- Plaza Munoz Gamero and the waterfront.
- Time needed
- Under an hour.
Good questions
Is there a charge?+
No. The viewpoint is free.
How long is the climb?+
A few minutes up a stairway from the street.
When is the best time to go?+
Late afternoon for the light, in clear weather.
Is it windy?+
Often, yes. Bring a windproof layer.
Can I see Tierra del Fuego?+
On clear days the far side of the strait is visible.
