2025_26 Oosterdam, Punta Arenas, Chile...

I was up early and got some photos of sunrise before we arrived into the port of Punta Arenas. Cathy and I got off the ship first thing and we walked up to the Plaza de Armas…This central plaza is known for its golden age grand mansions, cathedral and beautiful architecture surrounding the square; with the most famous among them being the Sara Braun Palace. In the middle of the square stands a memorial to Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. We continued on to the Sara Braun Municipal Cemetery. This cemetery is ranked among the most beautiful in the world, renowned for its manicured topiary trees and impressive mausoleums, a tribute to the wealth of Punta Arenas’s merchant class, prominent figures, military leaders, and wealthy landowners. From the cemetery we headed to the waterfront, the Costanera del Estrecho, a scenic coastal walkway perfect for viewing the Strait of Magellan. This promenade has the sea views, the Circumnavigation statue, the iconic Punta Arenas sign and the towering monument to the crew of the Anclud and dedicated to Chile’s first claim of sovereignty over the Straits of Magellan. Across from the waterfront promenade is a nice series of murals depicting life in Punta Arenas in earlier years. We met our friend Judy for coffee at a local cafe. And, with that, we made our way back to the ship, passing by the prominent antique clock at the entrance to the pier. It was a good walkabout in Punta Arenas, the weather was beautiful and we even saw Maritza our Torres del Paine guide for a quick hello!