Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin The Magellanic penguin is one of multiple penguin species found living outside of Antarctica. getty Measuring in at just over 750,000 square kilometers, the South American nation of Chile offers a particularly diverse array of landscapes all across its borders, with natural features like the Atacama Desert and Elqui Valley found along its northern reaches—yet when it comes to abundant natural beauty, few destinations can match the splendor of Magallanes. In addition to hosting world-class tourist destinations like Torres del Paine National Park and Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, the city of Punta Arenas is also perfect for spotting some of Chile’s cutest native birds.
After a 3.5-hour flight from Santiago de Chile, guests can make their way from Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport into the heart of the city, with accommodations ranging from the upscale Hotel Cabo de Hornos to Hostal al Fin del Mundo. During a visit, guests are welcome to explore local attractions like the Lord Lonsdale—the rusting remains of a frigate that dates back more than a century—or the Museo Maggiorino Borgatello, an educational institution that’s home to all sorts of taxidermied Chilean wildlife.
But of course, no nature lover’s itinerary is complete without taking a day trip out to Isla Magdalena, a small natural feature that’s renowned for its high concentration of Magellanic penguins. Skuas are formidabl.