Punta Arenas

Where to stay

Most hostels cluster within a few blocks of Plaza Muñoz Gamero, the central square, putting you walking distance from the waterfront, restaurants, and the bus terminal. The streets immediately around the plaza and along Avenida Colón have the highest concentration of budget beds and are easy to navigate on foot.

Getting around

• Visit the Zona Franca, Punta Arenas's duty-free shopping zone north of the center, before heading to Torres del Paine. Outdoor gear and extra layers run noticeably cheaper here than in Puerto Natales or at the park.
• The Cementerio Municipal is free to enter and worth an hour of your time. The elaborate mausoleums of the wool-boom families who built this city tell you more about local history than most paid museums.
• Book your bus to Puerto Natales at least a day ahead if you're traveling in January or February. Both Buses Fernández and Bus Sur serve the route, and afternoon departures sell out when Torres del Paine traffic is at its peak.

When to go

Prices climb and beds fill fast from December through February, when Patagonia-bound travelers pack the city. By April things quiet down considerably, and from June onward you'll find the lowest rates and no trouble getting a dorm bed.