Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Punta Arenas gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from PUQ to the city takes roughly 50 minutes by Shared Shuttle / Taxi, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Three things to verify before you walk out of PUQ:
- Can you legally enter Chile? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 50-minute journey each way by Shared Shuttle / Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the CLP. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
How to Spend Your Time in Punta Arenas
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Punta Arenas, two standouts are:
- Plaza Muñoz Gamero — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
- Cementerio Municipal Sara Braun — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Punta Arenas.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside PUQ, you can spend time at Duty-Free Shop “Aeropuerto Punta Arenas” or try CafeterÃa Aeropuerto “El Estrecho”. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
The Best Way Into Punta Arenas from PUQ
From PUQ, the Shared Shuttle / Taxi gets you to Punta Arenas in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Shared Shuttle / Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Eat
- In the city: La Marmita and Damiana Elena are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Punta Arenas.
- At the airport: CafeterÃa Aeropuerto “El Estrecho” and Snack Bar “Patagonia Express” will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Quick budget math for your Punta Arenas layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$7 |
| Meal | ~$13 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$30 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Punta Arenas, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
WiFi at PUQ should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Chile and you’re good to go.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at PUQ may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Punta Arenas’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at PUQ include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Chile also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Punta Arenas exploring the streets or relaxing at PUQ, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.