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Why is Punta Arenas called the end of the world?

The term end of the world refers to Chile being the southernmost country in the world, which is why Chilean Patagonia, the southernmost natural region of the country and at the same time, the southernmost part of the American continent.



Punta Arenas, Chile, is famously dubbed the "End of the World" due to its status as the southernmost major city in South America and its role as the primary gateway to Antarctica. Located on the Strait of Magellan, it was historically the last major stop for ships before they braved the treacherous waters of Cape Horn or headed into the vast, icy unknown of the southern pole. The "end of the world" moniker (often shared with its neighbor Ushuaia, Argentina) reflects the region's rugged, wind-swept geography, where the civilization of the American landmass finally tapers off into the sub-Antarctic islands. Culturally, the city embraces this identity, featuring monuments to famous explorers like Ferdinand Magellan and serving as a base for research expeditions. The name evokes a sense of terminal frontier and isolation that has drawn adventurers, whalers, and scientists for centuries, all seeking to stand at the final edge of the inhabited world before the start of the Southern Ocean.

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Punta Arenas is the capital of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region. It is situated on the continental shore of the Strait of Magellan, at a point almost equidistant between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, 90 kilometers from Cape Froward, the southernmost point of Continental America.

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Punta Arenas is located in Extreme South of Chile. Its history and economic growth is based on maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep breeding.

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Located on the Strait of Magellan, near the southern tip of Chile, Punta Arenas is a port of call for South American cruises and a departure point for Antarctica expeditions.

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Getting Around Punta Arenas, Chile Taxis and Ubers are the easiest way to get around long distances in Punta Arenas. However, if you book a centrally located hotel you will be able to walk almost everywhere! Driving in Chile and Patagonia, in general, is also very easy and safe. Just book a rental car and you're off!

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Most cruise ships dock at the Arturo Prat, a short taxi ride or 15-minute walk to the center of town.

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The short answer is, no, it's not illegal to fly over Antarctica. But there are practical considerations that make it challenging for regular airlines to navigate across the land. In many parts of Antarctica, there's limited or no infrastructure, no landing strips, and obviously no refuelling stations for planes.

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