Travel-World Photography
Punta Arenas was initially establied as a penal colony, with the pupose of protecting the claim of
sovereignty by Chile. Since then, the city has grown in importance and has now 130.000 inhabitants. Located at about 53º South, the temperature is quite low, with an average day temp. of 15º in January and around zero in July. The land is relatively flat, as opposed to the island outside. Thus, sheep farming is a major business.
Today, Punta Arenas is also the base for expeditions to Antartica.
Of particular interest to tourists are a pinguin colony in the vicinity, and community cemetary with eloborate grave sites. Around 1920, a Norwegian captain formed the Magellanes Whaling Society, and laid the foundation for a large industry in the waters towards Antactica.
