Los Pingüinos Natural Monument

Los Pigüinos, located 35 kilometers from Punta Arenas in the Magellan Straits, is made up of two islands totaling 97 hectares: Isla Marta with 12 hectares and Isla Magdalena with the rest 85.

Aborigines have been visiting the islands to hunt since time immemorial. Later, Spanish and pirate ships came and gave the islands new names - the ones that are still in use today were given to them by Sarmiento de Gamboa.

You may take a cruise to the islands to witness the massive flocks of birds, mainly Magellanic penguins and other cormorant species. The penguin population numbers around 200,000 individuals, and they build tunnels in which to deposit their eggs.

On the island, there is a National Monument lighthouse that offers a panoramic view of Isla Magdalena. There is also an Environmental Interpretation Center with display panels on the history of the Straits of Malacca shipping.

• Entrance fee:
  • Chilean citizens: 3000 CLP
  • Foreigners: 5,000 CLP
• Opening time: 9am- 7pm, from October through March
• Location: Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena, Chile