Punta Arenas (literally in Spanish: "Point sands") is the most prominent settlement on the Strait of Magellan and the capital of the Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region, Chile, and is claimed to be the world's southernmost city. ( Ushuaia, Argentina also makes this claim, but is much smaller). Punta Arenas is the third largest city in the entire Patagonian Region, after the more northerly Argentine cities of Neuquén and Comodoro Rivadavia. In 2002, it had a population of 120,000.It is roughly 1418.4 km from the coast of Antarctica

The name Punta Arenas grew out of the Spanish term 'Punta Arenosa', which was a literal translation of the English name ' Sandy Point'. The city has also been known as "Magallanes" though today that term is normally used to describe the administrative region which includes the city. Punta Arenas has also been called "the city of the red roofs" for the red-painted metal roofs that characterised the city for many years.

The city of Punta Arenas has a rich history, reflected in places such as:
Punta Arenas harbour and shipping port area.
Regional Museum, with historical artifacts and part of the Braun-Menéndez Mansion.
Maggiorino Borgatello Museum , Salesian Society museum of natural history and prehispanic ethnic groups.
Punta Arenas Cemetery , dates back to 1840's.
Cerro Mirador Ski Center, which has a beautiful view of the Strait of Magellan.