Cerro La Cruz City Panorama Hike
Climb to the cross-crowned hilltop above Punta Arenas for sweeping views over the city, the Strait of Magellan, and Tierra del Fuego.
- 1
Cerro La Cruz Trailhead
The trail starts on the city's eastern edge, climbing through a mixed landscape of introduced pines and native Patagonian shrubs.
- 2
Mirador Medio
Halfway up, a viewpoint opens over the city's rooftops, the grid of colonial streets, and the blue-grey waters of the strait beyond.
- 3
Wind-sculpted Treeline
Near the summit, trees lean dramatically to the east, permanently bent by the relentless westerly winds that define Patagonian weather.
- 4
Cerro La Cruz Summit Cross
A large white cross marks the 130-metre summit, visible from across the city. The panorama from here takes in both shores of the Strait of Magellan.
- 5
Tierra del Fuego Horizon
On clear days, the peaks of Tierra del Fuego are visible across the strait — a reminder of the wild land that begins just 30 km south.
- 6
Descent Through Pine Forest
Descend through a plantation pine forest planted in the 20th century, alive with Patagonian green-backed firecrown hummingbirds in summer.