Civic Pride in Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales

One might not expect these two small towns, at the edge of the world, to have such elaborate public art.  These are purely jumping-off points to get to the scenic riches of Torres del Paine National Park, Ultima Esperanza Fjord, and the wilds of Patagonia.  But if you have a few hours in either city, its worth a stroll to find the parks and waterfronts, and the public art installed there.  From the shiny toe – kissed thousands of times a year for good luck – on the statue of Ferdinand Magellan in the Plaza de Armas in the heart of Punta Arenas, to the whimsical locals that seem to have been lifted up and carried away by the wind, or even the giant miladon sloth at the entrance to Puerto Natales… these statues and more are certainly worth a few moments.