We will be spending only one day in Punta Arenas but wanted to know if there are auto rental companies at the port where the cruise ships arrive. Thought if that works, that we could just drive to Otway Sound and maybe stop at an Estancia. Also, liked the idea of Isla Magdalena, but don't think we can do both. Is Isla Magdalena only reachable by boat?
If anyone has done this or has other ideas, it would be most welcomed.

What ship are you on? It seems we're going to the same ports. Probably different times, but you never know?

Sounds like you'll be busy but if you have time to dine in Punta Arenas be sure to try La Luna - wonderful food......pics on our blog (and pics of Isla Magdalena as well - our cruise stopped there)

http://lizandrichardsa.typepad.com/l..._south_/chile/

Thank you Elizabeth. Your pictures are beautiful. I hope we have as good a scrapbook when we're back from ours. And the Seafood accounts ..... YUMMMMM. My favorite! Did you at least eat a few of the eyeballs?

You wouldn't happen to remember about how much lunch for 2 cost at La Luna would you?

Also, on another port but while I've got you here, In Puerto Montt, We are thinking about getting another couple from the ship and splitting cab fare up into the lake area. Any suggestions since you've actually been there?

HI Todd - yes I did eat about 100 eyeballs before I decided that was enough!

Re cost at La Luna - it was really inexpensive - I think about $40 for A LOT of food (2006 mind you).....the king crab was about $8 I think............

Re Puerto Montt/Lake District - how much time do you have that day? Honestly, we spent a day at Puerto Angelmo (right where you get off the tender) discovering the market and the various food vendors (one of the most fascinating markets we've ever seen and we "brake for markets&quot.

Re the lake district - we spent a night in Puerto Varas which was lovely. There is a lovely view of the volcano from town and a lot of resort town shopping (high end clothes, etc). Since we're not shoppers it wouldn't have interested us as a day trip off a cruise. (It did have a good Mexican restaurant, however, and after being away 9 weeks at that point we were ready for nachos!).

There are some great outdoor adventures in the area - rafting, ziplines and - my recommendation - an aerial tour of the volcano (we did that in Villarica as you may have seen on the blog).

Hope this helps.

Todd -

We'll be on CrystalCruises/Symphony, sailing out of Valparaiso on Dec. 22nd. Are you on the same cruise?

Elizabeth - We are in Puerto Montt from 9a - 7p. We were looking at trying to get up around lake Llanquihue. It's South America's 3rd largest natural lake and it sounds like a beautiful photo op. We will probably just end up staying near the market area milling around and looking for good seafood & inexpensive Chilean wines. We have already spent our wad on excursions in 3 other ports so any airplane flights will have to go the way of the lofty idea of trying to get Iguazu into this trip. In Punta Arenas we will definately get to your recommended restaurant after returning from Ottoway sound.

4Holdings - Unfortunately no. Christmas would be nice on the sea, but we're taking a Thanksgiving voyage. We leave Valparaiso Nov. 23 on Royal Caribbean. 14 day to Buenos Aires. then we are spending time in Buenos Aires and Mendoza before returning. It's our 24 day honeymoon getaway. Can't wait to take off the end of next week !!!