Abstract

The geographical feature that is Punta Arenas was formed by siltation in the last five centuries. There is cartographic evidence from the 17th and 18th centuries that shows a small point with the toponym of Palmer Point. It also shows the mouth of La Barranca river in a different location than the current one. Recent geological studies conclude that the variation in the lower course of this river is a factor in the formation of the sand bar.

Keywords Puntarenas; Punta Arenas; Palmer Point; Barranca river; toponymy; ancient cartography; piracy; piratas; buccaneers