Antarctica, Patagonia, And Chilean Fjords Expedition

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sail the Drake Passage to the white wilderness of Antarctica, where you'll spend five beautiful days
• Enjoy an excellent opportunity to see wildlife, when penguin chicks are fledging and the nutrient-rich waters attract whales
• Enjoy fascinating lectures and lead landings and ice cruises
• Attempt a landing at Cape Horn where the Pacific and the Atlantic collide
• Visit the small town of Puerto Williams, and attempt a cruise to Garibaldi Fjord, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to a glacier of the same name
• Join an optional excursion to the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park
• Visit Pio XI, the longest glacier in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Antarctica
• Explore Castro, a charming and rustic city with access to Chiloé National Park, while Niebla and its old Spanish fortress is your last stop before the vibrant hilltop city of Valparaíso

ITINERARY

Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Kickstart your adventure with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, famously called the ‘Paris of South America'. A sensuous fusion of faded European splendor and Latin American panache, Buenos Aires is home to numerous fine and modern art museums, landscaped parks, and one of the world's greatest opera houses.

Spend the evening at your leisure. Enjoy an authentic steak dinner at one of the city's many parrillas, or head to Plaza de Mayo to spend time sightseeing at the city's best-known landmarks. You'll also want to join the locals in an informal tango lesson, or at the very least, watch a dance show.

Pre-Program
Want even more from your adventure Extend your stay with an optional Pre-Program that explores wild Patagonia.

Day 2: Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina
First thing in the morning, we fly to Ushuaia, the so-called ‘End of the World'. It's here, the self-proclaimed ‘southernmost city in the world', where your expedition truly begins. Your base camp at sea awaits you! Welcome aboard the world's first hybrid electric–powered expedition ship, the MS Roald Amundsen. Once on board, you'll meet the Expedition Team and attend a mandatory safety meeting.

After a welcome dinner, take some time familiarize yourself with our state-of-the-art vessel, designed especially for sustainable cruises in polar waters. As we pass through the scenic Beagle Channel, watch for the rare, endemic Peale's dolphin and other wildlife as we set sail.

Days 3-4: Drake Passage
Over the next two days, you'll cross the fabled Drake Passage, the gateway to the Antarctic. Prepare for what lies ahead through lectures from our Expedition Team in the dedicated Science Center. Learn about Antarctica's explorer history, wildlife, and how you can get involved in Citizen Science programs.

Days at sea offer a chance to unwind. Whether you're soaking in a hot tub, the infinity pool, or the spectacular panoramic sauna, you won't miss a second of the breathtaking views around you. When you're hungry, grab a bite in one of our three stylish restaurants.

Days 5-9: Antarctica
Welcome to Antarctica, an endless wilderness of ice, icebergs, and glaciers. A place where nature is king and us mortals mere observers. Over the next five days, walk ashore, cruise by icebergs and glaciers, and spot seabirds, seals, whales, and penguin colonies.

Sticking to the motto ‘take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints', our Expedition Team will help you adhere closely to strict safety and sustainability procedures. Exactly where and when we go depends on the day's conditions, but we'll always bring you to the best spots available at the time.

Days 10-11: Drake Passage
After five days of exploration in Antarctica, you may need a little time to reflect on this life-affirming experience. The two-day trip back up the Drake Passage will give you that time to reflect. If you want, get more involved with the Citizen Science program and analyze samples at the microscopic level.

Attend environmentally themed lectures on topics such as climate change or oceanic plastic pollution, and we will reflect on our experiences on the frozen continent. When you're ready to kick back and relax, don't hesitate.

Day 12: Ushuaia, Argentia
Today, you explore Ushuaia. Head to the Galería Temática - Historia Fueguina if you want to learn more about the city's fascinating history. Filled with photos and exhibits about Ushuaia's first settlers, its discovery by Europeans and Charles Darwin's later visit, it's a definite must-visit.

You can also get your passport stamped at the Tourist Information Center to mark your visit to the world's southernmost city. Sample delicious local cuisine or spend the day hiking one of the many trails just outside the city. The spectacular mountain views and tranquil lakes will reward your effort.

Day 13: At Sea
ce we leave the scenic Beagle Channel, our journey down to the legendary Cape Horn begins. The area around the island is where the open waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans collide, creating powerful waves that are made even stronger by swirling westerly winds.

Rounding Cape Horn is a feat not many people have experienced. Given the notoriety of these turbulent waters, we can't guarantee a landing. However, if fortune plays in our favor and the weather is stable enough to dock on the island and go up the cape, you can boast of being among a select few in the world to set foot here.

Day 14: Puerto Williams, Chile
Puerto Williams is a natural paradise. It is wild, remote and perfect for walking.

One of three contenders for the title of ‘world's southernmost city', Puerto Williams has a quiet atmosphere more akin to a small town. Visit the Martin Gusinde Anthropological museum for the history of the people and the city. You'll see Yahgan artifacts, maps, photographs, and a traditional canoe.

You can also go for a walk in the town and immerse yourself in the gorgeous scenery, either on your own or through a guided optional excursion. If the weather is nice, you may also have the opportunity to kayak. Have your binoculars at the ready to spot seabirds, including the mighty albatross.

Day 15: Garibaldi Glacier or Pia Glacier, Chile
The day's activity is a scenic cruise in Garibaldi Fjord, in Alberto de Agostini National Park, all the way up to Garibaldi Glacier. In this stunning region, the Andes tumble into the Pacific Ocean and great glaciers feed ice (and sometimes icebergs) into the beautiful Chilean fjords.

If weather and waters are kind, we may be able to reach the head of the fjord at Garibaldi Glacier, one of the most impressive glaciers in all of Chile. The fjord is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to seals, sea lions, and sea birds, including the Andean condor.

Day 16: Chilean Fjords
Drink in the views of the Chilean fjords, including islands, glaciers, and steep mountains.

This wild and remote wonderland was once the domain of the canoe-faring indigenous people who lived, sailed, and hunted here for centuries. Go on deck and admire the serenity of this maze of waterways, surrounded by islands, glaciers, and towering mountains, while looking for wildlife like elephant seals, dolphins, and whales.

Not all the lectures from the Expedition Team will be indoors. If curious seabirds come fly alongside the ship, the they might also help you spot and identify them from on deck. An onboard photographer will also be available to help you with your expedition photography.

Days 17-18: Puerto Natales, Chile
Discover the charms of Puerto Natales, gateway to Torres del Paine National Park.

Puerto Natales is the closest city to the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park.

Join an optional excursion to the park and discover a stunning range of landscapes, from vast open steppes to rugged mountain terrain topped by looming peaks, all teeming with wildlife. Watch for llamas, pumas, and foxes, in addition to more than 100 bird species, including the mighty Andean condor.

You could decide to spend time in Puerto Natales itself. In that case, the city has trendy eateries, Bohemian-type bars, a terrific gin distillery, and an artisan village selling handicrafts and gifts.

Day 19: Pio XI Glacier, Chile
Pio XI's staggering dimensions will astonishyou

Growing as much as 150 ft a day, the sprawling Pio XI glacier in Bernado O'Higgins National Park is the longest in the southern hemisphere outside of Antarctica. To reach it, we sail east through the beautiful Eyre Fjord, which is lined by a temperate forest. Dolphins are known to swim through the waters here, accompanied by seabirds, including terns.

Weather and waves permitting, we'll launch our small boats (RIBs) to explore the fjord and get closer to the glacier, while always taking care to not get too close. Ice occasionally calves off the Pio XI's wall into the waters below, creating a thrilling sight (and sound) to behold.

Day 20: Puerto Eden, Chile
The remote Puerto Edén is a beautiful village with a unique community.

Puerto Edén is a paradise off the beaten path. It is only accessible by sea, making it one of Chile's most hard-to-reach inhabited places. There are no roads to, from, or even within the village, just boardwalks and footpaths that connect the homes of its fewer-than 200 inhabitants.

The village is home to the last known community of Kawéskar people, designated a Living Human Treasure by UNESCO. You can meet freely and chat with the locals. You'll admire their synergy with local plants and marine animals, and no doubt respect their desire to protect their precious history and customs.

Day 21: Tortel, Chile
Explore Caleta Tortel, the timber town built on stilts

The melting ice of the surrounding glaciers makes the waters around Caleta Tortel here an eye-catching mixture of turquoise and milky blue. If the weather cooperates, run your hands through water yourself on an optional kayaking excursion.

There are no streets within the village, rather a labyrinthine walkway system that you can wander. Typical of Chilotan architecture, many of the houses are constructed on stilts. Enjoy a signature warm welcome from the locals and maybe even a performance by folk dancers. A village tour with a local guide is available as an optional extra.

Day 22: At Sea
Enjoy the blue waters of Patagonia as we travel in the wake of famous explorers.

Your expedition cruise will continue north through the waters of Patagonia. When Magellan sailed here in 1520, he named the allegedly gigantic locals ‘Patagons' after a related literary character in a Spanish novel. The name stuck. Fortunately, the only giants that inhabit Patagonia are the whales you can spot as we sail.

Attend one of the many interesting lectures, perhaps about the seabirds, geography, or indigenous culture of the region. Join an art workshop, where you can paint something inspired by your experiences from the expedition, or participate in one of the proposed Citizen Science projects in the Science Center.

Day 23: Castro, Chile
Welcome to Castro, home to colorful houses on stilts, craft markets, and history.

Castro is the capital of Chiloé Island, set among windswept hills and green vegetation. Most visitors go straight to the Gamboa wharf district to see the brightly painted wooden houses, called palafitos, raised on stilts along the Fiordo de Castro. But this small city has much more to offer.

Head to the main town square to visit the UNESCO-listed church, Iglesia San Francisco. The contemporary Museum of Modern Art of Chiloé is equally worth a visit. Hungry Sample local cuisine in one of the many great restaurants. An optional excursion to nearby Chiloé National Park is also available.

Day 24: Niebla, Chile
Niebla, the small seaside town with a wonderfully preserved fort

The small seaside town of Niebla (meaning ‘fog') is perched on a picturesque peninsula with views of Corral Bay on one side and the mouth of the Valdivia River on the other. Stroll along the wide beach, and if the Feria Costumbrista market is open, sample traditional empanadas, anticuchos, churros, and more.

You'll likely want to spend your time here exploring the ruins of the old Spanish fort. Learn more about the region's strategic history in the museum, walk around the lighthouse, pose next to the row of rusted canons, and take in beautiful views across the river and bay.

Day 25: At Sea
Enjoy more relaxing time at sea aboard the ship.

Make the most of your time on MS Roald Amundsen, whether that means scanning the sea for birds and marine life, soaking in a hot tub on deck, or enjoying your favorite drink in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. The Expedition Team will recap the highlights of your cruise. And, our onboard photographer may present a slideshow of photos taken on your adventurous expedition cruise.

DAy 26: Valparaíso, Chile
Your expedition cruise ends in Valparaíso, Chile's cultural hub

Your 26-day expedition cruise ends when we reach the seaport of Valparaíso, a city built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean. This UNESCO-listed city is a maze of monuments, churches, historical funiculars (cable cars), cobblestone alleys, colorful houses, and charming plazas.

After you bid farewell to MS Roald Amundsen, the crew, and the Expedition Team, you will surely be basking in the glow of experiencing some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet. Already planning your next trip If so, we look forward to welcoming you aboard again soon!

Post-Program:
This colorful and unusual city is fascinating, so why not stick around for an extra day or two. Join an optional city tour, followed by a night in Santiago de Chile. You can also join a Post-Program to Easter Island, famous for its mysterious statues of giant heads.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Flights

• Flight in economy class from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia

Hotel

• Overnight in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise, including breakfast

Transfers

• Transfer from the hotel in Buenos Aires to the airport before the expedition cruise
• Transfers between the Ushuaia airport and the ship, including a brief tour of the town

Expedition Cruise

• Expedition cruise in the cabin of your choice
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and Fredheim
• Fine-dining in À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm is included for suite guests
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
• Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
• English-speaking Expedition Team who organizes and guides activities, both on board and ashore
• Range of included activities

Onboard activities

• Experts from the Expedition Team present detailed lectures on a variety of topics
• Use of the ship's Science Center, which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
• The Citizen Science program, which allows guests to contribute to current scientific research projects
• The onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
• The ship has hot tubs, a sauna, an outdoor and indoor gym, and an outdoor running track
• Participate in informal gatherings with the crew, such as daily recaps and the next day's preparations

Landing activities

• Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
• Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
• Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
• Expedition photographers help you configure your camera settings

Not Included In Your Expedition

• International flights
• Travel protection
• Baggage handling
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners
• Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
• Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area

Notes

• All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please ensure you can meet all entry and boarding requirements
• No gratuities are expected