Southern Patagonia: Glaciers, Fjords and Wildlife

Arrive in Santiago, the capital city of Chile. Set against the Andes and Chilean Coastal mountain ranges, Santiago is home to half of the country’s population. Transfer from the airport to the Ritz-Carlton, Santiago (or similar).

Santiago is the capital and largest city of Chile, located in a valley surrounded by the Andes mountains. It is the political, cultural, and economic center of the country. The city is known for its modern skyline, historic neighborhoods, and vibrant street life. Santiago also offers easy access to ski resorts, vineyards, and natural parks nearby. With its mix of urban energy and mountain scenery, it is one of South America’s most dynamic cities.

Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Before embarking, relax and enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel.

At 55 degrees latitude south, Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ah) is closer to the South Pole than to Argentina's northern border with Bolivia. It is the capital and tourism base for Tierra del Fuego, the island at the southernmost tip of Argentina.Although its stark physical beauty is striking, Tierra del Fuego's historical allure is based more on its mythical past than on rugged reality. The island was inhabited for 6,000 years by Yámana, Haush, Selk'nam, and Alakaluf Indians. But in 1902 Argentina, eager to populate Patagonia to bolster its territorial claims, moved to initiate an Ushuaian penal colony, establishing the permanent settlement of its most southern territories and, by implication, everything in between.When the prison closed in 1947, Ushuaia had a population of about 3,000, made up mainly of former inmates and prison staff. Today the Indians of Darwin's "missing link" theory are long gone—wiped out by diseases brought by settlers and by indifference to their plight—and the 60,000 residents of Ushuaia are hitching their star to tourism.The city rightly (if perhaps too loudly) promotes itself as the southernmost city in the world (Puerto Williams, a few miles south on the Chilean side of the Beagle Channel, is a small town). You can make your way to the tourism office to get your clichéd, but oh-so-necessary, "Southernmost City in the World" passport stamp. Ushuaia feels like a frontier boomtown, at heart still a rugged, weather-beaten fishing village, but exhibiting the frayed edges of a city that quadrupled in size in the '70s and '80s and just keeps growing. Unpaved portions of Ruta 3, the last stretch of the Pan-American Highway, which connects Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, are finally being paved. The summer months (December through March) draw more than 120,000 visitors, and dozens of cruise ships. The city is trying to extend those visits with events like March's Marathon at the End of the World and by increasing the gamut of winter activities buoyed by the excellent snow conditions.A terrific trail winds through the town up to the Martial Glacier, where a ski lift can help cut down a steep kilometer of your journey. The chaotic and contradictory urban landscape includes a handful of luxury hotels amid the concrete of public housing projects. Scores of "sled houses" (wooden shacks) sit precariously on upright piers, ready for speedy displacement to a different site. But there are also many small, picturesque homes with tiny, carefully tended gardens. Many of the newer homes are built in a Swiss-chalet style, reinforcing the idea that this is a town into which tourism has breathed new life. At the same time, the weather-worn pastel colors that dominate the town's landscape remind you that Ushuaia was once just a tiny fishing village, snuggled at the end of the Earth.As you stand on the banks of the Canal Beagle (Beagle Channel) near Ushuaia, the spirit of the farthest corner of the world takes hold. What stands out is the light: at sundown the landscape is cast in a subdued, sensual tone; everything feels closer, softer, and more human in dimension despite the vastness of the setting. The snowcapped mountains reflect the setting sun back onto a stream rolling into the channel, as nearby peaks echo their image—on a windless day—in the still waters.Above the city rise the last mountains of the Andean Cordillera, and just south and west of Ushuaia they finally vanish into the often-stormy sea. Snow whitens the peaks well into summer. Nature is the principal attraction here, with trekking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife spotting, and sailing among the most rewarding activities, especially in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park).

Sail into a vast wilderness of snow-capped peaks, mirror-like lakes, thick glaciers and islets blanketed with vegetation. In this pristine landscape, myriad fjords or senos cut between soaring granite walls and waterfalls splash down from high above.

The region you'll explore for the next two days is known as Glacier Alley. This entire region is part of a greater UNESCO Biosphere Reserve focusing on the Magallanes Sub-Antarctic Evergreen Rainforest. This incredibly biodiverse region arose with the retreat of the glaciers which formed these fjords.

Begin at Seno Pia, a secluded fjord in the northwestern arm of the Beagle Channel with an impressively large glacier at its terminus. Next is Seno Garibaldi, part of Alberto de Agostini National Park, a dramatic region where the formidable Andes meet the sea. Visit the Garibaldi Glacier by Zodiac and ship, marveling at this stunning wall of ice. Seno Agostini is the origin of numerous glaciers from the nearby mountains. Explore this region from Zodiacs, getting close to floating brash ice and bergy bits, watching for wildlife and hoping to witness the thundering process of glacial calving.

Located in the Strait of Magellan, Francisco Coloane Marine Park is the largest marine protected area along the Chilean coast, and it was also the first, established in 2003. This productive area supports vast and unique biological diversity, which will be the focus of your visit. A large summer population of humpback whales uses these waters as feeding grounds, as do South American sea lions. Black and white Peale’s dolphins are frequently seen, and you’ll search for the endemic and endangered Chilean dolphin. Explore the marine park by Zodiac, kayak and on foot. Search for large marine and terrestrial birds, including the Andean condor or the giant Antarctic petrel, and on Rupert Islet you’ll visit a large Magellanic penguin colony.

Our next two days will be spent exploring the region around Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. After driving to the park, you’ll have the option to trek on foot or explore part of the park by vehicle. The landscape is big, wide and sprawling, with some of the most dramatic mountain scenery anywhere and wildlife that includes rheas, foxes and herds of guanaco. You’ll discover one of the most spectacular and wildlife-rich areas in the Americas, covering 450,000 acres of glaciers, forests, grasslands, rivers and gem-colored lagoons, crowned with the pinnacles of Torres del Paine.  Enjoy opportunities to look for Andean condors or hike the beautiful terrain of the region.

With a population of roughly 18,000, Puerto Natales is the capital of the Ultima Esperanza Province. Founded in 1911, it quickly developed into a major residential center and shipping port for the area’s products. Nestled on a gently-sloping point amid spectacular scenery, the town overlooks the Ultima Esperanza Gulf and has a nice view of the Balmaceda Mountain. It provides services for the region’s intense livestock activity. Many of its inhabitants work at the Argentinian coal mines in Rio Turbio and return home over the weekend. A growing number of tourists are using the town as a jumping-off point for visiting the spectacular Torres del Paine and Balmaceda National Parks, and the nearby fjords. In 1892 and 1897, two geographic surveyors mapped the area and ascertained its potential for livestock farming. The first expedition was led by Capt. Eberhard, while the second, a Swedish one, was led by Otto Nordenskjöld. Eberhard discovered the Milodón Cave and was one of the first settlers in the area. A German-born immigrant in transit along the Strait of Magellan, he disembarked in Punta Arenas and decided to stay in this area. His brother continued to California, their original destination, where he later founded the renowned Eberhard Faber pencil making company. When the area opened to settlement in 1893, the lands lying along the coast were occupied mostly by German and English settlers who had previously come to Punta Arenas. There still remain a few interesting buildings dating from the estancia heydays. Pier Information The ship will remain at anchor. Guests will be brought ashore by ship’s tenders to the jetty located close to the center of town, which can be reached on foot. Shopping The main shopping area is located about 11 blocks from the landing jetty. Cuisine Two of the better restaurants in town are Tranquera and Circulo Español. Other Sites Cerro DoroteaA walk up this hill rewards with superb views of the whole Ultima Esperanza Sound.Milodón Cave National MonumentAbout 15 miles out of Puerto Natales stands this monument near the cave, where in 1895 Capt. Eberhard found the nearly intact remains of a prehistoric animal called milodón, a type of ground sloth. The finding caused such a stir that Wellington Furlog, a scientiest at Cornell University, set out in 1907 to comb Patagonia in search of living specimens of this species.

Our next two days will be spent exploring the region around Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. After driving to the park, you’ll have the option to trek on foot or explore part of the park by vehicle. The landscape is big, wide and sprawling, with some of the most dramatic mountain scenery anywhere and wildlife that includes rheas, foxes and herds of guanaco. You’ll discover one of the most spectacular and wildlife-rich areas in the Americas, covering 450,000 acres of glaciers, forests, grasslands, rivers and gem-colored lagoons, crowned with the pinnacles of Torres del Paine.  Enjoy opportunities to look for Andean condors or hike the beautiful terrain of the region.

It is one of South America’s most iconic wilderness destinations, famous for its dramatic granite towers, turquoise lakes, and vast Patagonian landscapes. The park offers world-class hiking routes such as the renowned W Trek, where visitors encounter glaciers, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife including guanacos and condors. Its raw beauty and ever-changing weather create an unforgettable adventure in one of the planet’s most pristine natural environments.

After a final morning in Puerto Natales, you'll have two days to continue your exploration of the Chilean fjords. Your Captain and local pilots guide the ship through Kirke Narrows, accessible only to a small expedition ship such as National Geographic Resolution. While the wildlife of the region will leave you speechless, the combination of unspoiled scenery, national parks and lush Magellanic forests is what makes the fjords of Chile so captivating. Explore the extensive maze of pristine channels and islands by Zodiac and kayak or take a walk in the surrounding forest.

Arrive in Punta Arenas, the largest city in Patagonia. With local guides, you’ll visit the historic center of the city, the Plaza de Armas and a local handicraft market. Visit the Patagonia Institute and the Salesian Museum to learn the region’s archaeology and wildlife. Alternatively, go for a hike in the Magallanes National Reserve, which offers outstanding views of the valley below and of Punta Arenas. Later, be on deck as your privately-chartered catamaran navigates the Strait of Magellan, en route to Isla Magdalena. The island has been designated a national nature reserve because of its importance as a penguin breeding site. Go ashore at the Penguins National Nature Reserve and witness Magellanic penguins in one of the most accessible Magellanic penguin rookeries in the world. Photo opportunities abound here.

Punta Arenas was founded as a penal colony by Chile in 1848. Nestled amid spectacular mountain vistas on the eastern shores of the Brunswick Peninsula, it played host to mariners crossing the continent by ship. Europeans followed, searching for newly discovered gold and establishing vast swaths of sheep farms locally and throughout the surrounding region. Over time, Punta Arenas became one of Chile’s most important ports as, before the opening of the Panama Canal, it laid on the northernmost transcontinental shipping route.

Continue to the newest and largest protected area on Tierra del Fuego: Karukinka, meaning "our land" in the language of the ancient inhabitants. By special permission, visit this private reserve, which harbors abundant wildlife, including endangered culpeo foxes, guanacos, blackbrowed albatross, Andean condors and elephant seals. On your last day in the Chilean fjords, set out to explore in Zodiacs and kayaks and on foot. Visit Bahía Ainsworth, at the base of Marinelli Glacier, to explore the subpolar Magellan Forest. Keep an eye out for southern elephant seals along the beach.

Karukinka Natural Park is a vast protected area located in the Chilean part of Tierra del Fuego. It is known for its wild, untouched landscapes of mountains, peat bogs, forests, and rivers. The park lies in a remote region where human presence is minimal and nature dominates. It provides habitat for unique wildlife such as guanacos, Andean condors, and foxes. Karukinka offers a rare glimpse into one of the most pristine and isolated ecosystems on Earth.

Continue to the newest and largest protected area on Tierra del Fuego: Karukinka, meaning "our land" in the language of the ancient inhabitants. By special permission, visit this private reserve, which harbors abundant wildlife, including endangered culpeo foxes, guanacos, blackbrowed albatross, Andean condors and elephant seals. On your last day in the Chilean fjords, set out to explore in Zodiacs and kayaks and on foot. Visit Bahía Ainsworth, at the base of Marinelli Glacier, to explore the subpolar Magellan Forest. Keep an eye out for southern elephant seals along the beach.

Ainsworth Bay is part of the Almirantazgo Sound, in the Tierra del Fuego region of Chile. It is inside the D Agostini National Park, within the Darwin Range and is one of the most pristine and secluded spots to visit in this part of Chilean Patagonia. The retreating Marinelli Glacier, with its 130-foot high ice walls, is nearby, there are often elephant seals hauled out on the beaches, and colonies of Magellanic Penguins nest in burrows amongst the vegetation. Other common birds are cormorants and predatory skuas.

Visit Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of the South American continent. Conditions permitting, make a landing to look out at the waters of the Drake Passage.

Continue to Isla de los Estados, whose wild, untouched landscapes are home to Magellanic penguins, fur seals, otters, sea lions and countless water birds. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has received special permission to visit here. The exact schedule will remain flexible to take best advantage of conditions for exploring this natural wonderland. See a reconstruction of the 1884 San Juan de Salvamento “Lighthouse at the End of the World,” which inspired Jules Verne’s novel of the same name. The National Geographic Resolution is one of the few expedition ships to be granted access here, and the experience is bound to be unforgettable.

Round Cape Horn and cruise the Beagle Channel

Today we cruise through the Beagle Channel and sail down to the southernmost tip of South America: Cape Horn. The rocky walls of the channel plunge straight into the deep, icy, blue waters of this wild and remote seascape. Watch out for rare, endemic Peale’s dolphins and other wildlife.

Cape Horn is where the open waters of the Atlantic and Pacific collide, creating powerful, swirling waves. Rounding the cape would once strike fear into the heart of hardened sailors. But with the benefit of our modern instruments, we'll attempt to safely land on and explore the cape—if the conditions cooperate, of course.

Your expedition cruise continues through fabled waterways toward Ushuaia, our final stop.

Visit Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of the South American continent. Conditions permitting, make a landing to look out at the waters of the Drake Passage.

Continue to Isla de los Estados, whose wild, untouched landscapes are home to Magellanic penguins, fur seals, otters, sea lions and countless water birds. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has received special permission to visit here. The exact schedule will remain flexible to take best advantage of conditions for exploring this natural wonderland. See a reconstruction of the 1884 San Juan de Salvamento “Lighthouse at the End of the World,” which inspired Jules Verne’s novel of the same name. The National Geographic Resolution is one of the few expedition ships to be granted access here, and the experience is bound to be unforgettable.

Isla de los Estados is a remote and rugged island located off the eastern tip of Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. It is characterized by steep mountains, dense forests, and a deeply indented coastline shaped by fjords and bays. The island has a harsh, wet, and windy climate, making it largely uninhabited except for a few scientific and naval presence. It is known for its rich wildlife, including seabirds and marine mammals. Isla de los Estados remains one of the most isolated and wild places in South America.

Isla de los Estados is a remote and rugged island located off the eastern tip of Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. It is characterized by steep mountains, dense forests, and a deeply indented coastline shaped by fjords and bays. The island has a harsh, wet, and windy climate, making it largely uninhabited except for a few scientific and naval presence. It is known for its rich wildlife, including seabirds and marine mammals. Isla de los Estados remains one of the most isolated and wild places in South America.

Isla de los Estados is a remote and rugged island located off the eastern tip of Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. It is characterized by steep mountains, dense forests, and a deeply indented coastline shaped by fjords and bays. The island has a harsh, wet, and windy climate, making it largely uninhabited except for a few scientific and naval presence. It is known for its rich wildlife, including seabirds and marine mammals. Isla de los Estados remains one of the most isolated and wild places in South America.

Disembark in Ushuaia and take the recommended flight to Santiago to connect with your overnight flight home.

At 55 degrees latitude south, Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ah) is closer to the South Pole than to Argentina's northern border with Bolivia. It is the capital and tourism base for Tierra del Fuego, the island at the southernmost tip of Argentina.Although its stark physical beauty is striking, Tierra del Fuego's historical allure is based more on its mythical past than on rugged reality. The island was inhabited for 6,000 years by Yámana, Haush, Selk'nam, and Alakaluf Indians. But in 1902 Argentina, eager to populate Patagonia to bolster its territorial claims, moved to initiate an Ushuaian penal colony, establishing the permanent settlement of its most southern territories and, by implication, everything in between.When the prison closed in 1947, Ushuaia had a population of about 3,000, made up mainly of former inmates and prison staff. Today the Indians of Darwin's "missing link" theory are long gone—wiped out by diseases brought by settlers and by indifference to their plight—and the 60,000 residents of Ushuaia are hitching their star to tourism.The city rightly (if perhaps too loudly) promotes itself as the southernmost city in the world (Puerto Williams, a few miles south on the Chilean side of the Beagle Channel, is a small town). You can make your way to the tourism office to get your clichéd, but oh-so-necessary, "Southernmost City in the World" passport stamp. Ushuaia feels like a frontier boomtown, at heart still a rugged, weather-beaten fishing village, but exhibiting the frayed edges of a city that quadrupled in size in the '70s and '80s and just keeps growing. Unpaved portions of Ruta 3, the last stretch of the Pan-American Highway, which connects Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, are finally being paved. The summer months (December through March) draw more than 120,000 visitors, and dozens of cruise ships. The city is trying to extend those visits with events like March's Marathon at the End of the World and by increasing the gamut of winter activities buoyed by the excellent snow conditions.A terrific trail winds through the town up to the Martial Glacier, where a ski lift can help cut down a steep kilometer of your journey. The chaotic and contradictory urban landscape includes a handful of luxury hotels amid the concrete of public housing projects. Scores of "sled houses" (wooden shacks) sit precariously on upright piers, ready for speedy displacement to a different site. But there are also many small, picturesque homes with tiny, carefully tended gardens. Many of the newer homes are built in a Swiss-chalet style, reinforcing the idea that this is a town into which tourism has breathed new life. At the same time, the weather-worn pastel colors that dominate the town's landscape remind you that Ushuaia was once just a tiny fishing village, snuggled at the end of the Earth.As you stand on the banks of the Canal Beagle (Beagle Channel) near Ushuaia, the spirit of the farthest corner of the world takes hold. What stands out is the light: at sundown the landscape is cast in a subdued, sensual tone; everything feels closer, softer, and more human in dimension despite the vastness of the setting. The snowcapped mountains reflect the setting sun back onto a stream rolling into the channel, as nearby peaks echo their image—on a windless day—in the still waters.Above the city rise the last mountains of the Andean Cordillera, and just south and west of Ushuaia they finally vanish into the often-stormy sea. Snow whitens the peaks well into summer. Nature is the principal attraction here, with trekking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife spotting, and sailing among the most rewarding activities, especially in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park).

Santiago is the capital and largest city of Chile, located in a valley surrounded by the Andes mountains. It is the political, cultural, and economic center of the country. The city is known for its modern skyline, historic neighborhoods, and vibrant street life. Santiago also offers easy access to ski resorts, vineyards, and natural parks nearby. With its mix of urban energy and mountain scenery, it is one of South America’s most dynamic cities.