In-depth Patagonia & Chilean Fjords Expedition

HIGHLIGHTS

• 16-day expedition cruise to Patagonia and the Chilean fjords from Ushuaia to Valparaíso, with opportunities to visit four spectacular National Parks.
• Journey with us as we attempt to go ashore at the legendary Cape Horn and cruise to the must-see Garibaldi and Pio XI glaciers.
• Visit remote communities at Puerto Williams, Puerto Edén and Caleta Tortel, as well as bustling cities and charming villages.

ITINERARY

Day 1  Buenos Aires, Argentina
Day 2  Buenos Aires/Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 3  At Sea
Day 4  Puerto Williams, Chile
Day 5 Garibaldi Glacier or Pia Glacier, Chile
Day 6  Chilean Fjords
Day 7-8  Puerto Natales, Chile
Day 9 Pio XI Glacier, Chile
Day 10  Puerto Edén, Chile
Day 11  Tortel, Chile
Day 12  At Sea
Day 13  Castro, Chile
Day 14  Niebla, Chile
Day 15  At Sea
Day 16  Valparaíso, Chile

DAY 1
Buzzing Buenos Aires
Fire and flavour in Argentina’s capital
With its fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache, an overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your adventure. Why not arrive here early to fully explore, or join our optional Pre-Programme to wild Patagonia.
T ake in the beautiful architecture. Visit the beautiful opera house of Teatro Colón, the pretty-in-pink Casa Rosada, and the National Museum of Fine Arts, displaying works by Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso.
Explore the colourful street museum in La Boca with its buzzy markets and restaurants. Or take in a tango show before savouring delicious Argentinian beef in one of the city's steakhouses.

DAY 2
Setting sail from Ushuaia
Flying south to Ushuaia where you'll board your ship
You'll have an early start today as we head to the airport for our flight to Ushuaia. With its backdrop of snow-covered mountains, Ushuaia holds the proud, if often-disputed, title of southernmost city in the world.
MS Roald Amundsen is waiting in port for you. Our first hybrid-powered ship is designed to make travel more sustainable, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
After picking up your expedition jacket and meeting your Expedition Team, settle in and explore the ship before enjoying the first of many delicious meals onboard. Your adventure is officially underway.

DAY 3
Rounding Cape Horn
The Beagle Channel’s deep blue waters are flanked by sheer-sided mountains
Your adventure starts in earnest as we cruise through the Beagle Channel and sail down to the southernmost tip of South America - Cape Hope.
The rocky walls of the Beagle Channel plunge straight into the deep blue icy waters of this wild and remote seascape. Watch out for rare, endemic Peale’s dolphin 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 on your expedition, we'll attempt to land - a seafaring milestone - and explore the cape if conditions allow.

DAY 4
Peaceful Puerto Williams
Visit a remote and natural paradise
Soak in the quiet atmosphere of Puerto Williams, another contender for the world's southernmost city.
Drop into the Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum. Here, you'll find indigenous Yahgan artifacts, maps, photographs and a traditional canoe.You can also see a replica of the bow of the Yelcho - the ship that rescued Shackleton’s men in 1916.
Hike through the gorgeous scenery, on your own or as part of a guided optional excursion. You may be able to kayak if the weather is nice. Keen birdwatchers should have their binoculars handy to spot seabirds, including the mighty albatross.

INCLUDED
An anthropologist, accompanied by members of the Yaghan community, come on board for a presentation.

DAY 5
Garibaldi Glacier
See one of Chile's most impressive glaciers
The goal for the day is a scenic cruise in Garibaldi Fjord in Alberto de Agostini National Park, all the way up to Garibaldi Glacier. Here, the Andes tumble into the Pacific and great glaciers calve ice into the beautiful Chilean fjords.
If conditions allow, we'll reach the Garibaldi Glacier at the head of the fjord, one of the most impressive glaciers in all of Chile. The fjord is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and its rich waters are home to seals, sea lions and sea birds, including the impressive Andean Condor.

DAY 6
Stunning Chilean fjords
Through the Magellan Strait
As we sail north along the Chilean coast, join your Expedition Team for fascinating lectures on topics like pre-Columbian history, the geology of our surroundings and the folklore of local communities.
Enjoy the serenity and beauty of the maze of fjords we pass, surrounded by islands, glaciers and steep mountains. And keep an eye out for elephant seals, dolphins and whales, who often sail alongside the ship.
Our resident photographer will be on hand to help you get the most from your wildlife and landscape photography.

DAY 7-8
Bohemian Puerto Natales
Gateway to Torres del Paine
Our expedition cruise continues to Puerto Natales, where we'll spend the night. You can opt to go hiking in Torres del Paine National Park - an incredible experience well worth doing.
The rugged landscape has steppe, forest and desert, punctuated by glaciers and lakes. Guanacos, rheas and pumas roam freely. Look out for Chilean Flamingos and you may even spot the mighty Andean condor.
Puerto Natales is a popular hub for hikers and adventurers, with many eateries, bars and outdoor shops. Visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike; enjoy a gin tour at the Last Hope Distillery; or stroll the photogenic waterfront.

INCLUDED
Explore the highlights of the charming town of Puerto Natales, with its intriguing Milodón Cave.

DAY 9
Pio XI Glacier
Marvel at the astonishing size of this glacier
Our expedition cruise continues through the scenic Eyre Fjord towards Pio Xi Glacier, where you'll have a great chance or spotting wildlife in the forests and waters. Look out for sea lions, dolphins and terns.
The Pio XI Glacier in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park is a truly extraordinary sight. Growing by as much as 50 metres a day - as other glaciers recede - it's the longest glacier in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Antarctica.
If conditions are right, we'll launch our small expedition boats to take a closer look at this remarkable glacier, where ice occasionally calves off into the waters below.

DAY 10
Remote Puerto Edén
Discover Kawéskar culture in a Patagonian village
Our next stop is the enchanting village of Puerto Edén in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, set at the end of a deep fjord.
The tiny village is only accessible by sea, and the ferry that connects it to the mainland only visits once a month. There are no roads here - just wooden boardwalks connecting houses and shops. Among its 250-strong population, you’ll meet some of the last remaining members of the indigenous Kawéskar, giving you a fascinating insight into Patagonian culture. The unique community is designated a Living Human Treasure by UNESCO.

INCLUDED
A representative of the indigenous people Kawesqar invites you to visit their community.

DAY 11
Charm of Caleta Tortel
Receive a warm welcome in Caleta Tortel
We leave the well-trodden path once again today to visit remote Caleta Tortel. Lying at the mouth of Rio Baker, Chile's largest river, this charming village is home to just 500 inhabitants.
Instead of streets, a maze of boardwalks connects the close-knit community, weaving over water and around the mountain base. If conditions permit, you'll be able to explore more of the milky blue waters by kayak.
You can choose to tour the village with a local guide. You may be treated to a performance by folk dancers and locals selling handicrafts, while learning more about the area's fascinating history.

INCLUDED
Discover the isolated community of Tortel, sample local empanadas, and test the famous pisco sour.

DAY 12
The waters of Patagonia
Unforgettable Andean seascapes
We cruise south towards Puerto Natales, the capital of Última Esperanza. The iceberg-studded waters of Patagonia are captivating, with stunning shades of blue, from the brightest aquamarine to the deepest midnight hues.
As we sail, there's a good chance you’ll see whales, seabirds, penguins and more. Take in the scenery from the panoramic sauna or on-deck hot tubs and pool, enjoy locally sourced cuisine, or relax in the Explorer Lounge.
Our Expedition Team will be on hand with fascinating lectures on local history and wildlife, and our onboard photographer can help with tips on landscape photography.

DAY 13
Castro's Chilotan charm
Stilt houses and historic churches
Set among the lush vegetation of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile’s third oldest city and home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia de Señora de Gracia de Nercón.
Keep your camera ready for terrific views of the city’s colourful palafitos - stilt houses along the waterfront - from nearby hills. For local culture, head to the Regional Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.
Enjoy an optional walk into nearby Chiloé National Park, a stunning Valdivian rainforest of southern beech and alerce conifers. Look out for sea lions, sea birds and whales along the shore.

INCLUDED
A Castro walking tour includes Plaza de Armas and the neo-Gothic wooden Church of San Francisco.

DAY 14
The fortress at Niebla
Explore Spanish fortresses and lively folk markets
We come ashore at the pretty seaside town of Niebla, set on a picturesque peninsula with views of Corral Bay on one side and the Valdivia River on the other. Take a stroll on the wide sandy beach and, if the market Feria Costumbrista is open, sample traditional empanadas, antichuchos and churros.
Aside from the town itself, the ruins of the old Spanish fort and its associated museum are well worth a visit. Learn more about the region's history at the museum, then wander around the lighthouse and rusted cannons. You'll enjoy beautiful views across the river and bay.

INCLUDED
Visit, one of the prettiest places in Chile with a very interesting history and rich wildlife.

DAY 15
Sailing North
Wildlife spotting at sea
Your expedition cruise makes its way along the Pacific coast to Valparaíso, your final stop. Keep scanning for the wildlife that populates these waters, including terns and whales. Enjoy your final day at sea relaxing in the pool, sauna or spa.
Enjoy a recap of your expedition experiences in Patagonia and the fjords from our Expedition Team. Visit the Science Center if you have unanswered questions about the things you've seen, or to complete any observations for the Citizen Science projects.

DAY 16
Valparaíso, a UNESCO gem
Valparaíso is the glorious finale to your expedition
Your South American Pacific Coast expedition cruise ends in Valparaíso, known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific'. Built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, it's well worth spending time in this UNESCO-listed city before you fly home.
Filled with exciting smells, sounds and people, it’s an exhilarating maze of winding alleyways and barrios, colourful houses, and mercados packed with local produce. Take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción. And if you're up for more adventures, you can join one of our optional Post-Programmes, including a tour to Easter Island, famous for its mysterious statues of giant heads in Rapa Nui National Park.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

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

Expedition Cruise  

• Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and Fredheim
• À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm 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 use at water refill stations on board
• English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
• Range of included activities

Onboard Activities

• Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
• Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
• Citizen Science programme allows guests to assist with live scientific research
• Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
• Use of the ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms and outdoor running track  
• Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come

Landing Activities

• Escorted landings with small expedition boats  
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
• Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings

Not Included

• International flights  
• Travel insurance
• Luggage 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 make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
• No gratuities expected

Wine Tour & Tasting: A Morning in Maipo Valley (Post)
Price from €79
Duration 4 h

Patagonia's Wild Landscapes and Gaucho Life (Pre)
Price from €2,395
Duration 4 Days

The Highlights of Buenos Aires (Pre)
Price from €55
Duration 3 h

Estancia Experience in the Argentine Pampas (Pre/Post)
Price from €210
Duration 7 h

Explore Trendy Buenos Aires (Pre)
Price from €90
Duration 3 h

Discover the Barrios of Buenos Aires (Pre)
Price from €59
Duration 3.5 h

Typical Chilean Dinner & Music (Post)
Price from €165
Duration 3 h

Valparaiso and Santiago: A Tour of Two Cities (Post)
Price from €390
Duration 2 Days