Arrive at Ezeiza International Airport, the airport for Buenos Aires. 

Ezeiza International Airport serves Buenos Aires, often called the "Paris of South America." Known for its high quality of life, Buenos Aires was rated one of South America's most livable cities in 2018, despite its population density of 13,680 inhabitants per square kilometer (34,800 per square mile) and nearly 3 million residents. Twinned with cities like Moscow and Miami, the city blends Old and New World influences in its architecture. Buenos Aires exudes energy, from its bustling markets and vibrant tango performances to colorful street art, modern skyscrapers, and lively port. The city's theatre scene is unparalleled, hosting over 300 performances every weekend, surpassing even New York, London, and Paris in activity. Founded in 1580 by Spanish explorer Juan de Garay, Buenos Aires has a rich, multifaceted history.

From Buenos Aires fly to Ushuaia.

Ushuaia was home to the indigenous Yahgan people and now proudly holds the title of the world's southernmost city, often called the "end of the world." Set along the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is a vibrant scene, with colorful houses framed by the majestic, snow-capped Andes. Towering above it all, Monte Olivia rises dramatically at 4,530 feet.

Ushuaia's landscape is a natural marvel, from the dense Southern beech forests at sea level to alpine ecosystems higher up. Its proximity to the Antarctic Peninsula has made it a primary gateway to the Great White Continent, yet Ushuaia is much more than a transit point. It offers a rich natural history, indigenous heritage, and a spirit of adventure. Visitors can explore Tierra del Fuego National Park's breathtaking trails and uncover captivating stories at the "End of the World" museum—making Ushuaia a destination that rewards curiosity and adventure.

Spend your day at sea enjoying the many facilities available.

Depending on weather, ice conditions, and reported wildlife distribution during your voyage, your captain and expedition team will program an additional day of discovery and adventure for you in Antarctica.

Spend your day at sea enjoying the many facilities available.

Garibaldi Glacier is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Chile. Set at the head of its eponymous fjord within Alberto de Agostini National Park, this massive, retreating tidewater glacier emerges from the extensive ice field within the park. It measures half a mile wide at its face and sits back more than 10 miles from where Garibaldi Fjord ends in the Beagle Channel. Unlike the moraine or glacial till carried by most glaciers, Garibaldi has a medial moraine, which indicates the merging of two individual glaciers. It is one of several found within the fjord, which also features a series of cascading waterfalls and several small icebergs deposited by glacier calving. Alberto de Agostini National Park, Chile’s third largest, protects some 3.6 million acres and makes up the core of Cabo de Hornos Biosphere Reserve. It encompasses the extensive Cordillera Darwin mountain range and the southernmost forests in the world. As your Zodiac cruises near the face of Garibaldi Glacier, keep an eye out for playful seals and sea lions; Magellanic penguins and even orcas are spotted here, while Andean condors are seen overhead.

Punta Arenas is the most important port and commercial center for Chile's immense Patagonian agricultural area. The economy revolves around the sheep raised on the expansive pampas. Located on the Strait of Magellan, separating the mainland from the island of Tierra del Fuego, the city proclaims itself the southernmost city in the world. Its colonial history may be explored in the splendid Plaza de Armas, in the magnificent tombs of the Pioneer Cemetery, and in the opulent Braun-Menendez Mansion. Ferdinand Magellan's exploration heritage can be recaptured at the Nao Victoria ship museum. Fort Bulnes National Monument memorializes the earliest colonial period, while the offshore Los Pinguinos Natural Monument preserves the thriving seabird and sea lion colonies around Magdalena Island. This is also the port from which a full-day flight excursion takes visitors to the majestic peaks and, picturesque lakes and wildlife of the Torres del Paine National Park.

Included Magdalena Penguin Reserve Experience

Upon reaching Magdalena Island, home to a large Magellanic penguin colony, you can observe penguins, cormorants, and other birds in their unspoiled habitat. Spend an hour watching these curious creatures before returning to Punta Arenas. A snack pack will be provided.

Notes: Do not attempt to touch the penguins, as their strong beaks can inflict serious wounds. Since this is a wildlife reserve, no visitor facilities are available. Walking is on mostly flat, marked pathways with approximately 30 minutes on uneven terrain. Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. Rough sea conditions can be experienced on the approximately two-hour journey to Magdalena Island; passengers prone to seasickness should take this into consideration. It is essential that you wear warm layered clothing to enjoy and fully participate in this excursion.

Included Voyage Into the Past: Magellan's Discovery Experience

Discover Punta Arenas, visit the Nao Victoria Museum with a life-size replica of Magellan's ship, and explore the Maggiorino Borgatello Museum's regional wildlife and culture exhibits. Enjoy views from Cerro la Cruz, see Tierra del Fuego, and stop at Plaza de Armas before returning to the pier.

Note: You must climb a long flight of stairs to reach some of the displays at the Maggiorino Borgatello Museum. Most of the exhibit interpretive panels are written in Spanish only.'

Included Punta Arenas on Foot Experience

Explore Punta Arenas with stops at the Ancud Monument, a cormorant colony at the historic pier, and Colon Avenue’s neoclassical mansions, including the Municipal Theater and Braun Menendez Museum. Visit Plaza de Armas and enjoy free time and panoramic views of Cerro de la Cruz before returning to the ship.

Please note: Wherever Included Experience tours are offered, guests can participate in only one included experience per call unless otherwise specified in the tour description.

The Strait of Magellan is a 350-mile/570 km channel separating the mainland of South America from the large Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego and connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It was first navigated by the explorer Ferdinand Magellan during his circumnavigation voyage in 1520. He named it the Strait of All Saints because his transit started on November 1, All Saints Day. Magellan named the southern island Tierra del Fuego after seeing the smoke from fires in the camps of the native Yahgan people, whom he called the Patagones, meaning “big feet,” and their land Patagonia. The strait is between two and 20 miles wide, earning the nickname Dragon’s Tail among sailors for its tortuous path.

Along with the Beagle Channel, it was one of two protected channels for sailing between the oceans before the construction of the Panama Canal. The third alternative was the notoriously turbulent open-ocean Drake Passage beyond Cape Horn. One sizeable port city in the strait, Punta Arenas, Chile, has an interesting harbor breakwater consisting of two ship hulks, the Cavenga, and an old iron four-mast sailing ship, the County of Peebles. Several Chilean national parks and monuments are in the strait, including Los Pinguinos National Monument and a sanctuary for protecting humpback whales. Southern right whales are also known to frequent the strait’s waters. There are 41 light signals in the strait, including the San Isidro Lighthouse, which has been restored and is now a museum, and the Evangelistas Lighthouse at the western entrance. The strait was difficult for sailing ships due to unpredictable winds and tidal currents. Depending on tide conditions, even modern ships often opt for one of the alternative routes because the Venturi effect greatly exaggerates the tidal speeds through narrows.

The Smyth Channel is another of the spectacular waterways threading the maze of islands off the coast of extreme southern Chile. At its northern end, it briefly parallels the Sarmiento Channel, then veers southward, opening into the Strait of Magellan. Dotted with myriad small islands and corrugated with countless narrow fjords and bays, it makes a mesmerizing panorama as your ship plies between the islands on one side and the immense Peninsula Muñoz-Gamero on the other. Members of your expedition team will be on deck and in lounges to offer insights into the wild, unspoiled terrain you are passing.

Cruising Fiordo de las Montañas (Fjord of the Mountains) is a highlight of your Chilean Patagonia voyage. This narrow channel, located west of Puerto Natales, stretches more than 40 miles north to south, ending in a glacially carved valley at the far end of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Bordered by two mountain ranges, the fjord is bestrewed with glaciers that have broken off from the snow-topped peaks while waterfalls cascade down the jagged cliff walls. On a clear day, you can see 5,750-foot-high Mount Burney, an inactive, ice-covered stratovolcano about 50 miles away. Fiordo de las Montañas lies within Kawésqar National Park, Chile’s second-largest, which protects a vast swath of the country’s southern coast. The 7-million-acre park is named after the ancient Kawésqar people who once inhabited this region. The park is home to the endangered huemul (South Andean deer), culpeo fox, and puma, as well as more than 125 bird species, including southern giant petrel and imperial shag spotted while cruising the channel. 

At the head of scenic Eyre Fjord is the longest glacier in the southern hemisphere outside Antarctica. The monumental ice mass of the Bruggen Glacier fills the fjord to a width of 4.5 kilometers (3 miles) and covers an area of 1,265 square kilometers (488 square miles). Colossal ice cliffs rise to a height of 75 meters (246') and are cut by deep-blue crevasses and free-standing ice pillars known as seracs. Some 66 kilometers (41 miles) upstream of where it meets the ocean, the Brüggen Glacier merges with the ice of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Unlike other glaciers worldwide, it advanced significantly from 1945 to 1976, adding nearly 60 square kilometers (23 square miles) to its toe. Located deep within the boundaries of Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, it was named after the German-Chilean geologist Juan Brüggen Messtorff. Bernardo O'Higgins National Park is one of the last refuges for the small Chilean deer known as a huemul, and species such as the Andean condor and marine otter may also be found here.

Calen Fjord is a stunning natural feature located in the remote Arctic region of Canada. It is known for its dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity. The fjord is characterized by towering cliffs, deep blue waters, and impressive glacial formations, making it a breathtaking destination for exploration and adventure.

Caleta Tortel is a charming coastal village in the Aysen region of Chilean Patagonia, at the mouth of the Baker River, the largest river in Chile. Founded in 1955 primarily for the timber industry, the village is famous for its unique architecture. It is characterized by colorful stilt houses connected by an extensive network of wooden walkways instead of traditional streets. This distinctive layout reflects the area's rugged geography, which includes fjords, channels, and islands.

 

Boca del Guafo is a striking geographical feature in the Aysen Region of Chilean Patagonia. This narrow strait serves as the entrance to Guafo Island, connecting the Gulf of Peñas with the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. Its rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and rich marine biodiversity characterize the area, making it a significant spot for ecological and navigational purposes.

The towns are built mainly of abundant local woods, and many houses are elaborately shingled in intricate designs. Even the cathedral is a beautiful, vaulted structure crafted of local hardwoods. The forest and the sea are the source of livelihood and much more in this rustic outpost.

Included Churches of Chiloe & the City of Castro Experience

Discover the charm of Chiloe Island on a tour of Castro and Chonchi. Visit UNESCO sites like Castro's Cathedral and Chonchi Church, explore the Museum of Traditions, and admire colorful wooden palafitos from Gamboa Viewpoint. Stroll through Castro's vibrant handicraft market before returning to the ship.

 

Puerto Montt sits beneath a skyline of snow-capped volcanoes. Volcan Osorno, towering 2,652-meter (8,701’) above the town, erupted in 1835 and was described by naturalist Charles Darwin. The town sits at the gateway to many outdoor adventures, including an exhilarating white-water rafting trip, tranquil fly fishing, and scenic hiking in Alerce Andino National Park. Petrohue Rapids and Lake Llanquihue are set within a rural landscape of sheep farms. A walk around town allows for an encounter with the South American way of life. A vibrant fish market, selling everything from seaweed to salmon to spiny crabs, sits astride a street lined with craft stalls packed with brightly colored woolen ponchos. South American fur seals lounge along the seawall promenade as colorful fishing boats lay at anchor offshore. Puerto Montt is an eclectic mix of new and old, refined and rustic. 

Reloncavi Sound is a panoramic vista of high volcanoes. To the south is the scenic Moraleda Channel and the entrance to the picturesque Chilean Fjords.

Included Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas & Frutillar Highlights Experience

Explore Puerto Varas and Frutillar, two charming towns near Puerto Montt. Stroll Puerto Varas' main square by Lago Llanquihue has stunning volcano views. Then, visit Frutillar's Colonial Museum and enjoy refreshments. Return via the same route and visit Angelmo Handicraft Market near the pier.

Included Petrohue Falls, Emerald Lake Cruise & Puerto Varas Experience

Explore Chile's Lake District with stunning landscapes and serene lakes. Cruise the emerald waters of Lake Todos Los Santos, visit the scenic Petrohue Rapids with volcano views, and stroll through Puerto Varas' handicraft market before returning to Puerto Montt.

Please note: Wherever Included Experience tours are offered, guests can participate in only one included experience per call unless otherwise specified in the tour description.

Spend your day at sea enjoying the many facilities available.

Arrive in Santiago and disembark after breakfast.