Valparaíso, a UNESCO Gem

Discover Valparaíso, the “Jewel of the Pacific”

Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise begins in colorful Valparaíso. Known as the “Jewel of the Pacific,” this friendly UNESCO-listed city is built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, and you'll love discovering it. 

Filled with enticing scents and sounds, it’s an exhilarating maze of alleyways and barrios, colorful houses and mercados packed with local produce; take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción. 

You can explore more of the region on one of our optional Pre-Programs.

Preparing for Adventure

Get into expedition mode

Over the next two days at sea, you'll learn more about the wonders we'll encounter during our trip. 

Expedition Team members are experts in everything from oceanography and geology to ornithology and history. Drop in on their fascinating lectures and hands-on presentations in the Science Center. 

Grab a pair of binoculars and look for rare wandering albatrosses and petrels. Make the most of the onboard facilities and spoil yourself with a spa treatment in the wellness area, or enjoy the infinity pool, hot tubs, running track, sauna, and gym.

Castro’s Chilotan Charm

See stilt houses and historic churches

Set among the lush vegetation of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile’s third oldest city. It’s home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón. 

From various vantage points, you can enjoy great views of the city’s colorful “palafitos,” which are stilt houses situated along the waterfront. For a bit of culture, head to the Regional Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. 

Bring your binoculars, as Chiloé is an important habitat for bird species such as green-backed firecrowns and Chilean flamingos, along with penguins, black-necked swans, ringed kingfishers, and silvery grebes.

Sailing South

Relax at sea

We’ll continue our adventure by setting course for Puerto Natales. As we pass quietly through the beautiful islands of Aysén, you’ll be able to enjoy a rare opportunity: time out to reconnect with nature. Enjoy the fresh sea air as we glide past untouched isles and green mountains, looking out for rare wildlife.  

Take it all in from the deck, the outdoor hot tub, or the panoramic Explorer Lounge & Bar. Your Expedition Team will continue its lecture program in the Science Center, offering fascinating insights into the places and animals you’ll see on your journey.

Bohemian Puerto Natales

Gateway to Torres del Paine

We’ll sail into Puerto Natales through the White Narrows. Head out on deck to witness some of the most beautiful landscapes on the continent as your captain skilfully navigates the ship through these famed channels. 

While here, you can choose to see Torres del Paine National Park on either a bus or hiking tour—both are incredible experiences and well worth your time. 

The rugged landscape features steppe, forest, and desert punctuated by glaciers and lakes. Guanacos and rheas 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 travelers and has many eateries, bars, and outdoor shops. You can set out on your own to visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike, enjoy a gin tour at Last Hope Distillery, or stroll along the photogenic waterfront.

We’ll depart Puerto Natales in the morning as the tides and currents allow and sail through the White Narrows again.

Exploring Chile’s Fjords

Witness scenic landscapes filled with wildlife

Your journey south along the Chilean coast will take you through the ruggedly beautiful island chains that make up the fjords of Magallanes Province. Isolated islands and hidden bays create a rich haven for wildlife. 

Whether cruising aboard our small expedition boats or just out on deck, look out for colonies of Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, and various species of whale. You may also see majestic waterfalls along this dramatic and beautiful section of coastline.

Rounding Cape Horn

Attempted landing at Cape Horn

After sailing through the Beagle Channel, we’ll pass the southernmost tip of South America: Cape Horn. This formidable icon often presents challenging conditions, but weather permitting, we’ll attempt to land there. 

From here, we'll navigate the legendary Drake Passage toward Antarctica. En route, you'll find out what lies ahead and how to make your visit as safe and sustainable as possible. 

In the Science Center, the Expedition Team will give lectures about Antarctica’s fauna, history, and geology, as well as the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You can also get involved in our Citizen Science projects.

Antarctica: Another World

Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty

Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Icebergs, sculpted by nature, float in the straits. Gentoo and chinstrap penguins court while Adélie penguins nest. Countless seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge. 

You’ll spend an exciting four days busily exploring several of more than 20 possible landing sites on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Wherever we go and whatever we do, each day will offer something different and thrilling. 

We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also have the chance to kayak among icebergs and seals or snowshoe to a thrilling viewpoint. 

Bird enthusiasts should look skyward for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels, and terns. Through onboard lectures and onshore talks, you’ll learn more about this precious habitat and how we can all protect it for the future.

Sailing toward Ushuaia

Relax and learn as we cruise to Argentina

After four incredible days in Antarctica, we’ll sail back across the Drake Passage toward warmer weather in Argentina, giving you an opportunity to enjoy life on board. There are plenty of things to do. 

During your last few days at sea, you can take part in art workshops or perhaps enjoy a treatment in the spa. Get active in the gym or admire the views from the panoramic sauna. Relax in the outdoor pool or soak in the on-deck hot tubs. 

Visit the Science Center and find out more about the things you’ve seen, or use the time to sort through your photos and get editing tips from our onboard photographer.

Ushuaia

Disembark in the world’s southernmost city

Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, which is Argentina’s southernmost province.  

This bustling port is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city.  

On your way home, take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced on this incredible journey. Your mind will be swirling with memories of icy landscapes and the resident wildlife, and your camera will contain images you’ll treasure for a lifetime.