Les fjords chiliens – Le champ de glace de Patagonie et les communautés côtières

Begin your adventure in this vibrant hilltop city

Your expedition begins in Valparaíso, a historic port city on Chile's Pacific coast. With its colourful hillside neighbourhoods and sweeping ocean views, it's the starting point for your journey through Patagonia. After picking up your expedition jacket and meeting your Expedition Team, find your cabin and explore the ship, before enjoying the first of many delicious meals on board as we set sail.

Sail south along the Peruvian trench

Prepare for the adventures ahead as we spend a day at sea. cruising south. Take the opportunity to get to know your ship better, perhaps trying out some of its facilities such as the hot tubs or sauna. There will also be lectures to attend and new friends to be made.    Our journey takes us through the rich waters of the Humboldt Current as we pass over the Peruvian trench: a tectonically active, 1,524-metre-deep gouge in the seafloor. The deep water and swift-moving currents bring a variety of wildlife to the area. Your Expedition Team will tell you more about the Humboldt Current's importance to the marine ecosystem, and help you spot birdlife like Peruvian boobies, brown boobies, and various species of whales.

Explore Spanish fortresses and lively markets

We go 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 Feria Costumbrista market is on, you may want to sample some traditional snacks, such as empanadas, anticuchos, 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 here, then wander around the lighthouse. You'll enjoy beautiful views across the river and bay.

Stilt houses and historic churches

Set amidst the lush greenery of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile's third oldest city. It's also home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón. The former is one of the oldest colonial era buildings in the country and has survived 15 major earthquakes.    Keep your camera ready for views of the city's colourful palafitos – stilt houses along the waterfront. For an insight into local history and culture, head to the Museo Regional de Castro and the Modern Art Museum.

Witness unforgettable seascapes

Your expedition continues south through the waters of Patagonia. The seas here are captivating, with a whole palette of 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, seals, and more. Take in the scenery from the panoramic sauna or on-deck hot tubs and infinity pool, or just enjoy the onboard cuisine, before relaxing in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.    Your Expedition Team will be on hand with fascinating lectures on a range of topics, and our onboard photographer can help with tips on expedition photography.

Receive a warm welcome in Caleta Tortel

We continue off the well-trodden path to visit isolated Caleta Tortel. Lying at the mouth of Río Baker, Chile's largest river, this charming village is home to around 500 inhabitants.    Instead of streets, a maze of boardwalks connects the close-knit community, spreading over the water and around the mountain base. If conditions permit, you'll be able to investigate the milky blue waters here by kayak.    While exploring the village, you'll come across locals selling handicrafts and you may even be treated to a performance by folk dancers.

Patagonia's fjords, glaciers, and one of Earth's great icefields

Over the next three days, we venture deep into the fjords and channels of Chilean Patagonia, entering a region where mountains, forests, and glaciers dominate the landscape and signs of human presence are few. This is expedition cruising at its most immersive, with each day shaped by the conditions and opportunities we encounter along the way. As we navigate through Bernardo O'Higgins National Park and towards the Southern Patagonian Icefield, our Expedition Team will look for the best opportunities to explore. Depending on weather and sea conditions, we may kayak along protected shorelines, go Zodiac cruising by glaciers, or land ashore for guided walks and hikes. Highlights include the impressive glaciers of the region, including Pio XI and El Brujo, where ice descends from the icefield towards the sea. Between glacier visits, we sail through a maze of remote waterways, taking time to appreciate the scale, silence, and wilderness of one of Patagonia's most remarkable landscapes.

Discover a remote community surrounded by wilderness.

After days exploring glaciers, fjords, and remote waterways, we arrive at Puerto Edén, one of the most isolated settlements in Chilean Patagonia. Accessible only by sea or air, this small community sits amid a vast landscape of islands, mountains, and channels shaped by wind, water, and ice. A visit here offers a rare opportunity to experience daily life in a region where nature continues to dictate the rhythm of living. Walking through the village, we'll gain insight into the challenges and traditions of life in this remote corner of Patagonia and learn about the cultural heritage of the Kawésqar people, the original inhabitants of these waterways. The contrast between Puerto Edén and the wilderness that surrounds it is striking. As we continue our expedition through the fjords, the visit provides valuable perspective on the enduring relationship between people and one of the most remarkable natural environments on Earth.

Enjoy a day of scenic cruising

Today is yours to enjoy the ship's facilities and the company of fellow travellers. Perhaps unwind in the hot tub, enjoy a drink at the bar, or join a session with the Expedition Team as we sail north towards Puerto Montt, gateway to Chile's beautiful Lake District.

Explore the surrounding areas of southern Chile's gateway city

Today, we explore Puerto Montt and the surrounding Lake District, a region where snowcapped volcanoes rise above forests, lakes, and fertile farmland. Shaped by both fire and ice, these landscapes offer a fascinating contrast to the remote fjords and channels of Patagonia. Choose from a range of excursions that reveal different sides of the region. You may visit volcanic landscapes, walk through temperate rainforest, admire the turquoise waters of Petrohué Falls, or take in views across Lake Llanquihue towards the distinctive cone of Osorno Volcano. The area is also home to communities whose lives remain closely linked to the sea and surrounding countryside. Whether exploring nature or discovering local traditions, today offers valuable insight into the landscapes and people that define southern Chile.

At Sea

Your expedition cruise continues along the Pacific coast to Valparaíso, our final stop. Now, as our journey nears its end, take some time to reflect on the experiences you've had so far. Perhaps you've met some kindred spirits along the way, and maybe you're even thinking ahead to your next adventure. There will be a chance to enjoy a recap of our shared experiences in Patagonia and the fjords from our Expedition Team. And seeing as you're at sea, you may as well take full advantage of all the great onboard facilities the ship offers and enjoy a final fantastic evening meal.

End your voyage in colourful Valparaíso

Your South American expedition cruise ends in Valparaíso, 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 attractions, the city is an intriguing mix of winding alleyways, colourful houses, and mercados packed with local produce.