Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine 26% Discount

Immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness of Patagonia on this extraordinary journey through the Chilean fjords and Torres del Paine National Park. This expedition offers you the opportunity to discover the impressive beauty of the southern hemisphere as you depart from Buenos Aires. On board the Ultramarine, experience the majestic glaciers and unique wildlife, including Magellanic penguins and sea lions. Be inspired by the history and spectacular landscapes of the Beagle Channel as you follow Darwin's route. Enjoy views of the impressive fjords and glaciers from the perspective of a Zodiac or during a helicopter flight. This journey promises remarkable experiences and a deep connection to nature.
 

Itinerary: Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine

 
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package). As you make your way through the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, you'll be greeted by a city that seamlessly blends the old with the new, offering a unique tapestry of cultural influences. The architecture here is a testament to its rich history, with grand European-style buildings standing proudly alongside modern structures. This initial journey to your hotel is just the beginning of your adventure, setting the stage for the experiences that await you in this captivating metropolis. The pre-expedition hotel night, included in your mandatory transfer package, ensures that you have a comfortable and convenient start to your exploration, allowing you to rest and recharge before diving into the wonders of Buenos Aires.
 
Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
After enjoying an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will head to the airport to board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central location in the city center, where you will have free time to explore this picturesque port town at your own pace. You can stroll through its streets, admire the views, and perhaps discover some of its local charms before meeting the bus at a designated location to be transferred to your ship. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail through the historic Beagle Channel, which traverses the Tierra del Fuego archipelago at the southern tip of South America. This channel is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance, offering a unique experience as you venture into the waters that have witnessed countless stories of exploration and adventure.
 
Day 3: Cape Horn
As we begin our exploration of Chile’s southern extent, expect a new adventure every day. Though each expedition will be different, depending on the weather, we aim to start our journey to the “edge of the earth” with a visit to historic Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). At the southernmost point of the Tierra del Fuego (“Land of Fire”) archipelago, this steep, rocky headland on Hornos Island marks the northern boundary of the famous Drake Passage, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. From the 1700s to the early 1900s, prior to the opening of the Panama Canal, this cape was part of a major global trade route. IMPORTANT REMINDER If sea and weather conditions allow, you may go ashore for a hike out to the lighthouse, the tiny Stella Maris (“Star of the Sea”) Chapel, and the albatross-shaped monument honoring the many mariners who lost their lives attempting to “round the Horn.” Atop the windswept promontory, pause for a moment to take in the panoramic view and to enjoy the peaceful solitude that can only be found at one of the most southern stretches of land in the world.
 
Day 4 & 5: Pia and Garibaldi Glaciers, Glacier Alley
As our ship sails north toward the southern tip of Tierra del Fuego, engaging presentations by your Expedition Team will enrich your knowledge of the glaciers, geology, environment, wildlife, and storied history of the region as you trace Charles Darwin’s historic journey through the Beagle Channel, a 150-mile (240 km) strait separating the main island of Tierra del Fuego from several smaller islands. Named after the famous ship of Captain Robert FitzRoy, on which Charles Darwin served as a young naturalist, the channel offers numerous photo opportunities to capture seabirds soaring above and dramatic views of rugged mountain peaks and glaciers. Raw and untouched, this magnificent landscape is as stunningly beautiful as it was when Darwin first laid eyes on it in 1833. What he experienced in this region would later help him develop his then-controversial theory of evolution by natural selection. Glacier Alley (as it is called) is one of the most spectacular ship passages in Tierra del Fuego. The names of the glaciers honor the European countries that first explored the region: España (Oblicuo), Romanche, Alemania (Roncagli), Francia, Italia, and Holland Glaciers. Located within the protected boundaries of the Alberto de Agostini National Park, both the Pia and Garibaldi Glaciers are situated at the head of picturesque, often ice-choked fjords, offering guests impressive views. Situated in the Cordillera Darwin (Darwin Mountain Range), the impressive Pia Glacier extends from towering mountain peaks to the sea. A short hike to a viewpoint offers excellent views of the glacier and mountains. Surrounded by pristine sub-Antarctic forests, the Garibaldi Glacier flows from a separate mountain and offers equally exceptional views, with the Darwin Mountains rising dramatically from the fjord. We can explore this area by Zodiac and include a visit to a beautiful glacial waterfall nearby. As we traverse the fjords, your Expedition Team will be on the lookout for Andean condors, massive birds whose wingspan is surpassed only by that of the wandering albatross.
 
Day 6: Dainelli (Aguila) Glacier
Located at the end of a tranquil lagoon surrounded by lush sub-Antarctic forests in the Agostini Sound, the Dainelli Glacier (sometimes called Aguila, which means "Eagle" in Spanish) is a unique sight, as it appears to flow over rolling hills rather than mountains. Sailing aboard a Zodiac toward the ice with a bluish hue, if conditions permit, you will feel humbled by the wonder of nature's power. We hope to venture ashore for an easy walk along the beach to get a more intensive look at the glacier and surrounding mountains.
 
Day 7: Cruising the Chilean Fjords
Continuing north, we’ll navigate through a remote network of coastal fjords and channels, including time spent venturing out into the Pacific Ocean. Your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await, helping you further understand the glacial systems, as well as the flora and fauna that can be found in this part of Chile. Take a moment, as we glide past soaring snow-capped peaks, to contemplate the indigenous peoples who thrived here for thousands of years and the mariners of early European exploration who traveled these same sheltered passageways, and were rewarded with the same wondrous sights. As we journey through this remarkable landscape, the serene beauty of the fjords will unfold before your eyes, offering a unique opportunity to witness the pristine wilderness that has remained largely untouched by time. The Expedition Team will enrich your experience with insights into the natural history and cultural significance of the region, ensuring that each moment spent in this majestic environment is both enlightening and memorable.
 
Day 8 & 9: Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park
Sailing the turquoise waters of the extraordinary stretch of coastline leading to the small port of Puerto Natales, we’ll meander through a mesmerizing maze of deep, windswept fjords, narrow channels and isolated bays, with an eye toward the rugged landscape, unique wildlife and impressive glaciers that tumble from the towering mountains into the icy waters below, along with the imperial and king cormorants, South American terns, black-necked swans and southern wigeons (Chiloé wigeons) that frequent the fjords. Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most stunning wilderness areas in South America, and Puerto Natales is the gateway. This enormous park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so designated for both its natural wonders and ancient human history, and named for the three granite peaks that tower above the glacier-fed lakes. Enjoy a day of hiking, and exploration aboard chartered buses tailored to your preferred activity level with lookouts in the park, followed by traditional Patagonian cuisine in the afternoon. Taking our expedition onto dry land for another full day, we will also visit a working Patagonian estancia (“ranch”), founded in 1891 by Scottish immigrants. Here you will learn about Patagonian sheep farming in a historic pastoral setting. You may be lucky enough to spot in the surrounding grasslands wildlife such as ostrich-like rhea, and guanacos, a wild relative of the domestic llama. Complete your cultural experience with a lunch of barbecued lamb al palo (“on a stick”), and return to the ship in the early evening.
 
Day 10: Canal de las Montanas
Navigating through the untouched waters of the Canal de las Montañas, also known as the "Channel" or "Fjord of the Mountains," is an experience that will truly captivate you. As you journey through this remarkable waterway, you'll find yourself drawn to the stunning series of waterfalls that cascade gracefully between the rugged peaks, which rise dramatically on either side of the narrow, 41-mile (66 km) long channel. This channel is adorned with glaciers, five of which make a spectacular descent into the water, creating a scene of natural beauty that is hard to match. In the distance, you can see impressive ice fields shimmering under the sunlight, while the steeply sloped glaciers tower above, reaching elevations of over 8,235 feet (2,510 meters). The channel offers an ideal setting for launching our Zodiacs, allowing for more intimate exploration of the area or the opportunity to go ashore for a hike to scenic viewpoints. For those seeking a bit more adventure, there is the option to indulge in a kayaking excursion (available at an additional cost), providing a unique and exhilarating way to experience the channel's majestic beauty from a different vantage point.
 
Day 11: Tuckers Islets
Tuckers Islets, a captivating series of small islands and rocky outcrops nestled in Almirantazgo Sound, a fjord branching off the renowned Strait of Magellan, offers an exceptional opportunity for penguin enthusiasts. While landing on these islets is not permitted to safeguard the delicate nesting environment, a Zodiac excursion provides a thrilling alternative. This adventure takes you close to a pebble-strewn beach, where you can marvel at a bustling colony of over 4,000 breeding Magellanic penguins, conditions allowing. These islets bear the name of the famed Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, whose crew first encountered these delightful creatures in 1520 during their historic circumnavigation of the globe. The Magellanic penguins, native to this region, present an unforgettable spectacle as they nestle in their burrows, bask on the beach, or waddle charmingly in and out of the water. With a stroke of luck, you might also catch sight of other fascinating wildlife, such as Chilean skuas, Magellanic cormorants (also known as rock shags), imperial cormorants (or king shags), oystercatchers, kelp geese, and perhaps even playful dolphins gracing the waters with their presence.
 
Day 12: Ainsworth Bay
Continuing our exploration of Almirantazgo Sound, we plan to explore ashore at Ainsworth Bay, one of the most picturesque and pristine places in Patagonia. This bay, surrounded by untouched sub-Antarctic forest, offers a unique glimpse into the natural beauty of the region. As an isolated bay, it is a protected area within the borders of Alberto de Agostini National Park, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The area is renowned for its abundant birdlife, so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled as we cruise in the Zodiacs, offering a chance to spot some of the region's unique avian species. For those eager to stretch their legs, hiking options will be available for all fitness levels, providing an opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the stunning Marinelli Glacier, the expansive Marinelli Fjord, and the majestic surrounding Darwin mountain range. Whether you choose to explore by water or on foot, Ainsworth Bay promises a memorable experience in one of the world's most breathtaking natural settings.
 
Day 13: Bahia Brookes
Another excellent spot for glacier exploring in Almirantazgo Sound is Bahia Brookes (Brookes Bay), where, conditions permitting, we’ll go ashore by Zodiac. The bay offers ample chances for closer views of a number of waterfalls and glaciers, including the calving North Brookes Glacier, set against the impressive backdrop of the towering Darwin mountain range. Amid the serene silence of this icy wonderland, the only sound you may hear is the powerful roar of ice breaking off and crashing into the frigid waters below. This is also a great location for viewing ice fall deposits, which form reconstituted glaciers, and kame (silt and sediment deposits).
 
Day 14: Marta Island
In the heart of the Strait of Magellan, Marta Island (Isla Marta) stands as a natural sanctuary home to abundant birdlife and over a thousand Patagonian (South American) sea lions. To protect this rich wildlife, landing on the shore is not possible, but we have planned to circumnavigate the island, offering numerous opportunities to observe and photograph the colony from a short distance, in the comfort of a Zodiac. Known as sea wolves by the local Chileans, these gigantic pinnipeds—the males can weigh over 700 pounds/320 kg—form a rather noisy group as each sea lion competes for a prime spot on the shore. As we navigate, it is also possible to spot imperial cormorants, skuas, southern gulls, Antarctic pigeons, and, if we are lucky, dolphins.
 
Day 15: Disembark in Punta Arenas and flight to Santiago
After two adventurous weeks of exploration, you will bid farewell to your Expedition Team and disembark in Punta Arenas. Here, your exciting journey comes to an end, and you will be transferred to the airport to board your charter flight to Santiago. Upon arrival in Santiago, you have the option to continue your own travel plans or begin your journey home. This final leg of your trip offers you the opportunity to reflect on the experiences of the past days and look forward to the next steps, whether it be exploring new destinations or returning home.
 
 
Further Information: The journey includes various departures between March 2026 and April 2027, with the expedition lasting 15 days.
 
Discover the impressive beauty of Patagonia and experience remarkable adventures in one of the wildest regions of the world. Spots for this exclusive journey are quickly taken, so we recommend you inquire promptly and secure your personal discovery journey!
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