Chilean Patagonia To Antarctica Cruise

Embark at Valparaíso and sail south

Day 1–3 in Valparaiso

Embark in UNESCO-listed Valparaíso, the ‘Jewel of the Pacific,’ and over the next two days at sea, engage with your expedition team with fascinating lectures and hands-on presentations. Enjoy onboard amenities like the spa, infinity pool, hot tubs, and gym, and keep an eye out for rare seabirds with binoculars.

Chiloé Island

Day 4 in Chiloé Island

Set amidst the lush vegetation of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile’s third-oldest city, renowned for its stilt houses and historic churches. It boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón.

Enjoy stunning views of the city’s colourful waterfront 'palafitos' from various vantage points. For a cultural experience, visit the Regional Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.

Don't forget your binoculars, as Chiloé is a crucial habitat for diverse bird species, including green-backed fire crowns, Chilean flamingos, penguins, black-necked swans, ringed kingfishers, and silvery grebes.

Sail south to Puerto Edén

Day 5–6 in Puerto Edén

Sail further south towards Puerto Edén, passing through the stunning islands of Aysén.

Take in the scenery from the deck, the outdoor hot tub, or the panoramic Explorer Lounge & Bar. The Expedition Team will continue their lecture program in the Science Centre, providing fascinating insights into the places and animals you’ll encounter.

Your next stop is the enchanting village of Puerto Edén, located at the end of a deep fjord in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. This tiny settlement is accessible only by sea, with the mainland ferry visiting just once a month. There are no roads here, only wooden boardwalks connecting houses and shops. Home to about 250 inhabitants, including some of the last remaining members of the Indigenous Kawésqar people, you'll have the unique opportunity to talk to them and learn about their culture.

Explore Torres del Paine

Day 7–8 in Torres del Paine National Park

Your expedition continues to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. You can choose to see this beautiful national park on either a bus or hiking tour – both experiences are worth doing.

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, with many eateries, bars, and outdoor shops. Set out on your own to visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike, enjoy a gin tour at the Last Hope Distillery, or stroll along the photogenic waterfront.

Fjords to Cape Horn

Day 9–11 in Cape Horn

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

From here, navigate the legendary Drake Passage toward Antarctica. En route, you'll prepare you for what lies ahead and show you 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.

Cross the Drake Passage

Day 12 in Drake Passage

Considered by many polar travellers to be the gateway to Antarctica, the Drake Passage is a common feature for cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula. Straddled between Chile’s Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica, this infamous waterway is named after the 16th-century English explorer Sir Francis Drake.

To Antarctica

Day 13–16 in Antarctic Peninsula

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.

During the next four days, you’ll be busy exploring several landing sites. There are more than 20 possible sites on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

You 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.

Return to Ushuaia

Day 17–18 in Ushuaia

After four incredible days in Antarctica, you'll sail back across the Drake Passage toward warmer weather in Argentina, giving you two days 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 enjoy a treatment in the spa. Get moving at the gym or admire 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 your onboard photographer.