Overview & Highlights
A 5 day expedition cruise through the channels and fjords of southern Patagonia including Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn is followed by a stay on the wildlife-filled plains close to the Atlantic shores of northern Patagonia.
Many regions of wilderness Patagonia in the south of Chile and Argentina can be visited by land, although this can involve long road journeys. However there is an alternative, one which will allow you to visit the most remote, most enticing corners, and that is to travel by ship, on a expedition cruise.
This holiday includes a five-day Patagonia cruise on purpose-built ship Australis (there are two sister ships, Stella and Ventus Australis) which, with just 100 cabins, offers you an intimate and friendly experience alongside like-minded travellers.  Travel along historic waterways the Straits of Magellan and the Beagle Channel, viewing glaciers and marine wildlife from fjords deep cutting into the mountainous coastline, and arrive at tempestuous Cape Horn – all places resonating with the history of navigation and the brave exploration of uncharted waters by naval and scientific officers including Charles Darwin.
Afterwards head to northern Patagonia and spend a few days on arid, treeless plains where, in spite of the inhospitable environment, you’ll be amazed by the abundance of marine wildlife, including whales and penguins, all discoverable from your base at a cosy lodge.
For a complete contrast, the holiday is bookended by days spent in the cosmopolitan capitals of Chile and Argentina, Santiago and Buenos Aires respectively.
- Guided city tour in Santiago
- Guided excursion to the Maipo Valley vineyards with wine tasting
- Land and sea-based excursions and activities on the expedition cruise
- Excursion to Valdes Peninsula (optional whale watching in season)
- Visit to the penguin colony at Estancia El Pedral
- Guided city tour in Buenos Aires
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Santiago; guided city tour.
Day 2
Guided excursion into the Maipo valley with wine-tasting.
Day 3
Fly south to Punta Arenas in Patagonia and board expedition vessel Australis.
Day 4
Set sail through the Straits of Magellan.
Day 5
Sail along the Beagle Channel to Pia Fjord, disembark near Pia Glacier.
Day 6
Visit Wulaia Bay and Cape Horn.
Day 7
Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina. Fly to Trelew in northern Patagonia.
Day 8
Explore the Valdes Peninsula
Day 9
Excursion to the penguin colony at El Pedral
Day 10
Fly to Buenos Aires, transfer to hotel between the historic centre and Recoleta.
Day 11
Guided city tour of Buenos Aires.
Day 12
Day at leisure in Buenos Aires.
Day 13
Transfer to the airport for your international flight.
Things to do
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Accommodation
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