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.
- 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
- Wildlife spotting outings from El Pedral lodge
- Guided city tour in Buenos Aires
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 an expeditionary cruise.
This holiday includes a five day voyage of discovery 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.
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.
Days 8,9
At leisure to seek out Patagonian wildlife.
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.
What our clients say
97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.
Another superb holiday with JLA I would never travel to Latin America with another company.
BD, Hartlepool
Tailor made holiday
Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for 40 years. We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.
Carrie Gallagher - Travel Consultant
A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Escorted Groups team.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation . Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you’ll relax in utter comfort.
