Chilean Fjords Expedition Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 – The beat of Buenos Aires
Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, Buenos Aires is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache. An overnight stay here is the ideal way to start your adventure. There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practise your dance moves in the famous hometown of the tango.
Day 2 – Setting sail from Ushuaia
You’ll have an early start today as we head to the airport for our flight to Ushuaia. With its backdrop of snow-covered mountains, Ushuaia holds the proud, if often-disputed, title of the southernmost city in the world.
MS Roald Amundsen is waiting in port for you. After picking up your expedition jacket and meeting your Expedition Team, settle in and explore the ship before enjoying the first of many delicious meals on board. Your adventure is officially underway.
Day 3 – Garibaldi Fjord
The goal for the day is a scenic cruise within Garibaldi Fjord in Alberto de Agostini National Park, all the way up to Garibaldi Glacier. Here, the Andes tumble into the Pacific and great glaciers calve ice into the beautiful fjord.
The area is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and its rich waters are home to seals, sea lions and many seabirds, including the impressive Andean Condor. If conditions allow, we’ll reach the Garibaldi Glacier at the head of the fjord, one of the most impressive glaciers in all of Chile.
Day 4 – Ainsworth Bay
We continue our exploration of Alberto de Agostini National Park sailing the Almirantazgo Sound amid towering mountain peaks to pristine Ainsworth Bay, a coastal inlet fed by the Marinelli Glacier, a glacier in retreat.
Here you’ll learn about the effects of glacial meltwater on local ecosystems and wildlife – a trend seen across the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. If local sea and weather conditions allow, we’ll explore the bay with our small expedition boats.
Day 5 & 6 – Stunning Chilean fjords
As we sail north along the Chilean coast, join your Expedition Team for fascinating lectures on topics like pre-Columbian history, the geology of our surroundings, and the folklore of local communities. Enjoy the serenity and beauty of the maze of fjords we pass, surrounded by islands, glaciers, and steep mountains. And keep an eye out for elephant seals, dolphins, and whales, who often swim alongside the ship.
Our resident photographer will be on hand to help you get the most from your wildlife and landscape photography.
The next day, according to the tide, we’ll sail through the White Narrows into Puerto Natales. At only 100 metres (326 feet) wide in parts, this striking waterway between islets and sheer rock cliffs is only passable in slack water and daylight. Head out on deck to witness some of the most beautiful landscapes on the continent as your Captain skilfully navigates the ship through these famed channels.
Day 7 – Bohemian Puerto Natales
Today you’ll awake in Puerto Natales, gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park. The rugged landscape features steppe, forest, and desert, punctuated by glaciers and lakes, and you can choose to see it either on a panoramic bus tour or on a hike. Andean animals such as guanacos, rheas, and the elusive puma roam here.
Look out for Chilean flamingos as well as the mighty Andean condor. Puerto Natales is a popular hub for hikers and adventurers, with many eateries, bars, andshops featuring outdoor equipment. Visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike or stroll along the photogenic waterfront.
Day 8 & 9 – Exploration days
According to the tide, we’ll leave Puerto Natales behind and head back through the fabled White Narrows. As we make our way through the maze of the Chilean fjords, revel in the spine-tingling scenery and join the Expedition Team in the Science Centre.
The next day, tidal conditions allowing, we hope to visit Puerto Edén, an enchanting village only accessible by sea. The 250-strong community here are some of the last remaining members of the Indigenous Kawésqar people, offering a fascinating insight into Patagonian culture.
Alternatively, we’ll spend the day cruising the majestic fjords, drinking in the incredible scenery and spotting wildlife along the way. We may take the opportunity to launch our small expedition boats and explore even closer. Be ready for spontaneous adventures!
Day 10 – 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 just 500 inhabitants. Instead of streets, a maze of boardwalks connects the close-knit community, spreading over water and around the mountain base. While exploring the village, you’ll come across locals selling handicrafts and you may even be treated to a performance by folk dancers.
Day 11 – Sea day
Enjoy a day of scenic cruising
Day 12 – Castro’s Chilotan charm
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 insight into local culture, head to the Museo Regional de Castro and Modern Art Museum.
Day 13 – The fortress at Niebla
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 open, sample traditional 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 at the museum, then wander around the lighthouse. You’ll enjoy beautiful views across the river and bay.
Day 14 – Relax at sea
Day 15 – Valparaíso, UNESCO’s `Jewel of the Pacific´
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. Why not take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción.
