Chilean Fjords – Discovering the Heart of Patagonia

• Day 1 Buenos Aires

  With its fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache, an overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your adventure. Take in the beautiful architecture, such as the opera house of Teatro Colón, the pretty-in-pink Casa Rosada, and the National Museum of Fine Arts, which displays works by Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso.  

  Explore the colourful street museum in La Boca with its buzzy markets and restaurants. Or take in a tango show before savouring some famed Argentinian beef in one of the city's steakhouses. If you can, why not arrive here early to fully explore the city or join our optional Pre-Programme.  

• Day 2 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 Cape Horn

  Your adventure starts in earnest as we cruise through the Beagle Channel and sail down to the southernmost tip of South America – Cape Horn. The rocky walls of the channel plunge straight into the deep blue icy waters of this wild and remote seascape. Watch out for rare, endemic Peale’s dolphins and other wildlife here.

  Cape Horn is where the open waters of the Atlantic and Pacific collide, creating powerful, swirling waves. Rounding the cape would once strike fear into the heart of hardened sailors, but with the benefit of modern instruments, we'll attempt to land – an exploration milestone – and explore the cape … if the conditions cooperate. 

• Day 4 Puerto Williams

  Soak up the peaceful atmosphere of Puerto Williams, another contender for the world's southernmost city. Drop into the Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum. Here, you'll find Indigenous Yaghan artifacts, maps, photographs and a traditional canoe. You can also see a replica of the bow of the Yelcho – the ship that rescued Shackleton’s men in 1916. 

  Hike through the gorgeous scenery, on your own or as part of a guided excursion. You may be able to kayak if the weather is nice. Keen birdwatchers should have their binoculars handy to spot seabirds, including the graceful albatross. 

• Day 5 Garibaldi Fiord, Chile

  The goal for the day is a scenic cruise in Garibaldi Fjord within Alberto de Agostini National Park. Here, the Andes tumble into the Pacific and great glaciers calve ice into the beautiful Chilean fjords. 

  Depending on the conditions, we'll head for glaciers Garibaldi or Pia, some of the most impressive examples in Chile. The fjord is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and its rich waters are home to seals, sea lions and many seabirds, including the Andean Condor. 

• Day 6-7 Puerto Natales

  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 less than 330 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 9-10 Patagonian fjords

  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 11 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. If conditions permit, you'll be able to explore more of the milky blue waters here by kayak. 

  While exploring the village, you'll come across locals selling handicrafts and you may even be treated to a performance by folk dancers. 

• Day 13 Castro

  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 an insight into local culture, head to the Museo Regional de Castro and Modern Art Museum. 

• Day 14 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 16 Valparaiso

  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 exhilarating maze of winding alleyways and barrios, colourful houses, and mercados packed with local produce. Why not take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción. 

  Although your cruise has come to an end, the adventure doesn’t have to stop there. Why not consider joining our optional Post-Programmes. 

Chilean Fjords – Discovering the Heart of Patagonia | Northbound Itinerary