Patagonia: Australis cruises across Fuegian fjords

5 Days / 4 Nights

Ushuaia - Punta Arenas (4N)

Australis will take you on an amazing journey to the “uttermost end of the earth”.  On the Ushuaia – Punta Arenas route, you will enjoy the splendor and beauty of unique natural scenery and wildlife. You will travel on one of the industry’s most comfortable Patagonia cruises designed to make your trip as pleasant and remarkable as possible through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel. As you embark on your travels through one of the world’s most historical and revered routes, you get the chance to experience thrilling expeditions and adventures you will not find anywhere else. Book your Patagonia vacation with us today for an amazing travel experience.


Note: This is a tour extension. Please contact a travel consultant about adding a custom Patagonia travel package to this extension.  

Ushuaia

Day 1 - Depart Ushuaia for the Strait of Magellan

Check in between 10:00 and 16:00 at 409 San Martín Street. Board the M/V Via Australis cruise ship at 17:30. After a welcoming cocktail reception hosted by the Captain and his crew, the M/V Via Australis will depart for one of the most remote parts of the planet. Your voyage will take us through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel to explore one of the most breathtaking wilderness regions in the world: Southern Patagonia, which includes the Tierra del Fuego archipelago.

Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay

Day 2 - Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to Cape Horn National Park

Sail through Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National Park. If the weather is suitable, you will be able to head ashore to explore. The legendary Cape Horn was discovered in 1616 and is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory. For many years it was an important navigation route between the Pacific and the Atlantic, and is referred to as 'the End of the Earth.' The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005.

In the afternoon, head to the historic Wulaia Bay, originally the site of one of the region's largest Yamana aboriginal settlements. You can walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, as he landed there in 1833 during his voyage on the HMS Beagle. The surrounding area is host to beautiful wildlife and vegetation. To gain a view of its complete splendor, take and enchanting walk through the Magellan Forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic vegetation, to reach a panoramic viewpoint.

Pia Glacier - Girabaldi Glacier

Day 3 - Beagle Channel to Pia Fjord, hike to a glacial waterfall

Sail along the Northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to reach Pia Fjord. Disembark the ship and join the experienced crew on a short hike. The hike will lead you to spectacular views of the Pia Glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea.

In the afternoon, enter Garibaldi Fjord and disembark for another hike through the forest up to a frozen waterfall. Keep your camera close for many picturesque moments. For those who choose to stay onboard, our Captain will point the bow towards the beautiful blue Garibaldi Glacier so that you can also enjoy panoramic views of the glacier from the upper decks.

De Agostini Sound - Águila Glacier

Day 4 - Cockburn Channel to Chico Sound, Piloto and Nena Glaciers

In the morning, sail through Cockburn Channel to anchor in Chico Sound. Traveling in well-equipped Zodiac boats, explore Alakaluf Fjord and enjoy up-close views of Piloto and Nena Glaciers from the sea. You will find yourself being drawn to the intense blue color of Piloto Glacier, which is due to its compression and age. Learn about the formation of glaciers and their influence on the unexpected topography of the Fuegian-Patagonian channels.

In the afternoon, enter the spectacular De Agostini Sound, right in the heart of the Darwin Mountain Range, the perfect viewing point to appreciate glaciers that make their way down to the sea from the upper ice field. Later, travel aboard Zodiacs to the Águila Glacier and disembark for an easy walk to its base. It is the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of Patagonia's cold rainforest and to see how the power of nature has molded the spectacular landscape.

Magdalena Island - Punta Arenas

Day 5 - Marta Island observance of Magellan Penguins and South American Sea Lions

Early in the morning, weather permitting, explore Magdalena Island, located in the middle of the Strait of Magellan. The island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellan Penguins that we will be able to see during our walk to the lighthouse.

In September and April, this excursion is replaced by a ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American Sea Lions.