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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Punta Arenas to Ushuaia route features all the natural beauty of Patagonia along with stunning views of Tierra del Fuego. You’ll enjoy your trip in this often harsh and wild climate from the safety and comfort of our ship. Combine our luxurious amenities with expert crews and k guides for the best Patagonia experience. This extraordinary four-day cruise, includes visits to Pia Glacier, Glacier Alley, and Cape Horn National Park.
Check in at Muelle Arturo Prat (1385 O'Higgins Street) between 13:00 and 17:00. Board the M/V Via Australis or M/V Stella Australis cruise ship at 18:00. After a welcoming cocktail reception hosted by the Captain and his crew, the ship will depart for one of the remotest parts of the planet. Your trip will take you 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.
At dawn, navigate through Almirantazgo Sound, arriving at Ainsworth Bay which is sited within Alberto De Agostini National Park. It is the perfect spot to see the Marinelli Glacier descending from Darwin Mountain Range in the distance and to appreciate how the land returns to life after glacial retreat.
Later, take a walk to a beaver dam in the stunning sub-polar Magellan Forest. Whether on the beach or the island, there is a good chance of sighting Southern Elephant Seals. Keep in mind, those sightings cannot be guaranteed due to the colony's unpredictable movements.
Finally, sail to Tuckers Islets, and after lunch, board well-equipped Zodiac boats to get close to a colony of Magellan Penguins (indigenous to the Southern Hemisphere) and cormorants.
In September and April, this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a nearby glacier at Brookes Bay.
Navigate along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel before disembarking at Pia Fjord. From there, take a short hike to a panoramic viewpoint from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the awe-inspiring Pia Glacier whose main tongue extends from the mountaintops down to the sea. After this memorable experience, continue your voyage along the Beagle Channel through the majestic Glacier Alley.
Sail through Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National Park, where, weather permitting, we shall go ashore. 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, visit the historical Wulaia Bay, originally the site of one of the region's largest Yamana aboriginal settlements. Charles Darwin landed there in 1833 during his voyage on the HMS Beagle. This area is renowned for its vegetation and wildlife. Take an enchanted walk through the Magellan Forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic vegetation, to reach a panoramic viewpoint.
The trip concludes in Ushuaia, "fin del mundo" for being the southernmost town on the planet. Disembark the ship and continue on to your next South American destination.
The Reception will be in Punta Arenas and transfer from Punta Arenas' airport to Hotel Cabo de Hornos. On the next day cross the Strait of Magellan, with a visit to the Porvenir Museum and the King Penguin Park. Relax overnight at the Grande Hotel in the Rio Grande.
On your next day, enjoy a "Gaucho" experience with a Patagonian barbecue before arrival at Ushuaia for check-in and boarding the cruise.
