Patagonia Deluxe

Head to the “End of the World” today and arrive in Ushuaia, situated in the south of Chile. A remote yet strikingly beautiful city, it is embraced by the looming, snow-capped Andes Mountain peaks. Absorb the spectacular scenery and enjoy a relaxing overnight in Ushuaia.

Breathe in the crisp, fresh air and venture outdoors on a day trip to Tierra del Fuego National Park. The first stop is Ensenada Bay. Be rewarded with breathtaking views of Redonda Island featuring picturesque forests and craggy mountain peaks. Then make your way to Lapataia Bay and take a gentle walk past the black lagoon or follow the beaver trails. In the afternoon return to your hotel in Ushuaia

Step aboard the Stella Australis in downtown Ushuaia. Meet your fellow cruise companions over cocktails at the welcome reception and set sail on a true adventure to the southern seas. Follow the pioneers of yesteryear as the ship makes its way to one of the most remote corners of the world. Traverse the Beagle Channel during the night and cross from the Argentine waters into the Chilean waters. Watch the lights of Ushuaia disappear as you turn towards the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste Islands.

Close to dawn, cross the Nassau Bay and enter the remote Cape Horn National Park which was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. Discovered in 1616, Cape Horn is a sheer 425m-high rocky promontory overlooking the Drake Passage. Once known as the “End of the Earth”, this shipping channel was the sole navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans for several years. The Chilean Navy still maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, a key landmark alongside the charming but tiny Stella Maris Chapel and the Cape Horn Monument.

Sail back across Nassau Bay and drop anchor in Wulaia Bay, renowned for its captivating beauty and striking geography. Step ashore and visit the museum housed in the former radio station. Then select one of three hikes of varying difficulty that lead you through the densely wooded mountain behind the bay. Continue through the enchanted Magellanic forest of lengas, coigües, canelos and ferns and pause occasionally to capture mesmerizing views overlooking the bay.

Continue the Patagonia glacier tour around the western end of Tierra del Fuego and enter the Pia Fjord by morning. Upon arrival, board the Zodiacs for an exciting shore excursion to Pia Glacier! Disembark the Zodiac and begin a short hike. On the hike, gain panoramic views of the spectacular Pia Glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea. For those looking for more adventure, continue walking up the lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier.

Later, head west along the Beagle Channel to another fjord and drop anchor near Garibaldi Glacier for the second shore excursion. The Garibaldi Glacier is one of only three glaciers in Patagonia that is gaining mass. Here, hike through the virgin Magellanic forest to a glacial waterfall and experience amazing viewpoints of the Garibaldi Glacier and fjord. For those who choose to stay onboard, the captain will point the bow towards the beautiful sky blue Garibaldi Glacier so all onboard can see the glacier from the upper decks.

After darkness falls, head back through the Beagle Channel and sail west to Alberto de Agostini National Park. Zigzag through the Cockburn Channel, Magdalena Channel and Keats Fjord to finally reach the stunning and silent De Agostini Sound, crowned by several translucent glaciers and rough, jagged mountain peaks. Disembark to discover the Águila "Eagle" Glacier which hovers above a placid glacial lagoon rimmed by primeval forest. Disembark from the vessel and take a Zodiac boat to shore, hike around the circumference of the lagoon to the base of the glacier and scan the open skies for mighty condors that sometimes circle high above the lagoon.

Cruise to Magdalena Island which lies between Tierra del Fuego National Park and the Chilean mainland. Spy the distinctive lighthouse constructed in 1902, once a storehouse of essential supplies for regional navigators and explorers. If the weather is fair, set foot on dry land and be delighted by the sight of a colony of thousands of penguins on the way to a small museum found in the lighthouse.

Disembark from the Stella Australis and transfer to the Explora Lodge in Torres del Paine National Park. In the evening, meet your guides for advice on the range of activities available for the next few days. Then kick back and relax at the luxurious lodge in Chile's most beautiful national park.

The options for exploring the region are endless. Perhaps visit the mighty Grey Glacier and tranquil Lago Grey. Transfer from the Explora Patagonia Lodge to the Grey Ranger Station and hike to Grey Glacier. Cross the Pingo River hanging bridge and continue through the forest of lenga trees, home to a diverse array of exotic birds and wildlife. Reach Grey Lake beach and marvel at the postcard-perfect views of pristine icebergs and clear and calm turquoise waters. Descend a moderately steep slope and continue towards Grey Glacier to sight the vast, white ice field. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Note: All excursions may vary and are subject to weather conditions.

Traverse through the waters on a 30-minute boat ride to the Pehoé Refuge. Follow the trail for 150m and trek to the Pehoé and Skottsberg Lakes. Reach a viewpoint showcasing an icy landscape encompassing the lakes, the Paine Horns and the Paine Grande Mountain that will be etched in your memory. Walk across the French River bridge and pause at the awe-inspiring sight of the frozen French Glacier emerging from the Paine Grande Mountain and the Paine Horns. Sit down to a picnic lunch in the midst of these frozen phenomena before returning to the Pehoé Refuge and boarding the catamaran back to the Explora Patagonia lodge.

Note: This excursion is subject to weather conditions.

Travel over the border to Argentina's Patagonia region today. In the afternoon, arrive at Eolo Lodge just outside of El Calafate. Eolo is reminiscent of the traditional Patagonian ranches or estancias, so sit back and make yourself at home. Dine on an appetizing meal at the restaurant which overlooks Argentino Lake. After dinner, order a glass of high-quality Argentine wine at the bar, take a dip in the indoor pool or slowly unwind in the spa.

Explore Argentina's untamed Patagonia region any way you like. Your guide will present you with a range of fantastic excursions that include trekking, hiking, bird-watching or biking. The Eolo Lodge offers additional excursions that must be booked separately. Choose from a trip to Perito Moreno Glacier, fishing, navigation tours and horseback riding.

Note: All of the suggested excursions are subject to availability and weather conditions. Last minute changes may occur.

In the afternoon, travel back to El Calafate and board the luxurious MarpaTag Cruise. This smaller, more modern boat only holds forty-four passengers and offers a more intimate experience. Sail to Almana Bay on the first evening, feast on dinner and enjoy some live entertainment while meeting new travel companions and your expert tour guides.

Rise early and get the heart pumping with a short walk around Puesto de Vacas. In the afternoon, the journey continues to the Spengazzini Glacier. Stare in wonder at this magical natural creation as the sun glares down upon its frozen walls and ice fields. Take a breakto enjoy a tasty, filling lunch,then get back on board the ship and travel to the extensive, magnificent Upsala Glacier. Approach the glacier and see icebergs suspended in the chilly waters. Upsala Glacier is one of the largest in the park rising to an impressive 7km in height. Capture the moment with a photo or two and cruise along the Seno Mayo before dinner. Relax for the evening in Toro Bay.

This morning, take a brief hike through the Patagonian forest and stop at a lookout to observe the Mayo and Negro glaciers in all their splendor. Board the ship and encounter the most famous and spectacular glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, the Perito Moreno Glacier. Cruise through the Iceberg Channel and approach the last advancing glacier in Patagonia. Sail close enough to the Perito Moreno Glacier to capture on film it’s beautiful and captivating blue hue, as the light reflects the sun. In the afternoon, disembark and continue to El Calafate airport to board your plane home or a connecting flight to another exciting destination in South America.