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Via Australis Patagonia Expedition Cruise

The end of the world is waiting, and the Via Australis Patagonia Expedition Cruise takes you there. This Ushuaia to Punta Arenas route shows you all the amazing beauty that the Patagonian region offers. During the trip enjoy the splendor and beauty of natural landscapes while experiencing a unique stay onboard a luxury cruise designed with your comfort in mind. Embark on exciting expeditions through the astounding Patagonian wilderness for an exhilarating adventure. Book your trip with us to explore million-year glaciers, Cape Horn and more for a remarkable journey that you will never forget.

Day 1 - Ushuaia

Check in at San Martín 245, Ushuaia, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cruise ship boarding from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Captain and crew give a welcome cocktail reception on board. Immediately afterwards, the ship departs for “the uttermost part of the earth.” Our excursion will take us through the Beagle Channel and the Strait of Magellan to explore one of the most captivating wilderness regions in the world: Southern Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego. Embark on a Great Adventure!

Accommodations: Via Australis
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay

Sail through the Beagle and Murray channels to reach Cape Horn National Park, where we will disembark (weather permitting). Cape Horn, is a sheer, 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory, and in the past it was the only entrance to the Pacific Ocean. This place is known as the “End of the Earth”, and it’s the last territory before Antarctica. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in June 2005. In the afternoon, go ashore in historic Wulaia Bay, once the site of one of the region’s largest Yamana aboriginal settlements. Charles Darwin landed here on January 23rd, 1833, during the voyage of the HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. Walk through a Magellanic forest of Lengas, Coihues, Canelos, ferns, and other native vegetation to reach a look-out point.

Accommodations: Via Australis
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Pia Glacier & Garibaldi Glacier

Navigate along the main part of the Beagle Channel to reach Pia Fjord, where we disembark near Pia Glacier. Take a short hike to a look-out point with a spectacular view of the entire glacier tongue, stretching from high in the mountains all the way to the sea. After this unforgettable experience, continue sailing along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel through majestic Glacier Alley.

Accommodations: Via Australis
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Piloto, Nena Glaciers & Aguila Glacier

In the morning sail through Cockburn Channel to anchor in Chico Sound. Our adventure begins in the Zodiac boats to explore Alakaluf Fiord, to see beautiful waterfalls and observe the Piloto and Nena Glaciers from the sea. The intense blue color of Piloto Glacier due to its compression and age draws attention. Learn about the formation of glaciers and their influence on the abrupt geography of the Fuegian-Patagonian channels.

In the afternoon enter Agostini Sound, a spectacularly beautiful area located in the heart of the Darwin Mountain Range in Tierra del Fuego. Here we can view glaciers descending from the mountains, some of which reach the sea. Head to Águila Glacier and disembark to take an easy walk along a beach bordering a lagoon surrounded by mountains until reaching a spot in front of the glacier. Get to know Patagonia’s cold rainforest and the movements that molded the region’s geography.

Accommodations: Via Australis
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Magdalena Island - Punta Arenas

Early in the morning, go ashore on Magdalena Island (weather permitting). Located in the Strait of Magellan, it was an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers in the past. The island is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic Penguins which can be sighted during our walk to a lighthouse, which guides ships on their way through the strait. In September and April this excursion is replaced by a Zodiac boat ride at Isla Marta to observe sea lions. After our visit, sail to Punta Arenas, disembarking at 11:30 a.m.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Alternate Itinerary: In addition to the 5-day northbound route listed above, there is a southbound itinerary that sails from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas.

Southbound Itinerary
Day 1 - Punta Arenas
Day 2 - Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islet
Day 3 - Pia Glacier & Glacier Alley
Day 4 - Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay
Day 5 - Ushuaia

Itinerary Notes: Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the captain's discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Included: Accommodation, sea transportation, all meals, open bar when on duty (without additional costs for wines, beverages and liquors, shore excursions and on-board entertainment.

Exclusions: Airfare; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature; insurance of any kind; optional tours and transportation; port taxes and fees ($30), migration fee and national park fee ($30); which may be modified by the port authorities of each country. Trekking or hiking boots are required for all passengers.

Room Configurations: Single rate applies in categories A or B only. Single rate in AA or AAA is 1.5 of the category rate.

Families & Children: Infants up to 3 years old have a 100% discount, sharing the bed with their parents. Children between 4 and 12 years old have a 50% discount, sharing a cabin with an adult.

Arrival & Departure: The Via Australis Patagonia Expedition Cruise begins and ends in either Punta Arenas or Ushuaia depending on the itinerary chosen. Please plan flights to arrive by 1:00pm on day 1 of the cruise. Departure flights should be planned to depart no earlier than than noon on Ushuaia to Punta Arenas and no earlier than 9:00am for Punta Arenas to Ushuaia route.

Payment & Cancellation: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $300 is required at the time of booking. A Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
119 to 60 days - full deposit ($300)
59 to 50 days - 25% of sales value
49 to 40 days - 50% of sales value
39 to 30 days - 75% of sales value
29 to 0 days - 100% of sales refund

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Qualifications: The Via Australis Patagonia Expedition Cruise will be enjoyed by anyone with a love for nature and the outdoors.

Port Fees & Taxes: $30

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com