Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords & Torres del Paine Cruise

After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer with the group to the airport and board a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before meeting the bus (at a designated location) to be transferred to the ship.

After a late afternoon embarkation, sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America.

Begin exploration of Chile’s southern extent and expect a new adventure every day. Though each expedition will be different, depending on the weather, aim to start the journey to the “edge of the earth” with a visit to historic Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). At the southernmost point of the Tierra del Fuego (“Land of Fire”) archipelago, this steep, rocky headland on Hornos Island marks the northern boundary of the famous Drake Passage, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. From the 1700s to the early 1900s, prior to the opening of the Panama Canal, this cape was part of a major global trade route.

If sea and weather conditions allow, go ashore for a hike out to the lighthouse, the tiny Stella Maris (“Star of the Sea”) Chapel, and the albatross-shaped monument honoring the many mariners who lost their lives attempting to “round the Horn.” Atop the windswept promontory, pause for a moment to take in the panoramic view and to enjoy the peaceful solitude that can only be found at one of the most southern stretches of land in the world. Even get your passport stamped by the family operating the lighthouse!

The ship continues cruising farther south, to the Diego Ramírez Islands, the most southern point of South America and one of the least explored places on the planet. This small archipelago was actually thought to be the southernmost land mass in the world when it was discovered in 1619 by the Spanish Garcia de Nodal expedition. Named after the expedition’s cosmographer, the archipelago held this distinction for 156 years, until Capt. James Cook’s discovery of the South Sandwich Islands in 1775.

Weather permitting, choose to Zodiac cruise or ship cruise cruise around these tussock-grass-covered islands to admire the abundant birdlife. A designated Important Bird Area, and part of the Diego Ramirez Islands and Drake Passage Marine Park, the archipelago is home to tens of thousands of breeding seabirds and an exceptional place for birdwatching. Binoculars in hand, birders will marvel at the sight of nesting black-browed albatross and grey-headed albatross. These islands are the southernmost mollymawk albatross breeding ground in the world. Sightings of dolphins; South American fur seals; and rockhopper, macaroni and Magellanic penguins are also possible here.

As the ship sails north toward the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego, be enriched by the expedition team’s stimulating presentations on glacial systems, geology, environment, wildlife and storied history of the region while retracing Charles Darwin’s historic journey through the Beagle Channel, a 150-mile strait separating Tierra del Fuego’s main island from several smaller islands. Named after Captain Robert FitzRoy’s famous ship on which Charles Darwin was a young naturalist, the channel presents plenty of photo ops to capture seabirds hovering overhead and dramatic vistas of jagged-peaked mountains and massive tidewater glaciers. Rugged and untouched, this magnificent landscape is as starkly beautiful as it was when Darwin first laid eyes on it in 1833. What he experienced in this region would later help him form his earthshaking theory on evolution by natural selection.

Glacier Alley (as it’s nicknamed) is one of the most spectacular ship passages in Tierra del Fuego. To honor the European countries that first explored the region, the glaciers have taken their names—España (Oblicuo), Romanche, Alemania (Roncagli), Francia, Italia and Holland Glaciers. Situated within the protected boundary of Alberto de Agostini National Park, both Pia and Garibaldi Glaciers sit at the head of picturesque ice-choked fjords that offer jaw-dropping views. Located within the Cordillera Darwin (Darwin Mountain Range), the impressive Pia Glacier extends from the soaring mountaintops down into the sea. A short hike to a lookout point provides superb vistas of the glacier and mountains. Surrounded by pristine sub-Antarctic forests, Garibaldi Glacier flows from a separate mountain, providing equally exceptional views, with the Darwin Mountains rising dramatically out of the fjord. Explore this area by Zodiac, including a beautiful glacial waterfall nearby. While navigating the fjords, the expedition team keeps watch for Andean condors, massive birds rivaled in wingspan by only the wandering albatross.

Located at the end of a tranquil lagoon surrounded by lush sub-Antarctic forests in Agostini Sound, Dainelli Glacier (sometimes called Aguila—Spanish for “Eagle” Glacier) is a unique sight, as it appears to flow over rolling hills rather than mountains. Cruising aboard a Zodiac toward the blue-tinged wall of ice, conditions permitting, be humbled by the wonder of nature’s power. Hope to venture ashore for an easy hike along the beach to get a more intensive look at the glacier and surrounding mountains.

Continuing north, the ship navigates through a remote network of coastal fjords and channels, including time spent venturing out into the Pacific Ocean. The expedition team will prepare all for the adventures that await, helping everyone further understand the glacial systems, as well as the flora and fauna that can be found in this part of Chile. Take a moment, while gliding past soaring snow-capped peaks, to contemplate the mariners of long ago who traveled these same sheltered passageways and were rewarded with the same wondrous sights.

Sailing the turquoise waters of the extraordinary stretch of coastline leading to the small port of Puerto Natales, the ship meanders through a mesmerizing maze of deep, windswept fjords, narrow channels and isolated bays, with an eye toward the rugged landscape, unique wildlife and impressive glaciers that tumble from the towering mountains into the icy waters below, along with the imperial and king cormorants, South American terns, black-necked swans and southern wigeons (Chiloé wigeons) that frequent the fjords.

Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most stunning wilderness areas in South America, and Puerto Natales is the gateway. This enormous park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so designated for both its natural wonders and ancient human history, and named for the three granite peaks that tower above the glacier-fed lakes. Enjoy a full day of hiking tailored to different activity levels and stopping at lookouts in the park, followed by a traditional Patagonian barbecue in the afternoon.

Taking the expedition onto dry land for another full day, also visit a working Patagonian estancia (“ranch”), founded in 1891 by Scottish immigrants. Here, learn about Patagonian sheep farming in a historic pastoral setting. Inhabiting the surrounding grasslands are the ostrich-like rhea, and guanacos, a wild relative of the domestic llama. Complete this cultural experience with a lunch of barbecued lamb al palo (“on a stick”) and return to the ship in the early evening.

Cruising the calm, crystal-clear waters of the Canal de las Montañas (“Channel” or “Fjord of the Mountains”) is breathtaking. Be awed by the amazing series of waterfalls cascading down between the jagged peaks that rise up sharply on either side of the narrow, 41-mile long channel dotted with glaciers, five of which spill dramatically into the water. Here, impressive ice fields glisten and steeply sloped glaciers exceed elevations over 8,235 feet. The channel also provides an ideal place to put Zodiacs in the water for more detailed exploring or going ashore for a hike to scenic viewpoints.

A series of small islands and rocky outcrops in Almirantazgo Sound (“Admiralty Sound”), a fjord off the Strait of Magellan, Tuckers Islets is a superb location for viewing penguins. Though landing here is prohibited to protect the fragile nesting habitat, a Zodiac excursion along a pebble beach enables viewing of a colony of 4,000-plus breeding Magellanic penguins, conditions permitting. Named for Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, whose crew sighted the charming creatures in 1520 during the first circumnavigation of the globe, the species is native to the region; and the sight of them in their burrows, lounging on the beach or waddling in and out of the water, is unforgettable. With luck, also spot Chilean skuas, Magellanic cormorants (rock shags), imperial cormorants (king shags), oystercatchers, kelp geese, or even dolphins.

Continue exploring Almirantazgo Sound by going ashore at Ainsworth Bay, one of the most picturesque and pristine places in Patagonia. Surrounded by untouched sub-Antarctic forest, this isolated bay is a protected area within the border of Alberto de Agostini National Park. It hosts abundant birdlife, so keep eyes peeled while cruising in the Zodiacs. Hiking options are available for all fitness levels, affording panoramic views of Marinelli Glacier, Marinelli Fjord and the surrounding Darwin mountain range.

Another excellent spot for glacier exploring in Almirantazgo Sound is Bahia Brookes (Brookes Bay) where, conditions permitting, go ashore by Zodiac. The bay offers ample chances for closer views of a number of waterfalls and glaciers, including the calving North Brookes Glacier, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the towering Darwin mountain range. Amid the serene silence of this icy wonderland, the only sound may be the powerful roar of ice breaking off and crashing into the frigid waters below. This is also a great location for viewing ice fall deposits, which form reconstituted glaciers and kame (silt and sediment deposits).

In the middle of the Strait of Magellan, Marta Island (Isla Marta) is home to abundant birdlife and more than one thousand Patagonian (South American) sea lions. To protect the wildlife, shore landings are not possible here, but plan to circumnavigate the island with numerous opportunities to observe and photograph the colony from a short distance, in the comfort of a Zodiac. Called lobos marinos (“sea wolves”) by local Chileans, these giant pinnipeds—males can weigh over 700 pounds—form quite a noisy group as each sea lion vies for a choice spot of coastline. While cruising by, catch possible sightings of imperial cormorants, skuas, southern gulls, Antarctic pigeons—and with luck—dolphins.

After an adventurous 2 weeks of exploration, say goodbye to the expedition team and disembark in Punta Arenas, to be transferred to the airport for the charter flight to Santiago, where you are welcome to continue on your own travels or connect to homeward flights.