Southern Patagonia: Glaciers, Fjords and Wildlife

Arrive in Santiago, the capital city of Chile. Set against the Andes and Chilean Coastal mountain ranges, Santiago is home to half of the country’s population. Transfer from the airport to the Ritz-Carlton, Santiago (or similar).

Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Before embarking, relax and enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel.

Sail into a vast wilderness of snow-capped peaks, mirror-like lakes, thick glaciers and islets blanketed with vegetation. In this pristine landscape, myriad fjords or <i>senos</i> cut between soaring granite walls and waterfalls splash down from high above. The region you'll explore for the next two days is known as Glacier Alley. This entire region is part of a greater UNESCO Biosphere Reserve focusing on the Magallanes Sub-Antarctic Evergreen Rainforest. This incredibly biodiverse region arose with the retreat of the glaciers which formed these fjords. Begin at Seno Pia, a secluded fjord in the northwestern arm of the Beagle Channel with an impressively large glacier at its terminus. Next is Seno Garibaldi, part of Alberto de Agostini National Park, a dramatic region where the formidable Andes meet the sea. Visit the Garibaldi Glacier by Zodiac and ship, marveling at this stunning wall of ice. Seno Agostini is the origin of numerous glaciers from the nearby mountains. Explore this region from Zodiacs, getting close to floating brash ice and bergy bits, watching for wildlife and hoping to witness the thundering process of glacial calving.

Located in the Strait of Magellan, Francisco Coloane Marine Park is the largest marine protected area along the Chilean coast, and it was also the first, established in 2003. This productive area supports vast and unique biological diversity, which will be the focus of your visit. A large summer population of humpback whales uses these waters as feeding grounds, as do South American sea lions. Black and white Peale’s dolphins are frequently seen, and you’ll search for the endemic and endangered Chilean dolphin. Explore the marine park by Zodiac, kayak and on foot. Search for large marine and terrestrial birds, including the Andean condor or the giant Antarctic petrel, and on Rupert Islet you’ll visit a large Magellanic penguin colony.

Our next two days will be spent exploring the region around Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. After driving to the park, you’ll have the option to trek on foot or explore part of the park by vehicle. The landscape is big, wide and sprawling, with some of the most dramatic mountain scenery anywhere and wildlife that includes rheas, foxes and herds of guanaco. You’ll discover one of the most spectacular and wildlife-rich areas in the Americas, covering 450,000 acres of glaciers, forests, grasslands, rivers and gem-colored lagoons, crowned with the pinnacles of Torres del Paine.  Enjoy opportunities to look for Andean condors or hike the beautiful terrain of the region.

After a final morning in Puerto Natales, you'll have two days to continue your exploration of the Chilean fjords. Your Captain and local pilots guide the ship through Kirke Narrows, accessible only to a small expedition ship such as <i>National Geographic Resolution</i>. While the wildlife of the region will leave you speechless, the combination of unspoiled scenery, national parks and lush Magellanic forests is what makes the fjords of Chile so captivating. Explore the extensive maze of pristine channels and islands by Zodiac and kayak or take a walk in the surrounding forest.

Arrive in Punta Arenas, the largest city in Patagonia. With local guides, you’ll visit the historic center of the city, the Plaza de Armas and a local handicraft market. Visit the Patagonia Institute and the Salesian Museum to learn the region’s archaeology and wildlife. Alternatively, go for a hike in the Magallanes National Reserve, which offers outstanding views of the valley below and of Punta Arenas. Later, be on deck as your privately-chartered catamaran navigates the Strait of Magellan, en route to Isla Magdalena. The island has been designated a national nature reserve because of its importance as a penguin breeding site. Go ashore at the Penguins National Nature Reserve and witness Magellanic penguins in one of the most accessible Magellanic penguin rookeries in the world. Photo opportunities abound here.

Continue to the newest and largest protected area on Tierra del Fuego: Karukinka, meaning "our land" in the language of the ancient inhabitants. By special permission, visit this private reserve, which harbors abundant wildlife, including endangered culpeo foxes, guanacos, blackbrowed albatross, Andean condors and elephant seals. On your last day in the Chilean fjords, set out to explore in Zodiacs and kayaks and on foot. Visit Bahía Ainsworth, at the base of Marinelli Glacier, to explore the subpolar Magellan Forest. Keep an eye out for southern elephant seals along the beach.

Visit Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of the South American continent. Conditions permitting, make a landing to look out at the waters of the Drake Passage. Continue to Isla de los Estados, whose wild, untouched landscapes are home to Magellanic penguins, fur seals, otters, sea lions and countless water birds. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has received special permission to visit here. The exact schedule will remain flexible to take best advantage of conditions for exploring this natural wonderland. See a reconstruction of the 1884 San Juan de Salvamento “Lighthouse at the End of the World,” which inspired Jules Verne’s novel of the same name. The <i>National Geographic Resolution</i> is one of the few expedition ships to be granted access here, and the experience is bound to be unforgettable.

Disembark in Ushuaia and take the recommended flight to Santiago to connect with your overnight flight home.