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.

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.

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.

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