Glaciers & Fjords of Southern Patagonia

Today you will depart the UK on your international flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina, arriving the next day. 

On arrival, take a private transfer to your hotel located in the heart of the elegant Recoleta district.  

On your first full day, join a half-day city tour in the morning and learn more about the history of this fascinating city. In the afternoon, you have a ticket to visit the Recoleta Cemetery, resting place for many renowned Argentinians including Eva Perón. 

Tango is an integral part of the culture of Buenos Aires so experience it for yourself at a dinner and show.  

Today you fly south to Ushuaia at the ‘End of the World’, Tierra del Fuego. The local cruise team will be on hand for any last-minute questions regarding the expedition or for recommendations of what to see during your few hours in town.  

The morning of embarkation is at leisure until it’s time to be transferred to the ship. As the ship pulls away from port, you’ll gather with your fellow travellers to witness the views as you leave Tierra del Fuego. 

Over the coming days you’ll be journeying through one of Patagonia’s most spectacular wilderness regions. This region is also known as Glacier Alley, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that protects the Magallanes Sub-Antarctic Evergreen Rainforest. The diversity of wildlife here is incredible and there are ecosystems that are found nowhere else on the planet.

The expedition begins with an exploration of tidewater glaciers on the south side of the Cordillera Darwin icefield, part of the Alberto de Agostini National Park. You’ll have the opportunity to approach the glaciers by ship and Zodiac for a closer look. Exiting the Beagle Channel, the ship briefly enters the sea before taking the Canal Cockburn to explore the northwest side of the Darwin Icefield.

Heading northbound, there’s the chance to explore the Magallanes region of Southern Chile, famed for its deep waters and abundant wildlife. You may spot Chilean and Peale’s dolphins as well as bird species such as the ringed kingfisher and crested caracara. Along Canal Concepción is a maze of interlocking fjords leading to a remarkable anomaly: Pío XI is one of the only glaciers in the world to buck the trend of recession, continuing to advance rapidly. The glacier marks the northernmost point of the voyage.

A selection of guided hikes along the northern shores of the Cordillera Darwin Icefield will allow you to explore sub-Antarctic forests. You’ll also be able to take Zodiac trips to the Tucker Islets in the Almirantazgo Sound to see some incredible wildlife including a colony of more than 4000 Magellanic penguins. Depending on conditions it may be possible to land at Bahía Fortescue, site of the first Christian mass on Chilean territory, taking place on 11 November 1520.

On your last night onboard, enjoy the Captain’s Cocktail Party and Farewell Dinner.

Please note, this trip is an expedition, and sites mentioned in this itinerary may vary depending on the conditions during the trip. 

Transfer to Santiago and depart for the UK, arriving on day 17.