Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition (Southbound)

Discover Valparaíso, the 'Jewel of the Pacific' 

Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise begins in colourful Valparaíso. Known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific', it's built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean and you'll love discovering this friendly UNESCO-listed city. 

Filled with enticing scents and sounds, it's an exhilarating maze of alleyways and barrios, colourful houses and mercados packed with local produce – take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción. 

You can explore more of the region on one of our optional Pre-Programmes.

Get into expedition mode 

Over the next two days at sea, you'll learn more about the wonders we'll encounter during our trip. 

Members of the Expedition Team will be experts in anything from oceanography and geology to ornithology and history. Drop in on their fascinating lectures, as well as hands-on presentations in the Science Center. 

Grab a pair of binoculars and scan for rare wandering albatrosses and petrels. Make the most of your onboard facilities, and spoil yourself with a spa treatment in the wellness area, or enjoy the infinity pool, hot tubs, running track, sauna and gym. 

See stilt houses and historic churches 

Set among the lush vegetation of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile's third oldest city. It's home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Iglesia San Francisco Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón. 

From various vantage points you can get great views of the city's colourful palafitos, which are stilt houses situated along the waterfront. For some culture, head to the Regional Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. 

Bring your binoculars as Chiloé is an important habitat for bird species such as Green-backed Firecrowns and Chilean Flamingos, along with penguins, Black-necked Swans, Ringed Kingfishers and Silvery Grebes. 

Relax at sea as we head to Puerto Edén 

We continue our adventure, setting course for Puerto Edén. As we pass quietly through the beautiful islands of Aysén, you'll be able to enjoy a rare opportunity – time out to reconnect with nature. Enjoy the fresh sea air as we glide past untouched isles and green mountains, looking out for rare wildlife.  

Take it all in from the deck, the outdoor hot tub, or the panoramic Explorer Lounge & Bar. Your Expedition Team continues its programme of lectures in the Science Center, offering fascinating insights into the places and animals you'll see on your journey. 

Discover Kawésqar culture in a Patagonian village 

Set at the end of a deep fjord our next stop is the enchanting village of Puerto Edén, set in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. 

The tiny settlement is only accessible by sea, and the ferry that connects it to the mainland only visits once a month. There are no roads here – just wooden boardwalks connecting houses and shops. Among its 250 inhabitants are some of the last remaining members of the Indigenous Kawésqar people, and by talking to them you'll gain insight into their unique culture. 

Gateway to Torres del Paine 

Our expedition cruise continues to Puerto Natales, gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park. You can choose to see this beautiful national park on either a bus or hiking tour – both incredible experiences well worth doing. 

The rugged landscape has steppe, forest and desert, punctuated by glaciers and lakes. Guanacos and rheas roam freely. Look out for Chilean Flamingos and you may even spot the mighty Andean Condor. 

Puerto Natales is a popular hub for hikers and travellers, with many eateries, bars and outdoor shops. You can set out on your own to visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike; enjoy a gin tour at the Last Hope Distillery; or stroll along the photogenic waterfront. 

Witness scenic landscapes filled with wildlife 

Your journey south along the Chilean coast takes you through the ruggedly beautiful, broken island chains of the fjords of Magallanes Province. Isolated islands and hidden bays create a rich haven for wildlife. 

Whether cruising aboard our small expedition boats or just out on deck, look out for colonies of Magellanic Penguins elephant seals and various species of whale. You may also see majestic waterfalls along this dramatic and beautiful section of coast.  

Attempted landing at Cape Horn 

After sailing through the Beagle Channel, we'll pass the southernmost tip of South America, Cape Horn. This formidable icon often has challenging conditions, but if weather allows, we'll attempt to land there. 

From here, we'll navigate the legendary Drake Passage towards Antarctica. En route, you'll find out what lies ahead and how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible. 

In the Science Center, the Expedition Team will give lectures about Antarctica's fauna, history and geology, as well as the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You can also get involved in our Citizen Science projects. 

Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty 

Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica's immense, frozen beauty. Icebergs, sculpted by nature, float in the straits. Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins court while Adélie Penguins nest. Countless seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge. 

You'll spend an exciting four days busily exploring several of more than 20 possible landing sites, on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Wherever we go and whatever we do, each day will offer something different and thrilling. 

We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also get a chance to go kayaking among icebergs and seals, or snowshoe to a thrilling viewpoint. 

Bird enthusiasts should look skywards for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels and terns. Through onboard lectures and onshore talks, you'll learn more about this precious habitat and how we can all protect it for the future. 

Relax and learn as we cruise to Argentina 

After four incredible days in Antarctica, we sail back across the Drake Passage towards warmer weather in Argentina, giving you two days to enjoy life on board. There are plenty of things to do. 

During your last few days at sea, you can take part in art workshops, or perhaps enjoy a treatment in the spa. Get active in the gym or admire the views from the panoramic sauna. Relax in the outdoor pool or soak in the on-deck hot tubs. 

Visit the Science Center and find out more about the things you've seen or use the time to sort through your photos and get editing tips from our onboard photographer. 

From Ushuaia to Buenos Aires 

Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina's southernmost province. From here, you'll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but it doesn't have to be the end of your adventure. 

Why not join our optional Post-Programmes before heading home.