In-depth Patagonia & Chilean Fjords Expedition

Get a taste for Argentina's capital  

With its fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache, an overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your adventure. Take in the beautiful architecture, such as the opera house of Teatro Colón, the pretty-in-pink Casa Rosada, and the National Museum of Fine Arts, which displays works by Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso.  

Explore the colourful street museum in La Boca with its buzzy markets and restaurants. Or take in a tango show before savouring some famed Argentinian beef in one of the city's steakhouses. If you can, why not arrive here early to fully explore the city or join our optional Pre-Programme. 

Fly south to Ushuaia and board your ship  

You'll have an early start today as we head to the airport for our flight to Ushuaia. With its backdrop of snow-covered mountains, Ushuaia holds the proud, if often-disputed, title of southernmost city in the world.  

MS Roald Amundsen is waiting in port for you. After picking up your expedition jacket and meeting your Expedition Team, settle in and explore the ship before enjoying the first of many delicious meals on board. Your adventure is officially underway. 

Cruise the Beagle Channel and round Cape Horn  

Your adventure starts in earnest as we cruise through the Beagle Channel and sail down to the southernmost tip of South America – Cape Horn. The rocky walls of the channel plunge straight into the deep blue icy waters of this wild and remote seascape. Watch out for rare, endemic Peale's dolphins and other wildlife here. 

Cape Horn is where the open waters of the Atlantic and Pacific collide, creating powerful, swirling waves. Rounding the cape would once strike fear into the heart of hardened sailors, but with the benefit of modern instruments, we'll attempt to land – a seafaring milestone – and explore the cape … if the conditions cooperate. 

Visit a remote paradise 

Soak up the peaceful atmosphere of Puerto Williams, another contender for the world's southernmost city. Drop into the Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum. Here, you'll find Indigenous Yaghan artifacts, maps, photographs and a traditional canoe. You can also see a replica of the bow of the Yelcho – the ship that rescued Shackleton's men in 1916. 

Hike through the gorgeous scenery, on your own or as part of a guided excursion. You may be able to kayak if the weather is nice. Keen birdwatchers should have their binoculars handy to spot seabirds, including the mighty albatross. 

Witness some of Chile's most impressive glaciers 

The goal for the day is a scenic cruise in Garibaldi Fjord within Alberto de Agostini National Park. Here, the Andes tumble into the Pacific and great glaciers calve ice into the beautiful Chilean fjords. 

Depending on the conditions, we'll head for glaciers Garibaldi or Pia, some of the most impressive examples in Chile. The fjord is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and its rich waters are home to seals, sea lions and many seabirds, including the impressive Andean Condor. 

Through the Magellan Strait 

As we sail north along the Chilean coast, join your Expedition Team for fascinating lectures on topics like pre-Columbian history, the geology of our surroundings and the folklore of local communities. 

Enjoy the serenity and beauty of the maze of fjords we pass, surrounded by islands, glaciers and steep mountains. And keep an eye out for elephant seals, dolphins and whales, who often swim alongside the ship. 

Our resident photographer will be on hand to help you get the most from your wildlife and landscape photography. 

Gateway to Torres del Paine 

Your expedition cruise continues to Puerto Natales, gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park. You can choose to see this beautiful national park on a panoramic bus or hiking tour. The rugged landscape has steppe, forest and desert, punctuated by glaciers and lakes.  

Guanacos, rheas and the elusive puma roam here. Look out for Chilean Flamingos as well as the mighty Andean Condor. 

Puerto Natales is a popular hub for hikers and adventurers, with many eateries, bars and outdoor shops. Visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike, enjoy a gin tour at the Last Hope Distillery, or stroll along the photogenic waterfront. 

Tides rule the day 

Early in the morning, according to the tide conditions, we'll sail from Puerto Natales through the White Narrows. At less than 330 feet wide in parts, this striking waterway is only passable in slack water. Once through we'll continue deep into the heart of the Chilean fjords, surrounded by panoramic views, as we head towards Puerto Edén.  

Head out on deck to witness some of the most beautiful landscapes on the continent as your captain skilfully navigates MS Roald Amundsen through the waters of Patagonia. Enjoy the scenery, look for wildlife or drop in on a fascinating lecture in the Science Center. 

Learn about Kawésqar culture in a remote village 

Our next stop is the enchanting village of Puerto Edén in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, set at the end of a deep fjord. The tiny settlement is only accessible by sea, and the ferry that links it to the mainland only visits once a month. There are no roads here – just wooden boardwalks connecting houses and shops.  

Among its 250-strong population, you'll meet some of the last remaining members of the Indigenous Kawésqar people, giving you a fascinating insight into Patagonian culture. The unique community is designated a Living Human Treasure by UNESCO. 

Receive a warm welcome in Caleta Tortel 

We continue off the well-trodden path to visit isolated Caleta Tortel. Lying at the mouth of Río Baker, Chile's largest river, this charming village is home to just 500 inhabitants. 

Instead of streets, a maze of boardwalks connects the close-knit community, spreading over water and around the mountain base. If conditions permit, you'll be able to explore more of the milky blue waters here by kayak. 

While exploring the village, you'll come across locals selling handicrafts and you may even be treated to a performance by folk dancers. 

Unforgettable Andean seascapes 

Your expedition cruise continues north through the fabled waters of Patagonia. The seas here are captivating, with a whole palette of shades of blue, from the brightest aquamarine to the deepest midnight hues. 

As we sail, there's a good chance you'll see whales, seabirds, seals and more. Take in the scenery from the panoramic sauna or on-deck hot tubs and infinity pool, enjoy the onboard cuisine, or relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. 

Your Expedition Team will be on hand with fascinating lectures on local history and wildlife, and our onboard photographer can help with tips on expedition photography. 

Stilt houses and historic churches 

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

Keep your camera ready for views of the city's colourful palafitos – stilt houses along the waterfront. For an insight into local culture, head to the Museo Regional de Castro museum and Modern Art Museum. 

You may also have the opportunity see some of Chiloe's other highlights. Castro is strategically located at the centre of the island providing easy access to many fascinating locations.  

Explore Spanish fortresses and lively markets 

We go ashore at the pretty seaside town of Niebla, set on a picturesque peninsula with views of Corral Bay on one side and the Valdivia River on the other. Take a stroll on the wide sandy beach and, if the Feria Costumbrista market is open, sample traditional empanadas, anticuchos and churros. 

Aside from the town itself, the ruins of the old Spanish fort and its associated museum are well worth a visit. Learn more about the region's history at the museum, then wander around the lighthouse. You'll enjoy beautiful views across the river and bay. 

We'll then visit Valdivia, capital of the province and one of the oldest Spanish-era settlements in Chile. 

Wildlife spotting at sea 

Your expedition cruise continues along the Pacific coast to Valparaíso, our final stop. Now, as our journey nears its end, perhaps you'll want to reflect on the experiences you've had so far. Perhaps you've made some new friends along the way, and maybe you're even thinking ahead to your next adventure. 

There will be a chance to enjoy a recap of our shared experiences in Patagonia and the fjords from our Expedition Team. And seeing as you're at sea, you may as well take full advantage of all the great onboard facilities the ship offers – and enjoy a final fantastic evening meal.  

A great place to end your expedition cruise 

Your South American Pacific coast expedition cruise ends in Valparaíso. Known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific', this UNESCO-listed city is built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean. It's well worth spending time exploring before you fly home. 

Filled with exciting smells, sounds and people, it's an exhilarating maze of winding 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. 

Although your cruise has come to an end, if you're up for more adventures you can join an optional Post-Programme.