Valparaiso to Punta Arenas

Once the most important merchant port on the Pacific trading routes of South America, Valparaiso is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its bright, colourful buildings, incredible European-inspired architecture, and unique urban hillside design, Valparaiso offers a vibrant artistic culture in a laid-back environment. Ships will dock at the port.

Top Things to Do in Valparaiso:

• sandboard the Dunes of Concón
• explore Cerro Concepcion
• visit the Parque Cultural de Valparaíso
• admire the street art on a walking tour

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Niebla is a small seaside resort town where the Valdivia River meets Corral Bay and the Pacific Ocean, less than 15 kilometres west of Valdivia. Despite its size, Niebla holds historical significance. Spaniards first visited in 1544, naming the river after Chile's governor, Pedro de Valdivia. Valdivia, founded in 1552, became a key port that was fortified against pirates.

The "Castillo de la Pura y Limpia Concepción de Monfort de Lemus" was built in Niebla between 1671 and 1679, one of four Corral Bay fortifications crucial in the 17th century. Darwin saw its ruins in 1835. Declared a Historic Monument in 1950, it was partly restored in 1992 and 2013-14, and is now on the tentative World Heritage list.

Puerto Montt, located in the southern reaches of Chile, serves as the gateway to the Chilean fjords, Patagonia, and the Andes Mountains. This port city is vital for its role in connecting the more remote parts of southern Chile. The Angelmó market, famous for its array of fresh seafood, vibrant handicrafts, and woollen goods, encapsulates the local culture and is a hub for culinary and artisanal exploration.

The nearby Lake District offers dramatic volcanic landscapes and lush forests, making Puerto Montt a central point for accessing natural wonders such as the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, where the Petrohué Falls and Osorno Volcano are key attractions. The city’s blend of natural beauty and cultural richness reflects the diverse offerings of the region.

Castro, nestled on the east coast of Chiloé Island in Chile, is distinguished by its vividly painted wooden stilt houses, or 'palafitos', that line the waterfront. This charming city, the third oldest in continuous existence in Chile, melds the rich cultural heritage of the Chilote people with breathtaking natural surroundings. The San Francisco Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a brilliant example of the unique wooden architectural style of the Chiloé Archipelago.

Exploring Castro offers a peek into the island's traditional crafts at the bustling local markets where wool, wooden items, and basketry are in abundance. Additionally, the surrounding landscape provides ample opportunities for bird watching and enjoying the serene beauty of southern Chile's lush countryside.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Tortel is a commune located in Southern Patagonia, characterised by an archipelagic area of numerous islands and channels. Tortel is known as the “footbridge city” for the unique beauty of its wooden walkways that connect the piers and houses of this quaint place through bridges and stairs, built from cypress wood, that run for just over 7km (4.5mi) around the cove and that respect the rich vegetation that grows under them.

Even though it is the sixth largest commune in Chile, it has the lowest population of all with roughly 531 people. The history of the town dates back to 1520 when it was inhabited by nomadic Kawesqar, now extinct. Its definitive foundation was in 1955, after numerous attempts to populate the area. In 2001, it was declared by the Chilean government as a Picturesque Zone of National Heritage.

English Narrows refers to a narrow passage at the southern end of the Messier Channel in Chile’s Region XI, Aysen del General Carlos Ibanez del Campos. The region is Chile’s least populated and a few kilometres south of English Narrows is Puerto Eden, the only settlement along the entire Chilean Inside Passage. With Wellington Island to the west and surrounded by Chile’s largest national park, Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, the narrow passage is at times 180 meters wide, while the entire length is given as 18 kilometres. Low-lying islands and steep mountains are seen on both sides and the Magellanic subpolar forest with its evergreen trees of the genus Nothofagus has taken hold where possible.

Embark on an expedition through the Chilean Fjords by Zodiac. Be immersed in a world of awe-inspiring landscapes carved by ancient glaciers, revealing nature's relentless force through steep-sided valleys and tranquil waters.

Witness the might of glacial ice calving, where chunks of ice thunderously break off from the glaciers and crash into the water.

The cold, nutrient-rich waters promise encounters with diverse marine life, from the playful South American Fur Seals and Sea Lions to the graceful Humpback Whales.

Peale's Dolphins dart through the waves, while the skies are patrolled by an array of seabirds, including the majestic Andean Condors, soaring on the up-drafts with the largest wing surface area of any bird.

Punta Arenas, perched on the southern tip of Chile's mainland, serves as a crucial gateway to the Antarctic, drawing explorers from around the world. This city is steeped in maritime history and is the largest population centre in Patagonia, offering a fascinating mix of cultural influences evident in its architecture and local customs. The Nao Victoria Museum, featuring replicas of historic ships, and the poignant Monumento al Ovejero, celebrating the region’s sheep farming heritage, are key highlights.

The rugged, windswept landscapes surrounding Punta Arenas invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore. Nearby Torres del Paine National Park offers spectacular trekking opportunities, while the Strait of Magellan provides panoramic sea vistas and a chance to spot diverse marine wildlife, making this region a hub for natural and historical exploration.