Puerto Williams to Valparaiso

Puerto Williams, Chile, located on Navarino Island at the southern tip of South America, holds the title of the world's southernmost city. This remote outpost is more than just a geographical novelty; it's a gateway to the rugged landscapes and pristine environments of the Antarctic region. The town is a base for scientific research and a starting point for intrepid explorers heading to the icy continent.

The area around Puerto Williams is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, including the Dientes de Navarino trek, a challenging route that offers panoramic views of the Beagle Channel and the Darwin Range. The town also provides insights into the indigenous Yaghan community, with the Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum documenting their rich history and culture.

Located at the southernmost end of South America, Ushuaia is is often called a doorway to Antarctica. The town boasts incredible natural beauty through its national parks like the Tierra del Fuego National Park with cultural institutions like the Museo del Fin del Mundo, or the End of the World Museum. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Ushuaia:

• ride the steam-powered End Of The World Train
• Spend the day walking the Tierra Del Fuego National Park
• Martial Glacier affords spectacular vistas from its 1,050-meter summit

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.

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.

Located in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Brüggen Glacier, also known as Pío X Glacier, is the largest glacier in South America and is the only glacier in the world that is continuing to grow. Pío X Glacier currently has a surface area of 786 square miles - as large as Santiago!

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.

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.

These fjords, carved by ancient glaciers, stretch along Chile's southern coast, revealing deep blue waters, towering peaks, and lush rainforests. You'll marvel at breathtaking views, including the famed Amalia Glacier, with its striking blue ice cascading into the sea. The region is rich in wildlife, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Spot majestic humpback whales, playful dolphins, and colonies of sea lions.

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.

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.

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