Carved by fjords and capped by glistening glaciers, Patagonia is a natural wonderland. Cruise through a landscape of thick forests and icebergs to the tip of Cape Horn and the Strait of Magellan. Then continue to Patagonia's crown jewel—Torres del Paine National Park—and end our journey in Santiago, Chile's vibrant capital.
Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires. Transfer to our hotel in the heart of the fashionable Recoleta neighborhood and explore the nearby galleries, museums, and cafés. Enjoy a tango performance at our welcome dinner tonight.
Loi Suites Recoleta (D)
Spend the day discovering Argentina’s
cosmopolitan capital, known as “the Paris of
South America.” On a city tour, see the remarkable
Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Perón.
Continue to the historic presidential palace, La
Casa Rosada, and the cathedral in Plaza de Mayo.
After lunch, explore the colorful artists’ quarter of
La Boca, as well as the beautiful parks, gardens,
monuments, and mansions of the
Palermo neighborhood.
Loi Suites Recoleta (B,L)
Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and visit Tierra del Fuego National Park. Embark our ship and sail toward the famed Beagle Channel.
M.V. Stella Australis (B,L,D)
Weather permitting, take Zodiacs to the legendary Cabo de Hornos (Cape Horn) for a panoramic view from the southernmost tip of South America. Later, explore Wulaia Bay, where Charles Darwin landed during his voyage on the H.M.S. Beagle. Choose one of two walks to experience the spectacular beauty of the Magellanic forest.
M.V. Stella Australis (B,L,D)
As we navigate the Magdalena Channel, spot
penguins, dolphins, sea lions, and Andean condors.
Cruise through majestic Agostini Sound and
disembark for a closer look at the Águila Glacier.
On an easy walk on shore, take in spectacular
views of the brilliant blue-and-white ice set off by
black mountains, and learn about the geological
forces that shaped this dramatic land.
M.V. Stella Australis (B,L,D)
Take a morning walk on Magdalena Island, home to a colony of 120,000 Magellanic penguins. Disembark in Punta Arenas and continue across the southern pampas, looking for herds of guanacos and rheas, gray foxes, Patagonian hares, and black-necked swans. Settle into our deluxe lodge
for the next four nights.
Explora Lodge* (B,L,D daily)
During the next three days, tailor your exploration to your interests, choosing among a variety of hiking and horseback riding excursions in the park. Discover Grey Lake and its radiant blue, sculpted ice; hike through beech forests along the shore of Laguna Azul; and marvel at rock paintings left by the Aonikenk Indians, some of the earliest inhabitants of the region. Photograph wildlife near the northern limits of the park or relax at the hotel, taking advantage of its wonderful amenities. Enjoy evening lectures and cap off your stay in the park with a festive traditional barbecue.
Explora Lodge* (B,L,D daily)
Today, drive to Punta Arenas airport for the flight to Santiago, stopping for lunch along the way. Arrive in Santiago this evening and check in to our hotel.
Plaza el Bosque Park & Suites (B,L)
Spend a full day exploring Santiago. On a walking
tour of the city center, see the Plaza de
Armas, La Moneda Presidential Palace, and the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral. Visit La Chascona, the former home of Nobel poet Pablo Neruda, and enjoy a farewell celebration at a Chilean winery. This evening, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home, arriving the next day.
(B,L)
Book by July 31, 2013 to save $1,000 per person on the November 3, 2013 departure.
Constanza Ceruti
A National Geographic Emerging Explorer, high-altitude archaeologist Constanza Ceruti specializes in excavating Inca Empire ceremonial centers on the summits of sacred Andean mountains. Constanza's most impressive find to date took place on a 22,100-foot summit, where the expedition she co-led unearthed the three best-preserved mummies ever discovered. "When we found the mummies, I remember a profound silence falling over the group. It is so humbling to look into the eyes of another human being from half a millennium ago." A professor at Catholic University in Salta, Argentina, Constanza looks forward to sharing the wonders of Patagonia with National Geographic travelers.
Constanza will join the following departures:
Nov 03 - 15, 2013
Feb 09 - 21, 2014
*On the November and December 2013 departures, you’ll stay at Tierra Patagonia instead of the Explora Lodge.
| Category A | $9,990 |
|---|---|
| Category AA | $11,890 |
| Category AAA | $12,990 |
Categories A, AA, and AAA refer to cabin categories aboard the M.V. Stella Australis, as well as room categories at either the Explora Lodge or Tierra Patagonia. Salto Chico, Cordillera Paine, and Suite Exploradores refer to rooms at the Explora Lodge. Standard, Superior, and Suite refer to rooms at Tierra Patagonia.
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $3,195 in Category A, $3,595 in Category AA, or $4,195 in Category AAA. On the December 2013 departure, add $300 in each category of single pricing above for the holiday surcharge.
Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Economy airfare from Miami to Buenos Aires and return from Santiago is from $1,200, and flights within Argentina and Chile are $825 (subject to change).
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