Exploring Patagonia

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.

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Buenos Aires, Argentina

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)

Day 3 — Buenos Aires

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)

Day 4 — Ushuaia/Tierra del Fuego National Park

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)

Day 5 — Cape Horn, Chile/Wulaia Bay

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)

Day 6 — Magdalena Channel/Agostini Sound

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)

Day 7 — Magdalena Island/Punta Arenas

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)

Days 8, 9, & 10 — Torres del Paine National Park

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)

Day 11 — Torres del Paine National Park/Santiago

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)

Days 12 & 13 — Santiago/U.S.

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)