Expedition Details
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.Trip Highlights
- Follow Patagonia's pristine fjords past vast glaciers, and trace the voyages of great explorers around the legendary Cape Horn.
- Encounter unique wildlife, including guanacos, rheas, gray foxes, and Magellanic penguins.
- Spend four nights at the spectacular Explora Lodge, hiking and riding horseback amid the granite spires, glacial lakes, and waterfalls of Torres del Paine National Park.
- Venture into the colorful artists' quarter of La Boca and enjoy a tango performance in captivating Buenos Aires.
Itinerary - 13 Days
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 short 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 historic presidential palace—Casa Rosada—and the cathedral in Plaza de Mayo. Continue to the remarkable Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Peron. 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 the ship and sail toward the famed Beagle Channel.
M.V. Mare Australis or 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. Mare Australis or M.V. Stella Australis* (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Chico Inlet/Piloto and Nena Glaciers
As we navigate the Magdalena Channel, spot penguins, dolphins, sea lions, and Andean condors, and view the amazing Gunter Plüshow Glacier. Cruise into Chico Inlet on a Zodiac, and get a close-up view of Piloto and Nena Glaciers.
M.V. Mare Australis or 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. Check into the deluxe Explora Lodge in Torres del Paine National Park, our home for the next four nights.
Explora Patagonia (B,L,D)
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 incredibly blue ice sculptures; hike through southern beech forests along the shore of Laguna Azul; and venture to Salto Grande, a glacial waterfall set against stunning views of the majestic 11,000-foot Grand Paine Mountains. 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 Patagonia (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.
Our full-day exploration of Santiago includes a visit to La Chascona, the former home of Nobel poet Pablo Neruda; a stop at Santiago's bustling fish market; and a farewell celebration at a Chilean winery. This evening, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home, arriving the next day.
(B,L)
Note: Additional nights in Buenos Aires can be arranged upon request. Call for details.
Optional Extensions
- Easter Island - Post-Trip Extension, 6 Days
- Chile's Atacama Desert - Post-Trip Extension, 6 Days
Related Trip
View LargerNational Geographic Expert
Eduardo Shaw
Eduardo Shaw grew up on the pampas of Argentina and has lived with his family in northwestern Patagonia for the past 18 years. A former teacher and now a naturalist and lecturer, he is deeply involved in local foundations and community projects that promote sustainable development. Eduardo has led National Geographic Expeditions to Antarctica as well as numerous trips to Patagonia. He looks forward to sharing his knowledge and passion for the region.
Eduardo will join the following departures:
Oct 17 - 29, 2010 • Nov 09 - 21, 2011
Expedition Dates 
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Stella Australis![[aus]](/images/icon_ship-aus.png){kind=icon}
Mare/Via AustralisExpedition Costs
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For single accommodations in Category A–Salto Chico, add $2,500 in 2010 and $2,545 in 2011. All flights within Argentina and Chile are included in the expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare from Miami to Buenos Aires, and return from Santiago, is not included and is estimated at $1,110.
