Embark on a 15-day cruise aboard the SH Vega. Setting sail from Ushuaia, venture through vast glaciers, stunning fjords, and breathtaking landscapes in Patagonia. Absorb the untamed wilderness amidst towering snow-capped peaks, encountering diverse wildlife like penguins, dolphins, and the majestic Andean condor. Explore quaint coastal towns, delving into the region's rich history. Concluding in Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its vibrant houses and hilly terrain, this cruise promises an unforgettable experience
Highlights
Witness the incredible sight of Pio XI Glacier, the longest glacier in the southern hemisphere outside of Antarctica
Experience the challenging but rewarding navigation through Angostura Kirke, with spectacular views and wildlife sightings
Visit Castro, known for its brightly painted palafitos and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Iglesia San Francisco
Discover the nature-protected island of Mocha, with its natural history
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
In the morning, join the group and transfer to the airport. Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and hop on the group transfer to the port. Afterward, embark on SH Vega for your Polar adventure.
Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colorful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world.
Considered one of Chile’s most beautiful glaciers, the towering teal walls of Garibaldi Glacier are pretty spectacular. Surrounded by pristine sub-Antarctic forests, the vegetation is just as impressive as the ice. The glacier and surrounding Garibaldi Fjord are part of Alberto de Agostini National Park. The park is also a recognized UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its unique terrestrial, marine, and coastal ecosystems and is considered one of the 24 most pristine ecoregions on the planet.
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to the library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of the on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the onboard professional photographers.
Day 5-7: Cruising Angostura Kirke | Puerto Natales | Cruising Angostura White
Angostura Kirke, a narrow waterway that connects the Gulf of Penas with the Gulf of Corcovado in Chile, demands precise timing and skillful navigation. Strong currents and winds heighten the challenge, yet the passage rewards with breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. Playful dolphins, sleek seals and soaring seabirds enhance the experience amid mist-shrouded mountains and cascading waterfalls.
Puerto Natales is a charming port town along Last Hope Sound and an ideal gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. The park's highlight is an imposing trio of granite pillars that dominate the landscape. This vast area includes glaciers, vibrant teal lakes, lush forests and thundering rivers, and is home to diverse wildlife including guanaco, Darwin’s rhea, armadillo and the Patagonian fox, and is one of the world's top places to see puma.
Day 8: Pio XI Glacier | Cruising Angostura Inglesa
One of few glaciers in the world that is not retreating, Pio XI glacier is an incredible sight to behold. Almost 66 km in length, Pio XI, also known as Brüggen Glacier, is the longest glacier in the southern hemisphere, outside of Antarctica. With towering ice cliffs, deep blue crevasses and seracs, it advances by 50 metres per day.
Angostura Inglesa (or the English Narrows), a narrow passage in the Messier Channel on the southwestern coast of Chile, provides a picturesque route through the fjords and glaciers of Patagonia. Navigating this challenging passage demands precise timing and skill due to strong currents and winds. Yet, the journey compensates with stunning views of mountains, islands, and the chance to encounter dolphins, seals, and various bird species.
After traversing the English Passage's green hills and snowy peaks, the ship arrives at remote Caleta Tortel village at the Rio Baker's mouth. Long isolated with only river and sea access, Tortel's first road was built in 2003. The timber industry led to the construction of wooden houses and streets - or boardwalks - made of wood. Hummingbirds flit amongst the flora of this scenic frontier outpost.
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to the library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of the on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from onboard professional photographers.
Castro, Chiloé Island's picturesque capital, is known for its palafitos, brightly painted wooden houses on stilts. Beyond the UNESCO-listed palafitos, Iglesia San Francisco, an old wooden neo-Gothic church dating back to 1567, stands tall in yellow. Nearby Chiloé National Park protects native alerce conifers, the largest tree species in South America. The park offers fantastic hiking trails and breathtaking views of the lush, pristine landscapes.
Puerto Montt, marking Chile's Lake District's southern end, is known for its bustling port and salmon fishing. The compact city's Histórico Museum displays indigenous artefacts and fossils. Nearby attractions include Chile’s oldest national park, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park with the vibrant Petrohué Rapids by the Osorno Volcano. Beyond the city on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, the town of Puerto Varas is known for its German heritage.
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea allows you to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to the library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of the on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the onboard professional photographers.
Day 15: Valparaiso | Disembark
1 Breakfast
One of Chile’s oldest cities, Valparaíso is known for its steep hillsides overlooking the ocean as well as its historical funicular. UNESCO-listed, it's a maze of monuments, wonderful architecture, churches, cobblestone alleys, colourful houses and bustling plazas. The former home of Chile's most famous poet, Pablo Neruda, is open to the public in Isla Negra. Leaving Valparaiso, the fertile Casablanca Valley is known for Chilean white wines.
On this day, say goodbye to your fellow travelers and crew, and depart for your flight back home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$16,1802-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Oceanview D4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Oceanview M4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Balcony D5
28 m2, Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
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Balcony M5
28 m2, Located at the center of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
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Balcony D6
28 m2, Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
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Suite
44 m2, Our Suites features a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
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Premium Suite
49 m2, Our grandest suites feature a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a 12 sq.m private balcony.
Initial deposit is 20% (30% for Suite bookings), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
14 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
14 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Room Service
Wifi
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
Transfers and Flights: Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - Buenos Aires
One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
