Starting in Ushuaia, cross the ocean to explore the wonders of the great white continent. Come ashore on isolated beaches, get close to huge colonies of penguins, hike in the haunting landscapes, and enjoy kayak trips in untouched waters with icebergs floating by. Continue to Cape Horn and the wild fjords of Chile and visit one of the most scenic national parks in the world. This wild and remote area seems almost untouched by humans, with mountains plunging into icy waters. The steep valleys with snow-capped mountains make a striking contrast to an otherwise green area that is rich in wildlife. Spend time kayaking, hiking, and enjoying close encounters with penguins, birds, seals, and the rich wildlife of Patagonia before the voyage ends in Valparaíso, Chile.
Highlights
See Port Lockroy in Antarctica and glimpse into a 1950s base
Enjoy optional off-shore excursions like kayaking and hiking
Watch for wildlife in the richly-populated Chilean Fjords
Explore Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile
Visit the unique village of Puerto Edén, population 250
Sightsee in the colorful and poetic city of Valparaíso
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
As you reach Antarctica, gaze at the endless white wilderness full of vistas of nature and wildlife. Staggeringly photogenic and blessed with some of the most spectacular Antarctic scenery imaginable, Half Moon Island is a glittering gem among these island treasures. Cuverville Island boasts the largest known colony of gentoo penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula. Sail through the narrow Errera Channel to and from Cuverville and see the icebergs that have become trapped and grounded in the nearby shallows. Danco Island lies peacefully among the icebergs in the Errera Channel, just a few hundred yards from the Antarctic mainland, and is a breeding site for gentoo penguins. Go ashore and explore, go kayaking to see the ice up close, or take a trip on one of the small boats. Port Lockroy is a British station from the World War II that was turned into a museum in 1996. It is one of the most popular sites in Antarctica and offers a peek into life on an Antarctic base in the 1950s. Pleneau Island is situated just south of the Lemaire Channel and is a beautiful landing site, with many stranded icebergs in the bay area.
At almost 56 degrees south, Cape Horn is the southernmost point of South America, and one of the most mythical places on Earth. Before the Panama Canal, seafarers had to pass this infamous rocky island in order to cross from one side of the Americas to the other. The MS Fram does her best to land on Cape Horn, despite the high seas and challenging conditions.
Sail through the Magellan Strait and the Beagle Channel, with channels, fjords, and mountains plunging into the icy water. This wild and remote area seems almost untouched by humans. The ice has scoured its way between the mountains, creating the isolated islands and hidden bays that form the unique fjord landscape of Chile. Nature enthusiasts are excited by the Chilean fjords. The snow-capped mountains and steep valleys make a striking contrast to an otherwise very green area that is rich in wildlife. Come ashore and you might be able to spot sea lions, Andean condors, and several other birds that can only be found here.
Day 11-12: Puerto Natales, Torres Del Paine National Park
Puerto Natales is the gateway to the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most attractive national parks in Chile. The ‘towers,' the impressive rock formations, both colossal and unique, called ‘Torres del Paine’ (Towers of Paine), are the main attractions of the park. The towers are made up of the Torre Central (9,186 feet high), Torre Sur (9,350 feet) and Torre Norte (7,375 feet). Enjoy hiking, glacier traversing, kayaking, and landings in these amazing surroundings. The diversity of environments here has led to very rich fauna and flora. While you are here you might see llamas, pumas, chilla foxes, and skunks – in addition to more than 100 species of birds such as the Andean condor and black-chested buzzard eagle.
After an unforgettable voyage through the Patagonian Archipelago, visit the unique village of Puerto Edén. Known for its geographical isolation, its population of 250 includes the 15 remaining members of the Kawéskar people. Stroll among the laneways or join the Expedition Team for hiking, mountain climbing, or kayaking.
Enjoy another day in the Chilean fjords. From the deck or the panorama lounge you have front-row seats to the majestic mountains and beautiful scenery.
Puerto Montt boasts great views of the ocean and the towering peaks of the Andes. Going ashore on one of these excursions gives you a great overview of the scenery, culture, and architecture of this area. You can also explore this city on your own.
Described as both colorful and poetic, Valparaíso is a unique, artistic city undergoing an impressive cultural resurgence, although poets, painters, and philosophers have long been drawn to this place. After disembarkation, learn more about the city during a sightseeing tour before you are transferred to your hotel in Santiago de Chile.
Day 18: Santiago de Chile
1 Breakfast
After breakfast in the hotel your expedition comes to an end.
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.
$10,231
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Select a Date
Polar Inside - I
Size: 10-13 m2. Upper-deck cabin, No window, Double bed (optional twin)
Select a Date
Polar Outside - FJ
172-226 square feet. Outside cabin: Double bed, seating area, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc, limited or no view. (FJ 503 with twin beds).
Select a Date
Polar Outside - N
113-140 square feet. Outside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, table, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc. (N-352 with upper/lower berths).
Select a Date
Arctic Superior - U
118-252 square feet. Outside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, table, TV, refrigerator, kettle, shower/wc. (U-526 with upper/lower berths).
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 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
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day 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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.