Name: Patagonia Tours & Travel
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.8 (567 reviews)

by Claudia Corona, Adventure Life Trip Planner

Exploring Patagonia with Australis means stepping into some of the most remote, untouched corners of the world—and you can do it at your own pace. Each day, expert guides offer multiple excursion options rated as easy, medium, or high difficulty, so travelers of all fitness levels can enjoy the journey.

Trip Planner Claudia Corona explores the bridge of the Stella Australis (Emily Stanton)

Easy Difficulty

Perfect for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace or have limited mobility. These excursions involve short walks on flat or gently sloping terrain or wildlife viewing by Zodiac.

Examples:

Magdalena Island: Stroll among a colony of Magellanic penguins (available on the Patagonian Explorer itinerary, sailing from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas)
Tucker Islets (by Zodiac): See penguins and seabirds without disembarking (available on the Fjords of Tierra del Fuego itinerary, sailing from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia).
Wulaia Bay (easy: A forest walk along the shoreline.

Medium-Difficulty

Ideal for moderately active travelers, these outings involve gentle elevation and uneven trails, typically lasting 1.5 to 2 hours.

Examples:

Pia Glacier Lookout (medium): Hike to a panoramic glacier viewpoint. If you want to have the time to experience the amazing calvings of this glacier, opt for this version rather than the high difficulty one!
Wulaia Bay (medium): Forest walk with moderate uphill climbs.
Ainsworth Bay: Explore native vegetation and wildlife habitats (available on the Fjords of Tierra del Fuego itinerary, sailing from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia).

Trip Planner Claudia Corona hiking on an Australis cruise, Wulaia Bay (Emily Stanton)

High-Difficulty

For adventurous guests, these excursions feature steeper climbs and more rugged terrain. Good fitness and sure footing are essential.

Examples:

Wulaia Bay (high): A longer, more strenuous hike to a high ridge.
Pia Glacier (high): A more challenging trail to higher viewpoints (weather permitting).

All excursions are optional, and your guides will brief you each day to help you choose the best fit.

Important Note on Mobility:

A moderate level of mobility is required to fully enjoy the Australis experience. The ships are not equipped with lifts, so guests should be comfortable navigating staircases onboard. All landings are made by Zodiac, which requires stepping in and out of the inflatable boats—sometimes in wet conditions. Regardless of the excursion’s designated difficulty level, terrain in Patagonia can be uneven, slippery, or muddy. Good footwear - better if waterproof - and good balance are essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Ready to experience Patagonia your way?
Contact one of our expert Trip Planners to begin planning your Australis adventure—whether you’re looking for gentle walks or challenging hikes!