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View the seal and cormorant colonies as you sail across the Beagle Channel

Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords (Southbound)

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - Example 18 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Resolution
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Patagonia is an awe-inspiring landscape that stretches across the Andes from the Atlantic to the Pacific and down to Cape Horn. Explore it expedition-style aboard the National Geographic Resolution, an authentic expedition ship. On this 18-day voyage, you are sure to enjoy up-close encounters with wild, virtually inaccessible lands. Venture deep into Chile’s glorious fjords, past incandescent icebergs and massive glaciers. From the "land of fire," Tierra del Fuego, to the jagged spires of Torres del Paine National Park, experience Patagonia at close range. Enjoy the privilege of visiting the far-off, stunningly beautiful natural parklands of Karukinka and Yendegaia. Be one of the only expedition ships ever allowed to visit Argentina’s remote, wild Isla de los Estados.
Nights in UshuaiaCahuelmo Fjord, ChileTorres del PaineWander the peaceful moors of PatagoniaMagellanic penguins scuttle along the beach during a Falkland Islands tourLighthouse of Beagle Channel, UshuaiaEmbark in Ushuaia to start your Expedition.View the seal and cormorant colonies as you sail across the Beagle Channel
Highlights
  • See Patagonia’s signature Torres del Paine National Park with naturalists
  • Venture through wildlife reserves not easily accessible to the public
  • Navigate Chile’s coastal fjords and explore spectacular Glacier Alley
  • Witness Antarctica’s iconic wildlife—including penguins, seals, and killer whales
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Santiago, Chile

After arriving, transfer from the airport to the Ritz-Carlton, Santiago (or a similar hotel) and join a guided tour of Chile’s capital. Visit key landmarks like Plaza de Armas to see the city's mix of old and new. In the evening, meet at the hotel for a casual reception and a welcome drink.

Arrival Time: Arrive before 11:00 a.m. local time.

Day 2: Punta Arenas | Embark

Fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas, the gateway to Patagonia, and board the ship to start your journey.

Day 3: Tierra del Fuego: Karukinka Natural Park and Ainsworth Bay

Cruise to Tierra del Fuego and venture into the archipelago’s largest protected land area: Karukinka Natural Park. Visit this private reserve with special permission, searching for Andean foxes, guanacos, black-browed albatrosses, and more. Then sail to Ainsworth Bay, a stunning fjord surrounded by subpolar forest, keeping an eye out for elephant seals.

Day 4: Francisco Coloane Marine Park

Enter the Strait of Magellan to explore Francisco Coloane Marine Park. The park covers more than 165,000 acres of land and sea and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including humpback whales, two species of sea lions and Magellanic penguins. Cruise along the coastline by Zodiac and kayak to watch for black and white Peale’s dolphins, the endangered Chilean dolphin and Andean condors.

Day 5: Puerto Natales | Torres del Paine National Park

Early this morning, dock in picturesque Puerto Natales before heading out to explore majestic Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Set out by foot or by vehicle across the windswept, rugged landscape, which spans more than 550,000 acres and harbors an astounding variety of geological forms, from the soaring granite pillars of the “horns” and windswept grasslands to rivers, glaciers and gem-colored lagoons. Keep an eye out for guanacos, rheas, foxes and armadillos.

Day 6: Puerto Natales | Kirke Narrows

Local pilots join your captain on the Bridge to guide the ship through the winding Kirke Narrows, accessible only to small expedition ships. You'll then continue your discovery of the Chilean fjords, where you may explore by ship or take a forest walk.

Day 7-8: Exploring the Chilean Fjords

Sail into southern Patagonia’s vast wilderness of forested isles, mirror-like lakes and snowcapped peaks. Myriad fjords cut between soaring granite walls, and waterfalls tumble from high above. Explore the region known as Chile’s “Glacier Alley,” part of the UNESCO-recognized Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve. Cruise into the secluded Pia Fjord, admiring views of its massive glacier, and glide into Garibaldi Fjord in Alberto de Agostini National Park, where the Andes meet the sea. Get up close to the monumental wall of ice that marks the edge of Garibaldi Glacier, exploring by Zodiac or kayak. Continue to Agostini Fjord, where numerous glaciers originate from the nearby mountains, for a chance to witness thunderous glacial calving.

Day 9-10: At Sea | Drake Passage

Sail to Antarctica via the Drake Passage, named after 16th-century English admiral Sir Francis Drake. Watch for dozens of species of seabirds gliding alongside the ship—including the albatross, which boasts the longest wingspan of any extant bird—and enjoy talks from your onboard naturalists about the wildlife and geology that await you on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Day 11-15: Exploring Antarctica

With long hours of daylight at this time of year, you'll have ample opportunities to explore. The schedule is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of the unexpected, whether you're watching whales at play off the bow of the ship or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid glittering icebergs. One day, you might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk on a beach amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next day, you might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. The expert expedition team enriches your experiences.

Day 16-17: At Sea

Relax on board and enjoy the ship’s amenities as the coast of Antarctica disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America at Cape Horn and witness the dramatic meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans en route to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Day 18: Ushuaia | Disembark | Fly to Santiago

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark in Ushuaia and board your flight to Santiago to connect with your overnight flight home.

Departure Time: Depart after 9:00 p.m. local time.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Resolution

National Geographic Resolution ship
A guest relaxing in the Infinity Edge Pool while soaking in the breathtaking views of the wild Patagonia
A photographer taking stunning views of Patagonia aboard the ship National Geographic Resolution

Santiago - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Patagonia Tours, Cruises and Expeditions.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Category 1
Category 1
Fore Deck #404, 406, 408, 411, 413, 415 — Cabin with two large windows, two singles that can convert to a queen, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, window sofa, coffee table, and a closet.
Category 2
Category 2
Fore Deck #410, 412, 414, 416-419, 421-427 — Cabin with two large windows, two single beds that can convert to a queen, window sofa, two seat sofa, coffee table, writing desk with an office chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, and a closet.
Category 3
Category 3
Main Deck—#512, 514-524 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, two single beds that convert to a queen, convertible sleeper sofa, writing desk with a chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, and a closet.
Category 4
Category 4
Lounge Deck—#608, 610, 612, 613-623 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock and a table, two single beds that can convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
Category 5
Category 5
Bridge Deck—#700-707, 712, 713, 715, 717 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, two single beds that convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
Category 6
Category 6
Bridge Deck—#714 — Junior suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and table, two single beds that convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, espresso maker and a closet. Guests receive priority access to one spa treatment and one igloo reservation and complimentary laundry per departure.
Category 7
Category 7
Bridge Deck #708-711, 716, 718, 719, 721 — These large balcony suites feature two balcony chairs, hammock, and table, two single beds that can convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk and chair, espresso maker, and a large walk-in closet with full length mirror. Expanded bathroom has a double vanity, bathtub, towel warmer and rain shower. Guests receive priority access to one spa treatment and one igloo reservation and complimentary laundry per departure.
Category A Solo
Category A Solo
Main Deck #504, 506-511, 513 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, single bed, writing desk with an office chair, and a closet.
Category B Solo
Category B Solo
Lounge Deck#604-607, 609, 611 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, single bed, writing desk with chair, hammock, and a closet.
Included
  • 17 Breakfasts, 16 Lunches, 16 Dinners
  • 17 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Complimentary Parka - available only for the duration of the voyage.
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet) 
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
  • Crew gratuities
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions and airport transfers to and from flights arriving and departing within recommended window, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Exploration tools such as snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard, cross-country skis, and snowshoes (where applicable)
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore.
  • Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Onboard physician consultations (where available)
  • 24-hour access to exercise equipment (where applicable)
  • All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included); charter airfare (where applicable, except when indicated as included); pre- and post-expedition extensions (except flights when indicated as included); additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans
  • Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
  • Private transfers (except when indicated as included)

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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.
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