Patagonian Explorer by Sea

Buenos Aires, Santiago, Ushuaia, Valparaiso plus Iguazu Falls optional extension

NEW: Prices now INCLUDE airline taxes & fees.
Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, airline taxes and fees, hotels, transfers, many meals, touring & more. *

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance Patagonian Explorer by Sea
Day	Destination
1	Depart USA
2	Buenos Aires
3	Buenos Aires & Estancia Visit
4	Buenos Aires
5	Buenos Aires & Ushuaia
6	Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego
7	Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay
8	Piloto & Nena Glaciers
9	Magdalena Island, Punta Arenas & Santiago
10	Santiago
11	Valparaiso
12	Arrive USA
Iguazu Falls Pre-Tour Extension
1	Depart USA
2	Buenos Aires/Puerto Iguazú
3	Iguazu Falls
4	Depart Iguazu

Departs	Miami (MIA)
Highlights	Buenos Aires, Santiago, Ushaia, Avenida 9 de Julio, Cape Horn, & Magdalena Island plus optional Iguazu Falls extension.
Included Features	Non-stop flights from Miami (MIA) to Buenos Aires and Santiago to Miami via LAN Airlines, including fuel surcharges, taxes and fees All intra-South America flights All transfers with meeting and assistance Accommodation in First Class and Deluxe hotels 3 nights cruise in Category B cabins aboard MS Stella Australis 17 lavish meals: 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners English-speaking local guides Expedition specialist on board the cruise Optional pre-tour extension to Iguazu

Explore amazingly diverse and fascinating Patagonia, a magnificent "off-the-beaten-path" region spanning portions of Chile and Argentina, where you'll find soaring mountains, windy plains that stretch endlessly toward the distant horizon, lush forests filled with ancient flora and fauna, and pristine glaciers. It is an enchanted voyage filled with contrast and beauty, excitement and adventure, and one that you will never forget.

Begin in Buenos Aires, the beautiful and diverse capital city of Argentina, where a rich history and culture, world-class cuisine and spirited nightlife make this one of the world's most exciting destinations. You'll also visit Santiago, Chile's charming capital city, where Spanish colonial buildings and old churches are juxtaposed against the spectacular, snowy peaks of the Andes Mountains.

At Ushuaia, you'll board your cruise ship, the Stella Australis, and sail around the inlets and waterways of Tierra del Fuego and through the Strait of Magellan. The ship's fleet of zodiac boats will whisk you to shore at various points along the way, and en route, you'll enjoy fascinating presentations by the ship's naturalist-guides, all of whom are involved in the study of Patagonia and its natural treasures as well as its preservation.

If you enjoy cruising, you won't want to miss this very special opportunity. Your ship, the Stella Australis, provides all the modern comforts you'll need or want, plus important extras that you'll be glad to have—even high-top rubber boots to borrow if you don't bring your own! Delicious and bountiful meals are served three times daily in the ship's dining room that is encircled by huge picture windows so you don't miss a single view. Hot beverages, snacks and even wine and other alcoholic beverages are served, free of charge, each day. Space on the Stella Australis is extremely limited, so we strongly recommend early booking.

Want even more? Add a 3-night optional pre-tour extension to Iguazu Falls (also known as Iguazú or Iguaçu), one of the largest waterfalls in the world and very likely the most impressive.

Other packages you might like:

• Best of South America: 11 days from $3029*

Dates, Prices & Options

Coming from somewhere else? Unfortunately, we don't offer departures from cities that are not listed, but you can book your own connecting flights separately.

Want to stay longer? We may be able to arrange for you to extend your stay up to 30 days later than the scheduled dates above. Ask us about availability, prices and details.

Deposits & ticketing: Deposit is $2,000 per person. Flights must be ticketed within 24 hours of booking. Additional charges for flights from cities other than Miami will be charged within 24 hours of your booking. Once issued, the tickets and these charges are unchangeable, non-refundable and non-transferrable. Please be sure to send us a clear copy of the signature and picture pages of your passport within 24 hours of booking to ensure tickets are issued properly.

We must receive photocopies of your passport(s) in our offices within 24 hours of your reservation being completed. If we have not received this information, your reservation will be subject to a higher airfare and/or cancellation.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating journey to South America begins as you depart from Miami this evening on your overnight flight to Buenos Aires.

Day 2: Buenos Aires. After arrival formalities, set out on a tour of the city and discover why Buenos Aires is so often referred to as "the Paris of the South."

Your exploration begins at the Plaza del Mayo, historic and political center of the city. You'll see the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace from which Juan and Eva Perón spoke to throngs of adoring Argentinians. Continue to the Obelisk landmark on the Avenue 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world. Then to the crowded Florida Street, a true shopper's paradise. Pass through the colorful neighborhood of La Boca and the charming San Telmo area. Admire the French architecture in the exquisite Recoleta neighborhood, including the beautiful Cemetery of La Recoleta, where Evita Perón is buried. It is one of many ironies of this complex city that Evita, heroine of the poor, is buried in the city's most elegant (and expensive) section. Sheraton Liberator or similar

Day 3: Buenos Aires & Estancia Visit. After breakfast this morning, travel outside the city for a full day excursion to the Argentine Pampas. Visit a traditional estancia (ranch), where you'll discover the life of the Argentine cowboys known as "gauchos." After a sumptuous barbecue lunch including delicious local wine, you'll enjoy a folkloric show with typical Argentine dance, song, and dress. (B,L)

Day 4: Buenos Aires. Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the city on your own. Your tour guide will gladly make suggestions for independent exploration. Buenos Aires is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinctive flavor, but everywhere you go, the people are warm, welcoming and happy to see visitors. We recommend an early evening stroll through the colorful streets and shops around your hotel, where you’ll enjoy shopping for bargains on souvenirs (and that gorgeous leather bag).

Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner and an exciting performance of the tango, Argentina's passionate national dance. (B,D)

Day 5: Buenos Aires & Ushuaia. Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Ushuaia, the most important city in the Tierra del Fuego province and the southernmost city in the world. The landscapes in this fascinating region range from barren, windburned plains to quiet pine and beech forests, pristine blue lakes, and snowcapped mountains. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will have an orientation tour of the town. Learn about the interesting history of when missionaries arrived to this region. Later, Ushuaia became a penal colony. Visit the Prison Museum. Los Yamanas or similar (B)

Day 6: Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego. Morning excursion to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, home to the Martial Glacier. When Ferdinand Magellan first sailed along these shores in 1520, he saw fires lit by the Yaghan Indians, giving the region its name: Tierra del Fuego, or "Land of Fire."

Later today, board your expedition cruise ship, the Stella Australis, the National Geographic Channel's preferred vessel for sailing through Patagonia. The captain and crew will welcome you with a cocktail reception on board. Set sail through the waterways of Tierra del Fuego as you make your way to the famous Strait of Magellan. Stella Australis (March 19 departure will be aboard the Stella Australis' sister ship, the Via Australis.) (B,D)

Day 7: Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay. On today's voyage, you'll sail through the Beagle and Murray Channels to the legendary Cape Horn, a treacherous milestone on the clipper route for centuries. The Horn, a sheer 1400 foot promontory, marks where the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean merge, only 400 miles from Antartica. The Horn was discovered in 1616 and was originally believed to be part of Tierra del Fuego, then discovered some time later to actually be an island. Disembark in Cape Horn National Park and explore the island.

Return to your ship and sail this afternoon for Wulaia Bay, once home to the region's largest aboriginal settlements. Wulai is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. Walk through a Magellanic forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns and other native vegetation to a breathtaking lookout point. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Piloto & Nena Glaciers. Sail through the Brecknock, Ocasión, Cockburn, and Magdalena Channels to enter the spectacular Agostini Sound, In the heart of the Darwin Cordillera, in Tierra del Fuego. Here you can see the glaciers flowing down the mountainside, often all the way to the sea. In the afternoon head to the Aguila Glacier and walk along the shore of a lagoon surrounded by mountains until you reach the base of the glacier. Learn about Patagonia’s cold rainforest and the forces that molded the landscape. (B,L,D)

March 19 departure will follow this itinerary: In the morning sail through the desolate Brecknock and Ocasión Channels and in the afternoon through the Cockburn Channel to anchor in Chico Sound after lunch. Your adventure begins in the Zodiac boats. Ride up the Alakalufe Fjord where you will be able to see lovely waterfalls and the Piloto and Nena Glaciers from the boats. The intense blue color of the Piloto glacier, due to its age and compression, is amazing. Learn about the formation of the glaciers and their influence on the abrupt geography of the Patagonia - Tierra del Fuego channels. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Magdalena Island, Punta Arenas & Santiago. Early this morning, go ashore at Magdalena Island, home to an immense colony of more than 120,000 Magellanic Penguins and cratered with their burrows. Magellanic Penguins mate with the same partner year after year, with the male reclaiming his burrow and waiting for the female, who can find her mate through his call alone. Reaching 24-30 inches tall when full grown, the penguins provide quite a spectacle, which you'll see up close during a walk to the picturesque lighthouse that guides ships on their way through the Strait of Magellan. The penguins migrate in early April, so passengers traveling between April and September get a different treat—a visit to the sea lion colony on Marta Island.

After this visit, sail to Punta Arenas, disembarking late this morning. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Santiago. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to your centrally located hotel. Crowne Plaza Hotel (March 19, 2012 departures will be accommodated at the Galerias Hotel.) (B)

Day 10: Santiago. This morning, you'll explore Santiago, the bustling capital of Chile, located between the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Andes Mountains. Enjoy an orientation tour that showcases both the colonial and modern highlights of the city.

Begin your tour with a visit to the colonial district, the Centro Civico and Plaza Constitucion. Visit the Casa de la Moneda, one of Spanish America's most stunning examples of colonial architecture and the current seat of the Chilean government. Continue to the the bustling Plaza de Armas, the heart of Santiago and home to the ornate baroque Cathedral Metropolitana, the magnificent Post Office building and Municipality and the best place to view the dozens of lively street artists and mimes and busy "Santiaguinos" on their way to and from work. End your tour with a spectacular panoramic view of Santa Lucia Hill, site where Santiago was founded in 1541, and a visit of San Cristobal Hill and the district of Bellavista. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the city independently

Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner and a colorful folklore performance at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 11: Valparaiso/USA. Today's excursion takes you to Valparaiso, a vibrant port city and UNESCO World Heritage site founded in 1536. Valparaiso brims with charming colorful neighborhoods nestled in the hills, and more than a dozen cable cars connect the port with higher areas of the city. On today's tour, you'll have the opportunity to ride one of these hillside tramcars—the Ascensor Artilleria—to the Mirador Paseo 21 de Mayo, where you'll take in stunning panoramic views of the port. You'll also visit some of Valparaiso's most interesting sights, including the Plaza Victoria, the handicraft market, and the Muelle Prat, an excellent spot for viewing the bustling port activities. Continue to the lively Central Market before concluding your tour at the University of Valparaiso.

Later today, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA. (B)

Day 12: Arrive USA. Your exciting South American adventure ends today as you arrive in the USA this morning.

Important Note: This tour involves some hiking and walking, and as the ship does not have an elevator aboard, you must be able to walk up and down several flights of stairs.

Iguazu Falls Optional Pre-Tour Extension

Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare to visit Iguazu Falls, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. You will depart the USA 3 days earlier than the departures dates listed. Space on this xtension is extremely limited and subject to availability.

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating journey begins as you depart from Miami this evening on your overnight flight to Buenos Aires.

Day 2: Buenos Aires/Puerto Iguazú. After arrival in Buenos Aires, transfer to the national airport for your flight to the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls. Check in at your deluxe hotel, the only one located within the Park.

Upon seeing Iguazu, Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed "Poor Niagara!" You'll soon discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the world! Straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, the Falls consist of 275 inlets and cataracts that cascade down 250 feet, framed by multiple rainbows and mist that rises up to 500 feet in the air. Iguazu boasts the greatest average annual flow of any waterfall in the world.

Take the rest of the day to explore Iguazu on your own. There's plenty of well-marked trails through the rainforest which afford fanstastic views of the falls and excellent picture-taking (be sure to protect your camera if it's not waterproof). Later, relax and cool off at your beautiful hotel pool. Sheraton Iguazú Hotel (B)

Day 3: Iguazu Falls. This morning, you'll get a fantastic close-up view of the falls and their dazzling display of power. Travel through the rain forest to the most spectacular sight at Iguazu: Devil's Throat, a massive U-shaped cataract that measures 270' high, 490' wide and 2300' long.

Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore further on your own. Or, take advantage of an optional nautical adventure along the Lower Iguazu River, sailing under the Falls. Later this afternoon, be sure to take time to stroll through the laid-back town of Puerto Iguazú. (B)

Day 4: Depart Iguazu. Enjoy a morning at leisure to take advantage of the lovely resort activities at your hotel. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. You'll enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Buenos Aires, before beginning the next leg of your tour tomorrow (See Day 2 above). Sheraton Libertador (B)

Cruise Ship

Your Cruise Ship

See specifications, deck plans & photos of the Stella Australis.

Booking & Travel FAQs

CRUCEROS AUSTRALIS DISCLAIMER
All passengers traveling aboard the M/V Stella Australis (or M/V Via Australis if booked on the March 19 departure) will be required to sign the enclosed disclaimer during check-in for the cruise. Please note that while the cruise and the optional shore excursions are not particularly strenuous, they may involve some degree of walking and hiking. Friendly Planet representatives who took this cruise found the activity level for shore excursions to be moderate and suitable for most people. However, the Cruceros Australis cruise line wishes to provide as much information as possible about conditions and risks of these activities so that passengers can make an informed decision about their participation and safety.

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