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A few months ago, our Product Development Manager, Judy, headed to the Southern Hemisphere to check out our newest South American adventure: Patagonian Explorer by Land & Sea. This vast area covers much of Chile and Argentina—all the way to the continent's southern tip. The diversity of nature and beauty is everywhere. From beautiful vineyards in the valleys to soaring snow-covered peaks, shimmering lakes, navigating the Beagle Channel, penguins, delicious wines, and lamb barbeque, it is hard to choose only a few highlights from an adventure of a lifetime!
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Santiago
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An epic starting point for a grand adventure, Santiago, the capital city of Chile, is nestled in a beautiful valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes Mountains. This city is best known for its vibrant culture and attractions like the Plaza Constitución, the Palacio de la Moneda, and San Cristobal Hill. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city as you slowly ascend San Cristobal Hill on a captivating cable car ride. Of course, no visit is complete without a trip to a nearby vineyard to taste the local offerings. Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes as you savor exquisite wines surrounded by the charming ambiance of one of Chile's most renowned wineries.
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Australis cruise
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It’s time to set sail! We boarded the Australis Ventus and headed for the channels and islands of Southern Patagonia. The cabins are comfortable, the food is excellent, the bar is (almost) always open, and the daily briefings and lectures were informative as we learned about the area, the fauna and flora, and indigenous peoples. We disembarked from the ship onto zodiacs for a thrilling ride with expert guides who led the way in discovering the world around us. From being up close with Pia Glacier and sailing through Glacier Alley, where each glacier has unique formations, to finally rounding Cape Horn - it was hard to say goodbye!
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Torres del Paine
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"Windswept, grand vistas, and breathtaking scenery" don't come close to describing this area of rolling hills, mountains, dramatic cloud formations, cascading waterfalls, lakes, and rivers. The peaks that lend their name tower over the park. Every minute of the day looks different in the changing light. Watch out for guanacos, many species of birds, and with some luck - a puma! I stayed in a great hotel, ate delicious food, drank local wines (and even better pisco sours made with the local calafate plant!), and took gentle hikes out in the wild. This is a place I will never forget.
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Ushuaia
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Commonly referred to as the southernmost inhabited town in the world, Ushuaia is nestled on the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by mountains and even more glaciers. Ferdinand Magellan gave the archipelago the name “Tierra del Fuego” after observing the bonfires lit by the local native people. The visit to the Maritime Museum of Ushuaia in the former prison was very informative to learn about the town's history and settlers from Britain and Argentina. After a delicious barbeque lunch, it was off to the next stop on this adventure.
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El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier
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The world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier is a unique advancing glacier, as it periodically cuts off the southern arm, known as Rico's Arm, of Lake Argentino. As the glacier advances across the lake, it forms a natural dam of ice. What a spectacular sight and amazing sound as the ice breaks and falls in to water! Then, we had chance to venture into the Walichu Caves on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi to see ancient cave paintings made by the indigenous inhabitants thousands of years ago. WOW!
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Buenos Aires
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The capital city of Argentina beckons with sites and sounds that only Buenos Aires can! Is it any wonder it's called the "Paris of Latin America"? The music and tempo of tango, and the smell of fresh pastry and empanadas permeate the air everywhere as I walked around the colorful buildings of the La Boca district. I could not miss a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, which is a maze of ornate structures, none more famous than Evita Perón's mausoleum. And before I knew it, it was time for a farewell dinner while watching an iconic tango show.
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Santiago, Torres del Paine, a 4-night cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia, then El Calafate & Buenos Aires; optional Iguazú Falls extension
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FROM | | FROM | | | $9399 | | | $8499 | | | 14 | W/ FLIGHTS | TOUR ONLY | DAYS |
per person, double occupancy*
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