Patagonian Explorer by Sea 2021
Buenos Aires & Ushuaia, then a 4 night cruise to Tierra Del Fuego, Cape Horn & the penguins of Magdalena Island; plus Santiago & Valparaiso, Chile; optional pre-tour extension to Iguazu Falls
| Style | Small Group Tour Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout | ||
| Departures | Group Size | 8 travelers max | |
| Themes | Active, Grand Tours, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruises | ||
| Activity Level | |||
| What to Expect | This fast-paced, escorted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven terrain, as well as climbing into and out of Zodiac boats. Because of this, and the fact that the cruise ship has no elevators requiring being able to climb up and down several flights of stairs, a high level of physical fitness is necessary to fully enjoy the trip. The Patagonia cruise portion of the tour may have up to 210 passengers. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
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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 Patagonia cruise ship, the Stella Australis or her sister ship, the Ventus 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 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.
Package includes
- Flights
- Cruise
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Flights from Miami to Buenos Aires and Santiago to Miami, including taxes & fees
- All intra-South America flights
- All ground transportation and transfers
- 6 nights accommodation in first class hotels
- 4 nights cruise aboard M/V Stella Australis or M/V Ventus Australis
- 21 meals: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners, including a welcome dinner with wine
- English-speaking local guides
- Expedition specialist on board the cruise
Optional add-ons
- Optional pre-tour extension to Iguazu
- Optional tango lesson in Buenos Aires
Why you'll love it
- Visit an Argentinean cattle ranch and learn about Argentine cowboys (gauchos), then enjoy a sumptuous barbecue lunch and folklore show.
- Enjoy the unique diversity of Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city that was once a penal colony.
- Explore the dramatic scenery of Tierra del Fuego National Park, home to over 20 mammal species.
- Discover Cape Horn, a sheer 1,394 ft. high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage.
- Hike Patagonia's Pía and Garibaldi Glaciers for panoramic views of the magnificent landscape.
- See thousands of Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island or a sea lion colony on Marta Island.
- Sip Chilean wine at a vineyard in the Casablanca Valley.
- Tour Valparaiso, a charming port city brimming with colorful neighborhoods perched atop hills.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Arrive Buenos Aires
- 3 Buenos Aires & Estancia Visit
- 4 Buenos Aires
- Optional Excursion: Tango lesson , $75
- 5 Buenos Aires & Ushuaia
- 6 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego & Embark Cruise
- 7 Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay
- 8 Pía Glacier & Garibaldi Glacier
- 9 Agostini Sound, Águila Glacier and Condor Glacier
- 10 Magdalena Island, Punta Arenas & Santiago
- 11 Santiago
- 12 Valparaiso & depart Santiago
Detailed Itinerary
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 1 Depart USA
- Depart the USA on your flight bound for Buenos Aires, Argentina
Day 2 Arrive Buenos Aires
- Buenos Aires city tour
- Balance of the day is at leisure
- Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner
Recoleta GrandDinner
Day 3 Buenos Aires & Estancia Visit
- Full day excursion to an Argentinean cattle ranch with lunch
Recoleta GrandBreakfast & lunch
Day 4 Buenos Aires
- Full day at leisure for independent exploration
- Enjoy a tango dinner show
Recoleta GrandBreakfast & dinner
Day 5 Buenos Aires & Ushuaia
- Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
- Afternoon orientation tour of Ushuaia
- Visit the Prison Museum
Las Hayas Ushuaia ResortBreakfast
Day 6 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego & Embark Cruise
- Morning excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park
- Embark Patagonia cruise ship
- Welcome cocktail reception and dinner
- Sail through the Beagle and Murray Channels
M/V Stella Australis, M/V Ventus AustralisBreakfast & dinner
Day 7 Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay
- Disembark in Cape Horn National Park
- Explore the fabled Wulaia Bay
M/V Stella Australis, M/V Ventus AustralisBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 8 Pía Glacier & Garibaldi Glacier
- Hike to reach a panoramic view of Pía Glacier
- Admire the Garibaldi Glacier
M/V Stella Australis, M/V Ventus AustralisBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 9 Agostini Sound, Águila Glacier and Condor Glacier
- Sail to Agostini Sound and see stunning glaciers
- Continue to Águila Glacier and walk along the shore of the lagoon
M/V Stella Australis, M/V Ventus AustralisBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 10 Magdalena Island, Punta Arenas & Santiago
- Visit Magdalena Island or Marta Island
- Sail to the port of Punta Arenas, on the Straits of Magellan
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Santiago, Chile
- Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel
Crowne Plaza SantiagoBreakfast
Day 11 Santiago
- Morning orientation of modern and colonial Santiago
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the Bellavista district
- Return to the hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure
Crowne Plaza SantiagoBreakfast & lunch
Day 12 Valparaiso & depart Santiago
- Visit a vineyard in the Casablanca Valley for a wine-tasting tour
- Continue to Valparaiso for a city tour
- Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight
- Your amazing adventures come to an end as you arrive in the USA tomorrow morning
Breakfast
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. Patagonia is a wild, rugged region, and our tour package is designed to get you up close and personal with the glaciers, terrain, wildlife and people of this area. While the cruise and shore excursions are not particularly strenuous and are suitable for most people, they do involve some uphill walking, hiking, and traveling in a zodiac boat. Travelers who have certain physical limitations may find that they cannot fully participate in the tour program aboard the cruise. All passengers boarding the Australis cruise will be required to sign a disclaimer during check-in. Please review this disclaimer in advance to be certain you accept the terms, and contact us if you have any questions.
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 departure dates listed.
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 1 Depart USA
- Depart the USA on your flight bound for Buenos Aires, Argentina
Day 2 Buenos Aires/Puerto Iguazú
- Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, transfer to the domestic airport
- Fly to Puerto Iguazú and transfer to your hotel for check-in
- Balance of the day at leisure
Hotel Iguazú GrandDinner
Day 3 Iguazu Falls
- Tour the Argentinean side of the waterfalls and see Devil's Throat
- Afternoon at leisure or optional boat ride on Iguazú River
Hotel Iguazú GrandBreakfast
Day 4 Depart Iguazu & Buenos Aires
- Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires
- Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in
Recoleta GrandBreakfast
Day 5 Buenos Aires
- Continue on main tour itinerary Day 2
Breakfast
Hotels & Ships
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
Cruise Ships
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Trip Details
- What should I know before I go?We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip?Want to upgrade your seats? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance?Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print?Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Argentina?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Chile?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Patagonia?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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