A Taste of Patagonia
Santiago, Punta Arenas, a 4-night cruise through Patagonia, including Glacier Alley, Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay, then Buenos Aires; optional Iguazú Falls extension
| Style | Independent Package Freedom to explore at your own pace; unescorted | ||
| Departures | September 2027 – April 2028 | ||
| Themes | Active, Grand Tours, Bucket List, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruises | ||
| Activity Level | |||
| What to Expect | This fast-paced, independent tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven terrain, and climbing into and out of Zodiac boats and their landings. The cruise ship does not have an elevator, requiring guests to navigate several flights of stairs throughout the trip. A high level of physical fitness is necessary to fully enjoy the experience. The Patagonia cruise portion of the tour may have up to 210 passengers. | ||
| 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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From the streets of Santiago to the remote waterways of Tierra del Fuego, discover southern Chile's dramatic landscapes on a journey that blends city exploration with an unforgettable expedition cruise. Along the way, encounter glaciers, forests, islands and fjords as you travel through one of the most spectacular corners of South America.
Begin in Santiago, set against the backdrop of the Andes, where you’ll explore historic plazas, colonial landmarks and modern neighborhoods. Then fly south to Punta Arenas and board the M/V Ventus Australis for a 4-night voyage through the legendary Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel.
Each day brings a new opportunity to explore. Hike through the sub-Antarctic forest of Ainsworth Bay, see Magellanic penguins at the Tuckers Islets, walk to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Pía Glacier and sail through Glacier Alley, where towering glaciers descend toward the sea. Continue to Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay, two unforgettable highlights of your journey through Tierra del Fuego.
After disembarking in Ushuaia, continue to Buenos Aires, where grand plazas, colorful neighborhoods, and distinctive local culture offer a fascinating change of pace. If you’re seeking even more adventure, join us for an exploration of magnificent Iguazú Falls, where thundering cascades and lush rainforest create an unforgettable finale to your South American journey.
Package includes
- Flights
- Cruise
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights from Miami (MIA) on scheduled carriers, including taxes & fees
- All intra-South America flights
- All ground transportation and transfers
- 3 nights in first class accommodations
- 4 nights cruise aboard M/V Ventus Australis
- 17 meals: 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners
- English-speaking local guides
- Expedition specialist on board the cruise
- Port taxes
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
- Optional excursions in Buenos Aires
- Optional excursion in Iguazú Falls
- Optional Iguazú Falls post-tour Extension
- Want to extend your stay before the tour starts or after the tour ends? Request details when making your reservation.
Why you'll love it
- Enjoy a 4-night cruise through one of the most remote corners of planet Earth aboard the M/V Ventus Australis.
- Explore Santiago on a guided tour, including Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza de Armas, the Providencia and Las Condes districts, and more.
- Visit Metropolitan Park and ride the cable car to the summit of San Cristóbal Hill.
- Traverse the mythical Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel.
- See the Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay.
- Visit the Tuckers Islets and see Magellanic penguins and cormorants from the Zodiacs.
- Admire the breathtaking views of Pía Glacier before navigating through Glacier Alley.
- Explore Cape Horn National Park, one of the southernmost points of the world.
- Wander through the fabled Wulaia Bay.
- Learn about Tierra del Fuego's maritime history at the Ushuaia Maritime Museum.
- Tour Buenos Aires, including the historic Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada, La Boca and La Recoleta neighborhoods, and more.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Arrive Santiago, Chile
- 3 Santiago, Punta Arenas & Embark Ship
- 4 Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islets
- 5 Pía Glacier & Glacier Alley
- 6 Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay
- 7 Disembarkation & Buenos Aires
- 8 Buenos Aires
- Optional Excursion: Dinner & Tango Show, $285
- 9 Depart Buenos Aires/Return to USA
- Optional Excursion: Tour the Palermo District, $140
Iguazú Falls Post-tour Extension
- 9 Buenos Aires
- Optional Excursion: Tour the Palermo District, $140
- 10 Buenos Aires & Puerto Iguazú
- 11 Iguazú Falls
- Optional Excursion: The Great Adventure, $110
- 12 Depart Iguazú & Return to USA
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 1 Depart USA
- Your journey begins this evening as you depart from the USA
Day 2 Arrive Santiago, Chile
- Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in
- Explore Santiago’s colonial districts, Civic Center, Plaza de la Constitución, and Plaza de Armas
- Visit Metropolitan Park and ride the cable car to the summit of San Cristóbal Hill
- See the modern neighborhoods of Providencia and Las Condes, Santiago’s financial and commercial center
- Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago VitacuraBreakfast & dinner
Day 3 Santiago, Punta Arenas & Embark Ship
- Board your flight to Punta Arenas
- Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour
- Transfer to the port and board your cruise ship
- Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and dinner
- Sail through the mythical Strait of Magellan
M/V Ventus Australis or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 4 Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islets
- Discover the Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay
- Visit the Tuckers Islets, home to Magellanic penguins
M/V Ventus Australis or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5 Pía Glacier & Glacier Alley
- Disembark at Pía Glacier via Zodiacs
- Hike to reach a panoramic view of Pía Glacier
- Enjoy an evening sail through Glacier Alley
M/V Ventus Australis or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 6 Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay
- Disembark in Cape Horn National Park
- Explore the fabled Wulaia Bay
M/V Ventus Australis or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 7 Disembarkation & Buenos Aires
- Disembark in Ushuaia
- Visit the Ushuaia Maritime Museum
- Board your flight to Buenos Aires
Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel, InterContinental Buenos Aires or similarBreakfast
Day 8 Buenos Aires
- Explore Buenos Aires on a full-day city tour
- Walk through La Boca and La Recoleta neighborhoods
Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel, InterContinental Buenos Aires or similarBreakfast
Day 9 Depart Buenos Aires/Return to USA
- Spend the day at leisure for independent exploration, or join an optional tour
- Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the USA, arriving 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 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.
Iguazú Falls Post-tour Extension
Consider taking advantage of your already-included international airfare to visit Iguazú Falls, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 9 Buenos Aires
- Spend the day at leisure for independent exploration, or join an optional tour
Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel or similarBreakfast
Day 10 Buenos Aires & Puerto Iguazú
- Board your flight to Puerto Iguazú
- Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu, home to the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls
- Return to Argentina and transfer to your hotel for check-in
Loi Suites Iguazú Hotel or similarBreakfast
Day 11 Iguazú Falls
- Tour the Argentinean side of the waterfalls
- Admire the impressive Devil's Throat
- Spend the afternoon at leisure, or join an exciting optional excursion
Loi Suites Iguazú Hotel or similarBreakfast
Day 12 Depart Iguazú & Return to USA
- Transfer to the international airport for your overnight flight to the USA, arriving tomorrow morning
Breakfast
Hotels & Ship
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
Cruise Ship
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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?Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip?Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? 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 Brazil?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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