Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine (26.27)

Discover the secrets of deep Patagonia on this 15-day expedition from Buenos Aires to Santiago. Navigate the Beagle Channel in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, land at mythical Cape Horn, contemplate the active ice faces of Pia and Garibaldi glaciers, and explore the towering granite peaks of Torres del Paine National Park.


Chilean Fjords
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Duration: 15 days
Starts: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ends: Santiago de Chile, Chile
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included
Optional


Participate in an absolute immersion through the Chilean fjords and the channels of Tierra del Fuego. The journey begins in Buenos Aires, connecting via a private charter flight to Ushuaia for embarkation. The voyage sets sail along the historic Beagle Channel toward legendary Cape Horn, the rocky promontory linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, where (weather permitting) a guided landing will be conducted to its lighthouse and albatross monument.

Over two weeks, the vessel will navigate northbound through the awe-inspiring "Glacier Alley" within the Alberto de Agostini National Park. Through continuous Zodiac excursions, guests will closely explore the marine faces of the Pia, Garibaldi, Dainelli, and Brookes glaciers, witnessing breathtaking blue-tinged ice calving and scouting for local wildlife like Andean condors and dolphins. The expedition combines technical navigation through narrow, waterfall-ribboned fjords like the Canal de las Montañas with two full days on dry land based out of Puerto Natales. There, you will visit the iconic viewpoints of Torres del Paine National Park (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) and enjoy a day of cultural immersion at a traditional 1891 estancia featuring an authentic Patagonian lamb barbecue lunch. Before final disembarkation in Punta Arenas, the marine exploration culminates with a Zodiac circumnavigation of Marta Island to observe a massive colony of over one thousand sea lions.

Highlights:
Cape Horn Landing:Opportunity to step onto the southernmost tip of South America to visit its isolated lighthouse, chapel, and albatross monument.
Glacier Alley & Agostini Sound:Deep Darwinian navigation passing the towering España, Romanche, Alemania, Francia, Italia, and Holland glaciers.
Pia & Garibaldi Glaciers:Zodiac cruising and guided trail walks balanced between sub-Antarctic forests and active ice faces.
Torres del Paine & Historic Estancia:A full day of overland tracking in the UNESCO reserve and a cultural day at an 1891 Scottish ranch with a traditional barbecued lamb lunch.
Wildlife Sanctuaries by Zodiac:Close viewing of over 4,000 breeding Magellanic penguins at Tucker Islets and a noisy colony of 1,000 Patagonian sea lions at Marta Island.
Premium Charter Logistical Package:Seamlessly integrated private flights connecting Buenos Aires to Ushuaia for embarkation, and Punta Arenas to Santiago upon disembarkation.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hotel night included
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Sailing the Beagle Channel
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before meeting the bus at a designated location for transfer to your ship. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel.

Day 3: Cape Horn
The edge of the earth
As we begin our exploration of Chile’s southern extent, expect a new adventure every day. If sea and weather conditions allow, we aim to visit historic Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos) on Hornos Island, marking the northern boundary of the famous Drake Passage. You may go ashore for a hike out to the lighthouse, the tiny Stella Maris Chapel, and the albatross-shaped monument honoring mariners who lost their lives attempting to round the Horn.

Day 4-5: Pia and Garibaldi Glaciers, Glacier Alley
Retracing Charles Darwin’s route
We will sail north retracing Charles Darwin’s historic 1833 journey through the Beagle Channel. We will cruise through the spectacular Glacier Alley inside the Alberto de Agostini National Park, viewing the España, Romanche, Alemania, Francia, Italia, and Holland Glaciers. We will take Zodiac excursions and guided hikes to vantage points offering jaw-dropping views of the massive Pia Glacier and Garibaldi Glacier, which extend from the Cordillera Darwin down into the sea, surrounded by sub-Antarctic forests.

Day 6: Dainelli (Aguila) Glacier
Zodiac cruise and beach walk
Located at the end of a tranquil lagoon surrounded by lush sub-Antarctic forests in Agostini Sound, Dainelli Glacier (sometimes called Aguila Glacier) is a unique sight, as it appears to flow over rolling hills rather than mountains. Cruising aboard a Zodiac toward the blue-tinged ice, conditions permitting, you will be humbled by nature's power before embarking on an easy hike along the beach.

Day 7: Cruising the Chilean Fjords
Pacific Ocean and remote channels
Continuing north, we’ll navigate through a remote network of coastal fjords and channels, including time spent venturing out into the Pacific Ocean. Your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await, helping you further understand the glacial systems, flora, and fauna of this sheltered passage.

Day 8-9: Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park
Patagonian estancia and granite peaks
We will sail the turquoise waters leading to the port of Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Enjoy a full day of exploration aboard chartered buses tailored to your preferred activity level inside this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, viewing glacier-fed lakes and granite peaks. The next day, we take our expedition onto dry land to visit a working Patagonian estancia founded in 1891 by Scottish immigrants to learn about sheep farming and enjoy a traditional lunch of barbecued lamb *al palo*.

Day 10: Canal de las Montanas
Cascades and alpine ice fields
Cruising the pristine waters of the Canal de las Montañas will leave you breathless, viewing waterfalls cascading down between sharp peaks and five glaciers spilling into the narrow, 41-mile (66 km) long channel. We will launch our Zodiacs for detailed exploring or shore hikes to scenic viewpoints. Optional kayaking is available, weather permitting.

Day 11: Tuckers Islets
Magellanic penguin colony watching
A series of small islands in Almirantazgo Sound, Tuckers Islets is a superb location for birdlife viewing. Though landing here is prohibited to protect the fragile nesting habitat, a Zodiac excursion will take you near a pebble beach to view a colony of 4,000-plus breeding Magellanic penguins in their burrows alongside imperial cormorants and Chilean skuas.

Day 12: Ainsworth Bay
Untouched forests and Darwin mountains
Continuing our exploration of Almirantazgo Sound, we plan to explore ashore at Ainsworth Bay, a protected area within Alberto de Agostini National Park. Hiking options will be available for all fitness levels, affording panoramic views of Marinelli Glacier, Marinelli Fjord, and the surrounding Darwin mountain range.

Day 13: Bahia Brookes
Glacial calving walls
We will go ashore by Zodiac at Bahia Brookes, offering ample chances for closer views of waterfalls and calving glaciers, including the North Brookes Glacier set against the breathtaking backdrop of the towering Darwin mountain range. Listen to the powerful roar of ice breaking off into the frigid waters below.

Day 14: Marta Island
Sea lion colony circumnavigation
In the middle of the Strait of Magellan, Marta Island is home to abundant birdlife and more than one thousand Patagonian sea lions. Shore landings are not possible here, but we will circumnavigate the island in Zodiacs, providing numerous opportunities to observe and photograph the colony from a short distance, searching for imperial cormorants, southern gulls, and dolphins.

Day 15: Disembark in Punta Arenas and flight to Santiago
End of expedition
After an adventurous two weeks of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark in Punta Arenas, to be transferred to the airport for your charter flight to Santiago, where you are welcome to connect to your homeward flights.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hotel night included
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Sailing the Beagle Channel
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before meeting the bus at a designated location for transfer to your ship. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel.

Day 3: Cape Horn
The edge of the earth
As we begin our exploration of Chile’s southern extent, expect a new adventure every day. If sea and weather conditions allow, we aim to visit historic Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos) on Hornos Island, marking the northern boundary of the famous Drake Passage. You may go ashore for a hike out to the lighthouse, the tiny Stella Maris Chapel, and the albatross-shaped monument honoring mariners who lost their lives attempting to round the Horn.

Day 4-5: Pia and Garibaldi Glaciers, Glacier Alley
Retracing Charles Darwin’s route
We will sail north retracing Charles Darwin’s historic 1833 journey through the Beagle Channel. We will cruise through the spectacular Glacier Alley inside the Alberto de Agostini National Park, viewing the España, Romanche, Alemania, Francia, Italia, and Holland Glaciers. We will take Zodiac excursions and guided hikes to vantage points offering jaw-dropping views of the massive Pia Glacier and Garibaldi Glacier, which extend from the Cordillera Darwin down into the sea, surrounded by sub-Antarctic forests.

Day 6: Dainelli (Aguila) Glacier
Zodiac cruise and beach walk
Located at the end of a tranquil lagoon surrounded by lush sub-Antarctic forests in Agostini Sound, Dainelli Glacier (sometimes called Aguila Glacier) is a unique sight, as it appears to flow over rolling hills rather than mountains. Cruising aboard a Zodiac toward the blue-tinged ice, conditions permitting, you will be humbled by nature's power before embarking on an easy hike along the beach.

Day 7: Cruising the Chilean Fjords
Pacific Ocean and remote channels
Continuing north, we’ll navigate through a remote network of coastal fjords and channels, including time spent venturing out into the Pacific Ocean. Your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await, helping you further understand the glacial systems, flora, and fauna of this sheltered passage.

Day 8-9: Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park
Patagonian estancia and granite peaks
We will sail the turquoise waters leading to the port of Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Enjoy a full day of exploration aboard chartered buses tailored to your preferred activity level inside this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, viewing glacier-fed lakes and granite peaks. The next day, we take our expedition onto dry land to visit a working Patagonian estancia founded in 1891 by Scottish immigrants to learn about sheep farming and enjoy a traditional lunch of barbecued lamb *al palo*.

Day 10: Canal de las Montanas
Cascades and alpine ice fields
Cruising the pristine waters of the Canal de las Montañas will leave you breathless, viewing waterfalls cascading down between sharp peaks and five glaciers spilling into the narrow, 41-mile (66 km) long channel. We will launch our Zodiacs for detailed exploring or shore hikes to scenic viewpoints. Optional kayaking is available, weather permitting.

Day 11: Tuckers Islets
Magellanic penguin colony watching
A series of small islands in Almirantazgo Sound, Tuckers Islets is a superb location for birdlife viewing. Though landing here is prohibited to protect the fragile nesting habitat, a Zodiac excursion will take you near a pebble beach to view a colony of 4,000-plus breeding Magellanic penguins in their burrows alongside imperial cormorants and Chilean skuas.

Day 12: Ainsworth Bay
Untouched forests and Darwin mountains
Continuing our exploration of Almirantazgo Sound, we plan to explore ashore at Ainsworth Bay, a protected area within Alberto de Agostini National Park. Hiking options will be available for all fitness levels, affording panoramic views of Marinelli Glacier, Marinelli Fjord, and the surrounding Darwin mountain range.

Day 13: Bahia Brookes
Glacial calving walls
We will go ashore by Zodiac at Bahia Brookes, offering ample chances for closer views of waterfalls and calving glaciers, including the North Brookes Glacier set against the breathtaking backdrop of the towering Darwin mountain range. Listen to the powerful roar of ice breaking off into the frigid waters below.

Day 14: Marta Island
Sea lion colony circumnavigation
In the middle of the Strait of Magellan, Marta Island is home to abundant birdlife and more than one thousand Patagonian sea lions. Shore landings are not possible here, but we will circumnavigate the island in Zodiacs, providing numerous opportunities to observe and photograph the colony from a short distance, searching for imperial cormorants, southern gulls, and dolphins.

Day 15: Disembark in Punta Arenas and flight to Santiago
End of expedition
After an adventurous two weeks of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark in Punta Arenas, to be transferred to the airport for your charter flight to Santiago, where you are welcome to connect to your homeward flights.


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INCLUSIONS

One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)
An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings and other activities
All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
All shore landings as per the daily program
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals
Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
A photographic journal documenting your expedition
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data-intensive applications.)
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
Torres del Paine National Park entrance fee and ground transfers
Estancia visit and ground transfers
Lunches ashore during Puerto Natales/Torres del Paine excursion days

EXCLUSIONS

International airfare
Passport and applicable visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
Meals unless otherwise specified
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
Excess-baggage fees on international flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
Phone charges may vary by location
Our basic complimentary Wi-Fi service does not include Premium packages which enable more data-intensive applications
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 20 Mar 2027 - 03 Apr 2027 (5494)
Explorer Triple
$15,490
$11,232
Explorer Suite
$17,990
$12,982
Balcony Suite
$19,690
$14,172
Solo Panorama
$24,690
$19,282
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$22,990
$16,482
Terrace Suite
$23,790
$17,042
Penthouse Suite
$25,490
$18,232
Owner´s Suite
$31,290
$22,292
Ultra Suite
$34,690
$24,672

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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