Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine (27.28/28.29)

Embark on an extraordinary 15-day expedition through the Patagonian channels and Chilean fjords from Buenos Aires to Santiago. Retrace Charles Darwin’s historic route, land at the mythical Cape Horn, contemplate majestic glacial fronts in the Canal de las Montañas, and explore the iconic granite peaks of Torres del Paine National Park.


Chilean Fjords
© Alexei Potov

Duration: 15 days / 14 nights
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


Begin an in-depth exploration voyage through the wildest and most isolated landscapes of Chilean Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. The itinerary starts in Buenos Aires, connecting via private charter flight to Ushuaia for a late afternoon embarkation. The vessel sets sail along the historic Beagle Channel toward the legendary Cape Horn, the rocky promontory marking the northern boundary of the Drake Passage where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet, offering a unique opportunity to land and visit its lighthouse and monument.

Over two weeks, the ship will navigate northbound through the awe-inspiring "Glacier Alley" and Agostini Sound, flanked by the pristine sub-Antarctic forests of the Darwin Mountain Range. Through continuous Zodiac excursions, guests will closely explore the marine faces of the Pia, Dainelli, Marinelli, and Brookes glaciers, witnessing powerful calving ice and scouting for local wildlife such as Magellanic penguins, Andean condors, and dolphins. The expedition combines technical navigation through narrow fjords like the Canal de las Montañas with two full days on dry land based out of Puerto Natales, enabling visits to the iconic granite peaks of Torres del Paine National Park and a day of cultural immersion at a traditional 1891 Patagonian estancia featuring a barbecued lamb *al palolunch, before final disembarkation in Punta Arenas.

Highlights:
Historic Cape Horn Landing: Opportunity to step onto the southernmost tip of South America to visit its isolated lighthouse, chapel, and albatross monument.
Darwinian Navigation Route: Scenic cruising through "Glacier Alley" in the Beagle Channel and the Alberto de Agostini National Park.
Torres del Paine Day Trip: Guided overland exploration tailored to all activity levels inside the rugged UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Patagonian Ranch Culture: Full-day cultural visit to a working 1891 estancia founded by Scottish immigrants, featuring an authentic Patagonian lamb barbecue lunch.
Zodiac Cruising & Deep Fjords: In-depth coastal exploration of Ainsworth Bay, Brookes Bay, and Tucker Islets to view nesting Magellanic penguins from the water.
Premium Charter Logistical Package: Seamlessly integrated flights connecting Buenos Aires to Ushuaia for embarkation, and Punta Arenas to Santiago upon disembarkation.

Itinerary

© David Merron
© marien Lliglestcher
©QRK

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hotel night included
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its vibrant Argentine culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan vibe, you will independently transfer to the designated group hotel, which is included in your Charter Flight & Hotel 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, we 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 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 a Zodiac excursion and a short hike to a vantage point offering jaw-dropping views of the massive Pia Glacier, which extends from the Cordillera Darwin down into the sea.

Day 6: Dainelli (Aguila) Glacier
Beach hike and sub-Antarctic forest
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 jagged mountains. We hope to venture ashore for an easy hike along the beach to get a more intensive look at the glacier.

Day 7: Cruising the Chilean Fjords
Remote channel navigation
Continuing north, we’ll navigate through a remote network of coastal fjords and channels flanked by soaring snow-capped peaks. 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 Montañas
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
Situated in Almirantazgo Sound, Tucker 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 large colony of Magellanic penguins in their burrows alongside imperial cormorants and Chilean skuas.

Day 12: Ainsworth Bay
Untouched forests and Darwin mountains
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: Waterfalls and Glaciers
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: Strait of Magellan and San Isidro Lighthouse
Maritime history museum
We navigate the Strait of Magellan toward the historic San Isidro Lighthouse, situated on a pristine Patagonian coastline. We will visit its museum featuring artifacts and exhibits on the region’s whaling history and early European exploration.

Day 15: Disembark in Punta Arenas and Fly to Santiago
End of expedition
After two adventurous weeks of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark in Punta Arenas for your included charter flight to Santiago to connect with your homeward flights.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hotel night included
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its vibrant Argentine culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan vibe, you will independently transfer to the designated group hotel, which is included in your Charter Flight & Hotel 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, we 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 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 a Zodiac excursion and a short hike to a vantage point offering jaw-dropping views of the massive Pia Glacier, which extends from the Cordillera Darwin down into the sea.

Day 6: Dainelli (Aguila) Glacier
Beach hike and sub-Antarctic forest
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 jagged mountains. We hope to venture ashore for an easy hike along the beach to get a more intensive look at the glacier.

Day 7: Cruising the Chilean Fjords
Remote channel navigation
Continuing north, we’ll navigate through a remote network of coastal fjords and channels flanked by soaring snow-capped peaks. 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 Montañas
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
Situated in Almirantazgo Sound, Tucker 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 large colony of Magellanic penguins in their burrows alongside imperial cormorants and Chilean skuas.

Day 12: Ainsworth Bay
Untouched forests and Darwin mountains
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: Waterfalls and Glaciers
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: Strait of Magellan and San Isidro Lighthouse
Maritime history museum
We navigate the Strait of Magellan toward the historic San Isidro Lighthouse, situated on a pristine Patagonian coastline. We will visit its museum featuring artifacts and exhibits on the region’s whaling history and early European exploration.

Day 15: Disembark in Punta Arenas and Fly to Santiago
End of expedition
After two adventurous weeks of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark in Punta Arenas for your included charter flight to Santiago to connect with your homeward flights.


© David Merron
© marien Lliglestcher
©QRK


INCLUSIONS

An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, 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.)
Complimentary select beer, wines 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 the 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.) Note: Internet access in the polar regions is subject to geography, climate, and other factors beyond our control
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)
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

Charter Flight & Hotel Package* (when applicable – please review trip-specific details below)
International airfare
Arrival and departure transfers
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar, spa and other personal charges unless specified
Phone charges may vary by location
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 20 Mar 2028 - 03 Apr 2028 (2291)
Explorer Triple
$16,890
$15,331
Explorer Suite
$19,690
$17,851
Balcony Suite
$21,490
$19,471
Solo Panorama
$29,490
$26,671
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$25,090
$22,711
Terrace Suite
$26,090
$23,611
Penthouse Suite
$27,890
$25,231
Owner´s Suite
$34,290
$30,991
Ultra Suite
$37,990
$34,321
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 22 Mar 2029 - 05 Apr 2029 (1338)
Explorer Triple
$17,070
$13,701
Explorer Suite
$19,870
$16,221
Balcony Suite
$21,670
$17,841
Solo Panorama
$29,770
$25,131
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$25,370
$21,171
Terrace Suite
$26,270
$21,981
Penthouse Suite
$28,170
$23,691
Owner´s Suite
$34,570
$29,451
Ultra Suite
$38,270
$32,781

* 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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