Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine

A 15-day ship-based journey through Patagonia’s remote Chilean fjords, retracing Darwin’s route. Features exploration of Glacier Alley, two full days in Torres del Paine National Park, and included helicopter flightseeing for a unique perspective of glacial systems and dramatic peaks.


Chilean Fjords
© Alexei Potov

Duration: 15 days / 14 nights
Starts: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ends: Santiago de Chile, Chile
Language: English speaking voyage

Includes a pre-expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires and private charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and from Punta Arenas to Santiago
The cruise is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, offering included Flightseeing (and optional Heli-Landing) experiences.
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


The 15-day Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine expedition overcomes the challenge of Patagonia's vast scale with a ship-based journey supported by two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs. Retrace Charles Darwin’s historic voyage to the “edge of the world,” navigating remote fjords and channels from the historic Cape Horn to the stunning Strait of Magellan. A key feature of this adventure is the helicopter support, offering included Flightseeing excursions above dramatic peaks and tidewater glaciers for a unique, unparalleled perspective of the landscape.

The voyage encompasses the majestic Glacier Alley in the Beagle Channel and includes two full days dedicated to exploring Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, renowned for its granite peaks and unique Patagonian wildlife. You will encounter Guanacos, Magellanic penguins, sea lions, Elephant Seals, and a variety of seabirds. Daily exploration by Zodiac, hiking, and cruising sheltered passageways allows for intimate encounters with one of the planet’s most spectacular frontiers, concluding with a transfer to Santiago, Chile.

Highlights:
Encounter iconic wildlife, such as Magellanic penguins, sea lions, Elephant Seals, and seabirds, plus Guanacos and rhea in Torres del Paine.
Experience some of the world’s most remote glacial and fjord systems, including the spectacular Glacier Alley and the towering peaks of Canal de las Montañas.
Retrace Darwin’s route through the Beagle Channel and learn about the storied history of southern Chile.
Cruise in a Zodiac for a unique perspective of glaciers, fjords and channels, including a visit to a 4,000-plus breeding Magellanic penguin colony at Tuckers Islets.
Enjoy helicopter flightseeing from Ultramarine for a unique perspective of the landscape, included in the trip cost.

Itinerary

© David Merron
© marien Lliglestcher
©QRK

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrival and Transfer to Group Hotel
Upon arriving in this splendid cosmopolitan city, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in the mandatory transfer package).

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Charter Flight, City Exploration, and Beagle Channel Sailing
After an early breakfast, the group transfers to the airport for the private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a central downtown location for free time to explore the quaint port town before boarding the ship in the late afternoon. Sail along the historic Beagle Channel, retracing a portion of Darwin’s route.

Day 3: Cape Horn
Sailing to the Edge of the Earth and Lighthouse Hike
We aim to start our exploration of Chile’s southern extent with a visit to historic Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos), the southernmost point of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. If sea and weather conditions permit, you may go ashore for a hike out to the lighthouse, the Stella Maris Chapel, and the Albatross Monument, pausing to take in the panoramic view of the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Days 4–5: Pia and Garibaldi Glaciers, Glacier Alley
Retracing Darwin’s Route and Glacial Vistas
Sailing north through the Beagle Channel, your knowledge is enriched by presentations on the region’s history, geology, and glacial systems. The channel presents plenty of photo opportunities of jagged peaks and glaciers. We navigate Glacier Alley, a spectacular passage featuring Glaciers named after European countries (España, Alemania, Francia, Italia, etc.). We aim to explore Pia Glacier and Garibaldi Glacier within Alberto de Agostini National Park, with options for a short hike to a lookout point at Pia Glacier and Zodiac cruising near a glacial waterfall at Garibaldi. Keep watch for Andean condors.

Day 6: Dainelli (Aguila) Glacier
Icy Lagoon and Sub-Antarctic Forest Hike
Located at the end of a tranquil lagoon in Agostini Sound, Dainelli Glacier (Aguila Glacier) appears to flow over rolling hills. Cruising aboard a Zodiac towards the blue-tinged ice, we hope to venture ashore for an easy hike along the beach to get an intensive look at the glacier and surrounding lush sub-Antarctic forests.

Day 7: Cruising the Chilean Fjords
Navigating Remote Passageways
Continue north, navigating through a remote network of coastal fjords and channels, including time spent venturing into the Pacific Ocean. Your Expedition Team will prepare you with information on the glacial systems, flora, and fauna. Glide past soaring snow-capped peaks, contemplating the history of indigenous peoples and early European mariners who traveled these same sheltered passageways.

Days 8–9: Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park
Hiking, Exploration, and Patagonian Estancia
We sail through a mesmerizing maze of fjords and channels to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy two full days of activity: a day of hiking and exploration aboard chartered buses tailored to your preferred activity level, with lookouts in the park, followed by traditional Patagonian cuisine. The second day includes a visit to a working Patagonian estancia (“ranch”), where you will learn about historic Patagonian sheep farming and spot wildlife like ostrich-like rhea and guanacos. Lunch includes barbecued lamb al palo.

Day 10: Canal de las Montanas
Fjord of the Mountains and Optional Kayaking
Cruise the pristine waters of the Canal de las Montañas (“Fjord of the Mountains”), a 41-mile (66 km) channel dotted with five glaciers spilling dramatically into the water. The channel provides an ideal place for Zodiacs for detailed exploring or the chance to go ashore for a hike. Optional kayaking excursions (extra cost) offer an exceptional, intimate perspective of this channel, where impressive ice fields glisten in the distance.

Day 11: Tuckers Islets
Magellanic Penguin Colony by Zodiac
A Zodiac excursion will take you near a pebble beach at Tuckers Islets (in Almirantazgo Sound) to view a colony of 4,000-plus breeding Magellanic penguins (landing is prohibited to protect the habitat). You may also see Chilean skuas, Magellanic cormorants, oystercatchers, kelp geese, or even dolphins.

Day 12: Ainsworth Bay
Pristine Exploration and Marinelli Glacier Views
Explore ashore at Ainsworth Bay, a picturesque and pristine 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. Keep an eye out for abundant birdlife as we cruise in the Zodiacs.

Day 13: Bahia Brookes
Glacier Calving and Geological Formations
At Bahia Brookes (Brookes Bay), we hope to go ashore by Zodiac to explore calving North Brookes Glacier, set against the backdrop of the Darwin mountain range. This location offers views of waterfalls and glaciers, and is a great location for viewing ice fall deposits and geological formations like kame.

Day 14: Marta Island
Patagonian Sea Lion Colony Circumnavigation
In the middle of the Strait of Magellan, we circumnavigate Marta Island (Isla Marta), home to abundant birdlife and more than one thousand Patagonian (South American) sea lions (“lobos marinos”). Shore landings are prohibited, but the Zodiac cruise provides numerous opportunities to observe and photograph the noisy colony from a short distance. Sightings of imperial cormorants, skuas, southern gulls, and snowy sheathbill are also possible.

Day 15: Disembark in Punta Arenas and flight to Santiago
Farewell and Charter Flight to Santiago
After an adventurous two weeks of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark in Punta Arenas. You will be transferred to the airport for your charter flight to Santiago, where you can continue your own travels or connect to your homeward flights.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrival and Transfer to Group Hotel
Upon arriving in this splendid cosmopolitan city, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in the mandatory transfer package).

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Charter Flight, City Exploration, and Beagle Channel Sailing
After an early breakfast, the group transfers to the airport for the private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a central downtown location for free time to explore the quaint port town before boarding the ship in the late afternoon. Sail along the historic Beagle Channel, retracing a portion of Darwin’s route.

Day 3: Cape Horn
Sailing to the Edge of the Earth and Lighthouse Hike
We aim to start our exploration of Chile’s southern extent with a visit to historic Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos), the southernmost point of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. If sea and weather conditions permit, you may go ashore for a hike out to the lighthouse, the Stella Maris Chapel, and the Albatross Monument, pausing to take in the panoramic view of the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Days 4–5: Pia and Garibaldi Glaciers, Glacier Alley
Retracing Darwin’s Route and Glacial Vistas
Sailing north through the Beagle Channel, your knowledge is enriched by presentations on the region’s history, geology, and glacial systems. The channel presents plenty of photo opportunities of jagged peaks and glaciers. We navigate Glacier Alley, a spectacular passage featuring Glaciers named after European countries (España, Alemania, Francia, Italia, etc.). We aim to explore Pia Glacier and Garibaldi Glacier within Alberto de Agostini National Park, with options for a short hike to a lookout point at Pia Glacier and Zodiac cruising near a glacial waterfall at Garibaldi. Keep watch for Andean condors.

Day 6: Dainelli (Aguila) Glacier
Icy Lagoon and Sub-Antarctic Forest Hike
Located at the end of a tranquil lagoon in Agostini Sound, Dainelli Glacier (Aguila Glacier) appears to flow over rolling hills. Cruising aboard a Zodiac towards the blue-tinged ice, we hope to venture ashore for an easy hike along the beach to get an intensive look at the glacier and surrounding lush sub-Antarctic forests.

Day 7: Cruising the Chilean Fjords
Navigating Remote Passageways
Continue north, navigating through a remote network of coastal fjords and channels, including time spent venturing into the Pacific Ocean. Your Expedition Team will prepare you with information on the glacial systems, flora, and fauna. Glide past soaring snow-capped peaks, contemplating the history of indigenous peoples and early European mariners who traveled these same sheltered passageways.

Days 8–9: Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park
Hiking, Exploration, and Patagonian Estancia
We sail through a mesmerizing maze of fjords and channels to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy two full days of activity: a day of hiking and exploration aboard chartered buses tailored to your preferred activity level, with lookouts in the park, followed by traditional Patagonian cuisine. The second day includes a visit to a working Patagonian estancia (“ranch”), where you will learn about historic Patagonian sheep farming and spot wildlife like ostrich-like rhea and guanacos. Lunch includes barbecued lamb al palo.

Day 10: Canal de las Montanas
Fjord of the Mountains and Optional Kayaking
Cruise the pristine waters of the Canal de las Montañas (“Fjord of the Mountains”), a 41-mile (66 km) channel dotted with five glaciers spilling dramatically into the water. The channel provides an ideal place for Zodiacs for detailed exploring or the chance to go ashore for a hike. Optional kayaking excursions (extra cost) offer an exceptional, intimate perspective of this channel, where impressive ice fields glisten in the distance.

Day 11: Tuckers Islets
Magellanic Penguin Colony by Zodiac
A Zodiac excursion will take you near a pebble beach at Tuckers Islets (in Almirantazgo Sound) to view a colony of 4,000-plus breeding Magellanic penguins (landing is prohibited to protect the habitat). You may also see Chilean skuas, Magellanic cormorants, oystercatchers, kelp geese, or even dolphins.

Day 12: Ainsworth Bay
Pristine Exploration and Marinelli Glacier Views
Explore ashore at Ainsworth Bay, a picturesque and pristine 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. Keep an eye out for abundant birdlife as we cruise in the Zodiacs.

Day 13: Bahia Brookes
Glacier Calving and Geological Formations
At Bahia Brookes (Brookes Bay), we hope to go ashore by Zodiac to explore calving North Brookes Glacier, set against the backdrop of the Darwin mountain range. This location offers views of waterfalls and glaciers, and is a great location for viewing ice fall deposits and geological formations like kame.

Day 14: Marta Island
Patagonian Sea Lion Colony Circumnavigation
In the middle of the Strait of Magellan, we circumnavigate Marta Island (Isla Marta), home to abundant birdlife and more than one thousand Patagonian (South American) sea lions (“lobos marinos”). Shore landings are prohibited, but the Zodiac cruise provides numerous opportunities to observe and photograph the noisy colony from a short distance. Sightings of imperial cormorants, skuas, southern gulls, and snowy sheathbill are also possible.

Day 15: Disembark in Punta Arenas and flight to Santiago
Farewell and Charter Flight to Santiago
After an adventurous two weeks of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark in Punta Arenas. You will be transferred to the airport for your charter flight to Santiago, where you can continue your own travels or connect to your homeward flights.


© David Merron
© marien Lliglestcher
©QRK


INCLUSIONS

Specialist Expedition Leaders
Our team is comprised of the most professional and passionate Expedition Leaders in the world, who bring a wide range of experience and expertise to every adventure.

Immersive Off-ship Activities
Itineraries are packed with adventure options designed to immerses travelers in the polar wilderness, enabling them to connect with the natural wonders of their surroundings.

On-Ship Experiences & Facilities
Designed for comfort and adventure, each ship accommodates no more than 200 guests. Facilities include comfortable cabins, exceptional dining options, wellness treatments, and breathtaking panoramic views of the polar landscape.

Food & Beverages
Premium dining, with a wide selection of options that accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.

Quark Expedition Perks
Complementary Wi-Fi, alcohol on all voyages, and the Official Quark Expeditions parka to take home.

Transfers
Select voyages include essential transportation and accommodation arrangements for guests, ensuring seamless travel to and from the expedition starting point.

EXCLUSIONS

International airfare & visa expenses, travel insurance, mandatory expedition gear, on-ship expenses, adventure options and trip extensions are not included.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 12 Mar 2026 - 26 Mar 2026 (1338)
Explorer Triple
$16,990
$10,672
Explorer Suite
$19,790
$12,352
Balcony Suite
$21,690
$13,492
Solo Panorama
$27,190
$16,792
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$25,390
$15,712
Terrace Suite
$26,290
$16,252
Penthouse Suite
$28,190
$1,732
Owner´s Suite
$34,690
$21,292
Ultra Suite
$38,390
$23,512
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 20 Mar 2027 - 03 Apr 2027 (3917)
Explorer Triple
$15,490
$12,758
Explorer Suite
$17,990
$14,777
Balcony Suite
$19,690
$16,149
Solo Panorama
$24,690
$20,187
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$22,990
$18,814
Terrace Suite
$23,790
$19,460
Penthouse Suite
$25,490
$20,833
Owner´s Suite
$31,290
$25,516
Ultra Suite
$34,690
$28,262
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 20 Mar 2028 - 03 Apr 2028 (2291)
Explorer Triple
$15,790
$11,979
Explorer Suite
$18,390
$14,202
Balcony Suite
$20,090
$15,655
Solo Panorama
$25,190
$20,016
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$23,490
$18,562
Terrace Suite
$24,290
$19,246
Penthouse Suite
$25,990
$20,700
Owner´s Suite
$31,990
$25,830
Ultra Suite
$35,390
$28,737

* 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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