HX Hurtigruten Expeditions In-Depth Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition (Southbound)

Day 1: Valparaiso, a UNESCO gem

Discover the beauty of Chile’s principal port city

The vibrant city of Valparaiso will be the first stop on your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise. Often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’, this colourful and unique city is built on steep hillsides overlooking the crystal blue ocean.

Brimming with enticing scents and sounds, Valparaiso is an exciting maze of alleyways and barrios, colourful houses, as well as ‘mercados’ packed with locally sourced produce. Immerse yourself with the city’s culture by taking a funicular ride up Cerro Alegre and Concepcion.

Fancy exploring more of what the city has to offer before setting sail? Hurtigruten offer optional pre-programmes so that you have more time to fully experience the port city.

Day 2-3: Prepare for your expedition

Get ready to enter adventure mode

The following two days after your trip to Valparaiso will be spent at sea, where you will many opportunities to learn more about the wonders awaiting you on your trip.

Hurtigruten’s onboard expedition team are experts in everything from Oceanography and Geology to History and Ornithology. Drop in on their engrossing lectures and take part in the hands-on presentations in the Science centre.

See if you can spot any rare wandering albatrosses and petrels while on deck, and make the most of the excellent onboard facilities.

Day 4: Castro’s charm

See historic churches and stilt houses

Being Chile’s third-oldest city, Castro is set amongst the abundant vegetation of Chiloe island. Home to two UNESCO world heritage sites, Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the city’s vibrant ‘palafitos’, which are stilt houses situated along the waterfront.

To delve deeper into the city’s rich culture, head to the Regional Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. The city also hosts a varied array of stunning bird species – so bring along your binoculars and you may just see some Chilean Flamingos, Penguins and Ringed Kingfishers, to name but a few.

Day 5: Fabled Patagonian waters

Timeless Andean seascapes

Cruising south towards Puerto Natales, the capital of Última Esperanza, you will get to experience the captivating iceberg-studded waters of Patagonia. Take in the waters’ mesmerising shades of blue, culminating in the sparkling aquamarine to the deepest midnight hues.

As we sail, there’s a strong chance you’ll see a variation of whales, seabirds, penguins, and more. Absorb the scenic views from the panoramic sauna or the hot-tubs on deck, and enjoy locally sourced cuisines from the restaurants onboard.

Need some pointers on improving the quality of your photography? The professional photographer will be happy to share his tips on landscape photography.

Day 6: Discovering Puerto Eden

Experience the unique Kawesqar culture in a Patagonian village

The next stop on your expedition journey is the enchanting village of Puerto Eden, set in Bernardo O’Higgins national park and at the end of a deep Fjord.

This remote settlement can only be accessed by sea, with the ferry connecting the settlement to the mainland only visiting once a month. With the village’s 250 inhabitants being some of the last remaining indigenous Kawesqar people, the shops and houses are all connected by wooden boardwalks – there are no roads here. Take the opportunity to speak to the local residents to gain further insight into their isolated culture.

Day 7-8: Bohemian Puerto Natales

Torres del Paine’s gateway

The cruise continues on towards Puertos Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine national park. Hurtigruten offer both bus and hiking tours for passengers to experience the beauty of this national park, with both tours worth participating in.

Chilean Flamingos and Guanacos roam freely amongst this mountainous landscape. The rugged backdrop features steppe, forest, and desert, accentuated by breathtaking glaciers and lakes. If you’re fortunate enough, you may even be able to spot the Mighty Andean Condor looming in the skies above.

The many eateries, bars, and outdoor shops make Puerto Natales a popular hub for hikers and explorers alike. Take the opportunity to visit the artisan village of Etherh Aike, wander along the picturesque waterfront, or drop by the Last Hope Distillery for a guided gin tour.

Day 9: Exploring the Chilean Fjord’s

Observe the spectacular landscapes brimming with wildlife

Your journey south along the Chilean coast guides you through beautifully rugged island chains, making up the fjords of the Magallanes province. Wildlife thrives here – with lonely islands and hidden bays providing a prosperous ecosystem.

You will have the opportunity to cruise aboard small boats (RIBs) or on deck, scanning the vast coastline for Magellanic Penguins, elephant seals, and even various species of whale. Passengers may also be able to see striking waterfalls along the this dramatic and stunning section of coastline.

Day 10-11: Rounding Cape Horn

Attempted landing at Cape Horn

After sailing through the Beagle channel, the expedition cruise will then pass the southernmost tip of South America, Cape Horn. Any landing attempts will be dependent on good weather conditions, as the iconic landmark regularly presents a challenging environment to contend with.

From here, the cruise will navigate the Drake passage toward Antarctica. During the route, the onboard team will fully prepare you for what lies ahead, ensuring that your visit is as smooth as possible.

The expedition team will hold lectures about Antarctica’s History, Geology, and Fauna, whilst also discussing the impact of climate change and plastic pollution has on the region. Passengers will also be offered the opportunity to participate in Citizen Science projects.

Day 12-18: Antarctica: Out of this world

Uncover Antarctica’s remote beauty

The first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty will leave you speechless. Titanic icebergs float in the straits as you are greeted with the sheer majesty of this ice-covered continent. Despite the harsh conditions, nature continues to thrive. Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins court while Adelie Penguins nest. Countless seabirds patrol the skies overhead. This is a place like no other.

You will actively explore several landing sites over the next seven days, with there being a total of 20 possible landing areas around the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Every day will be thrilling in different ways, no matter where you go or what you do.

The cruise may sail into flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays where you may see remnants of whaling paraphernalia. The experienced expedition team may also take passengers kayaking amongst the icebergs and seals, and snowshoeing to scenic viewpoints.

Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels, and terns make for great viewing for bird enthusiasts. The team will also conduct onboard lectures and onshore talks surrounding the precious habitat, and how we as humans can help to conserve it.

Day 19-21: A time for relaxation

Planet Earth’s most remote but beautiful place

After enjoying the wonders of what Antarctica has to offer over your 7-day expedition, it’s time to head back. Coursing through your mind will be memories of unforgettable sights and sounds, while phones and cameras are full to the brim with timeless images captured by you and your fellow passengers.

As you begin your final days at sea, you will be offered the opportunity to reflect on your unique experiences, recapping your knowledge of the frozen continent with the expedition team and other passengers. Why not also take advantage of the excellent restaurant and bar areas, as you leave the idyllic landscape in the rear-view.

Be sure to unwind from all of the excitement by using the panoramic sauna and hot-tub facilities as the cruise heads towards Punta Arenas, the final destination.

Day 22: Arrival in Punta Arenas

The Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise comes to an end in Chile’s capital, Punta Arenas. From this point, you will fly back to Santiago de Chile, holding onto a lifetime of fantastic memories and experiences.

Hurtigruten’s post-programme packages offer any travellers the chance to extend their stay, should they wish to experience more of what Chile has to offer.

Transfer

• Bus transfer from the ship to Punta Arenas airport following the end of the cruise

Flights

• Economy flights from Punta Arenas to Santiago de Chile

Expedition cruise

• A stay in the cabin of your choosing
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner served daily
• Alcoholic beverages available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, premium drinks excluded)
• Coffee, Tea and soft drinks served throughout the day
• Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrom accessible to suite guests
• Complimentary water bottle given to all guests to use during the journey and to take home
• Polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit given to all passengers
• Onboard photographer available to take professional photos from your trip
• Complimentary WIFI to guests – streaming services are not supported
• Sauna, hot-tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
• Extra gratuities are included if you would like to leave something extra
• Range of different activities included.

Onboard activities

• The expert onboard expedition team will regularly host in-depth lectures and engaging discussions while onboard
• Full access to the onboard Science centre
• Guest will be able to assist with ongoing Scientific research with the Citizen Science programme
• Professional onboard photographer will offer tips and tricks to capture the best wildlife and landscape photos
• Daily informal gatherings with the crew

 Landing activities

• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• Boots, trekking poles and all other equipment for activities can be loaned to passengers
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

 Notes

• Any planned activities are subject to suitable weather and ice conditions
• Activities and excursions are subject to change
• Entry and boarding requirements have to be met
• An additional overnight stay may be needed depending on flight times (this is not included in the package)

What isn’t included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Handling of luggage
• Optional shore excursions available with Hurtigruten’s local partners
• The expedition team will not be offering optional small-group activities
• Optional treatments in the onboard spa and wellness facilities

MS Roald Amundsen