Hurtigruten Expeditions Chilean Fjords - Discovering The Heart of Patagonia (Southbound)

15-day itinerary

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? Join one of the optional pre-programmes so that you have more time to fully experience the port city.

Day 2: Sailing south along the Peruvian trench

Prepare for adventure after your trip to Valparaiso, as the following day will be spent at sea. While onboard, you will have many opportunities to learn more about the wonders awaiting you on your trip. The 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.

The journey will take you through the rich waters of the Humboldt Current as the MS Fridtjof Nansen passes the Peruvian trench. With the tectonically active, 5,000-foot-deep gouge in the seafloor, the deep water and fast currents provides the perfect ecosystem for the abundance of wildlife in the area. The Expedition Team will go into more detail about the importance of the Humbolt Current to the marine ecosystem, and will help you spot birdlife, as well as various species of whale.

Day 3: Niebla’s Fortress

You’ll be heading ashore on the third expedition day at the charming seaside town of Niebla, set on a breathtaking Peninsula with views of Corral Bay on one side and the Valdivia River on the other. The lively Feria Costumbrista market is definitely somewhere to visit while in the region, and while there, you may want to try some authentic snacks including empanadas, anticuchos and churros.

Gain more insights into the area’s rich history by visiting the ruins of an old Spanish Fort and its associated museum, and immerse yourself in the scenic views across the river and bay.

Day 4: The charm of Castro

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: Patagonian waters

The expedition will now journey south through the waters of Patagonia.

As you 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: Charm of Caleta Tortel

The expedition continues on to the remote village of Caleta Tortel. Home to around 500 inhabitants, this charming village is located at the mouth of the Rio Baker, Chile’s largest river, with the close-knit community being connected by a maze of boardwalks which spread around the mountain base.

While here, you’ll be able to experience the milky-blue waters by kayak if conditions permit, taking in the remarkable scenery as you cruise around the serene waters. As you explore the village, you’ll encounter the locals selling handicrafts and you may even be treated to a performance by folk dancers.

Day 7-8: Day of exploration

If the weather permits, 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.

The cruise will then continue on towards Puertos Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine national park. This striking waterway is only passable in calm water and daylight, with there only being a 330 feet divide between the islets and sheer rock cliffs on either side. As the Captain skilfully negotiates these famed channels, be sure to fully experience some of the most beautiful landscapes on the continent.

Day 9: Puerto Natales

On the ninth day you will awake in Puertos Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine national park. There are bus and hiking tours available 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 10-11: Scenic Chilean Fjords

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.

As the expedition heads towards Garibaldi Fjord, the Expedition Team will be hosting intriguing lectures on a variety of topics including Pre-Columbian history, the folklore of local communities and the geology of your surroundings.

Day 12: Garibaldi Fjord

The primary aim on the twelfth expedition day will be to carry out a scenic cruise within Garibaldi Fjord in Alberto de Agostini National Park, all the way up to Garibaldi Glacier. Within this area, the Andes tumble into the Pacific and titanic glaciers plunge ice into the wondrous fjords.

Being a recognised UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the region provides an excellent environment for a wide variety of wildlife. Its rich waters are home to seals, sealions, and an abundance of seabirds, including the might Andean Condor.

With conditions in the area continually changing, the onboard Captain and Expedition Team will assess the surroundings to ensure that the journey is carried out as efficiently as possible. Weather permitting, the MS Fridtjof Nansen will be reaching the Garibaldi Glacier at the head of the fjord, one of the most impressive glaciers in all of Chile.

Day 13: Serene Puerto Williams

Immerse yourself in the idyllic atmosphere of Puerto Williams, the capital of the Chilean Antarctic Province. Be sure to visit the Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum, with its Indigenous Yaghan artifacts, maps, photographs and a traditional canoe. The Museum is also home to a replica of the bow of the Yelcho – a ship which rescued Shackleton’s men in 1916.

If the weather allows, you might be able to kayak around the region’s beautiful landscape, whilst taking in the abundance of seabirds in the area, including the impressive albatross.

Day 14: Rounding 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 expedition continues through the famed waters towards Ushuaia, with this unfortunately being the final destination on your journey.

Day 15: Ushuaia and Buenos Aires

Ushuaia, the main city in Argentina’s Tierra Del Fuego, will be the final destination on your expedition cruise. After disembarking the cruise ship, you will then be flying to Buenos Aires to conclude your holiday – but the adventure does not have to end there.

If you’re looking to experience more of Argentina’s passionate capital, why don’t you consider joining a post-programme package, for more information about other deals and excursions on offer for you to experience.

Flights

• Flight in economy class from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires after the expedition cruise

Transfers

• Transfer from the ship to the airport in Ushuaia after the expedition cruise

Expedition Cruise

• A stay in a cabin of your choice
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
• All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
• Meals and take-away available throughout the day during Fredheim restaurant opening hours
• Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
• A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
• A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit
• Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
• Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
• Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
• Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
• Range of included activities

Landing Activities

• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Onboard Activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full access to the ship’s Science Centre
• Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
• Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
• Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Notes

• All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
• Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)

What’s not included

• International flights
• Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
• Travel insurance
• Luggage handling
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners
• Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
• Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area

MS Fridtjof Nansen