Buenos Aires

Get a taste for Argentina’s capital   With its fusion of faded European splendor and Latin American panache, an overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your adventure. Take in the beautiful architecture, such as the opera house of Teatro Colón, the pretty-in-pink Casa Rosa... Get a taste for Argentina’s capital   With its fusion of faded European splendor and Latin American panache, an overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your adventure. Take in the beautiful architecture, such as the opera house of Teatro Colón, the pretty-in-pink Casa Rosada, and the National Museum of Fine Arts, which displays works by Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso.  Explore the colorful street museum in La Boca with its buzzy markets and restaurants. Or take in a tango show before savoring some famed Argentinian beef in one of the city's steakhouses. If you can, why not arrive here early to fully explore the city or join our optional Pre-Programme.   Read More

Ushuaia

Fly south to Ushuaia and board your ship You'll have an early start today as we head to the airport for our flight to Ushuaia. With its backdrop of snow-covered mountains, Ushuaia holds the proud, if often-disputed, title of the southernmost city in the world.  MS Roald Amundsen is waiting... Fly south to Ushuaia and board your ship You'll have an early start today as we head to the airport for our flight to Ushuaia. With its backdrop of snow-covered mountains, Ushuaia holds the proud, if often-disputed, title of the southernmost city in the world.  MS Roald Amundsen is waiting in port for you. After picking up your expedition jacket and meeting your Expedition Team, settle in and explore the ship before enjoying the first of many delicious meals on board. Your adventure is officially underway.  Read More

Cape Horn

Cruise the Beagle Channel and round Cape HornYour adventure starts in earnest as we cruise through the Beagle Channel and sail down to the southernmost tip of South America – Cape Horn. The rocky walls of the channel plunge straight into the deep blue icy waters of this wild and remote sea... Cruise the Beagle Channel and round Cape HornYour adventure starts in earnest as we cruise through the Beagle Channel and sail down to the southernmost tip of South America – Cape Horn. The rocky walls of the channel plunge straight into the deep blue icy waters of this wild and remote seascape. Watch out for rare, endemic Peale’s dolphins and other wildlife here.Cape Horn is where the open waters of the Atlantic and Pacific collide, creating powerful, swirling waves. Rounding the cape would once strike fear into the heart of hardened sailors, but with the benefit of modern instruments, we'll attempt to land – an exploration milestone – and explore the cape … if the conditions cooperate.  Read More

Puerto Williams

Visit a remote paradise  Soak up the peaceful atmosphere of Puerto Williams, another contender for the world's southernmost city. Drop into the Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum. Here, you'll find Indigenous Yaghan artifacts, maps, photographs and a traditional canoe. You can also see... Visit a remote paradise  Soak up the peaceful atmosphere of Puerto Williams, another contender for the world's southernmost city. Drop into the Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum. Here, you'll find Indigenous Yaghan artifacts, maps, photographs and a traditional canoe. You can also see a replica of the bow of the Yelcho – the ship that rescued Shackleton’s men in 1916. Hike through the gorgeous scenery, on your own or as part of a guided excursion. You may be able to kayak if the weather is nice. Keen birdwatchers should have their binoculars handy to spot seabirds, including the graceful albatross.  Read More

Garibaldi Fiord, Chile

Witness some of Chile's most impressive glaciers  The goal for the day is a scenic cruise in Garibaldi Fjord within Alberto de Agostini National Park. Here, the Andes tumble into the Pacific and great glaciers calve ice into the beautiful Chilean fjords. Depending on the conditions, we'll... Witness some of Chile's most impressive glaciers  The goal for the day is a scenic cruise in Garibaldi Fjord within Alberto de Agostini National Park. Here, the Andes tumble into the Pacific and great glaciers calve ice into the beautiful Chilean fjords. Depending on the conditions, we'll head for glaciers Garibaldi or Pia, some of the most impressive examples in Chile. The fjord is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and its rich waters are home to seals, sea lions and many seabirds, including the Andean Con Read More

At Sea

Puerto Natales

With a population of roughly 18,000, Puerto Natales is the capital of the Ultima Esperanza Province. Founded in 1911, it quickly developed into a major residential center and shipping port for the area’s products. Nestled on a gently-sloping point amid spectacular scenery, the town overloo... With a population of roughly 18,000, Puerto Natales is the capital of the Ultima Esperanza Province. Founded in 1911, it quickly developed into a major residential center and shipping port for the area’s products. Nestled on a gently-sloping point amid spectacular scenery, the town overlooks the Ultima Esperanza Gulf and has a nice view of the Balmaceda Mountain. It provides services for the region’s intense livestock activity. Many of its inhabitants work at the Argentinian coal mines in Rio Turbio and return home over the weekend. A growing number of tourists are using the town as a jumping-off point for visiting the spectacular Torres del Paine and Balmaceda National Parks, and the nearby fjords. In 1892 and 1897, two geographic surveyors mapped the area and ascertained its potential for livestock farming. The first expedition was led by Capt. Eberhard, while the second, a Swedish one, was led by Otto Nordenskjöld. Eberhard discovered the Milodón Cave and was one of the first settlers in the area. A German-born immigrant in transit along the Strait of Magellan, he disembarked in Punta Arenas and decided to stay in this area. His brother continued to California, their original destination, where he later founded the renowned Eberhard Faber pencil making company. When the area opened to settlement in 1893, the lands lying along the coast were occupied mostly by German and English settlers who had previously come to Punta Arenas. There still remain a few interesting buildings dating from the estancia heydays. Pier Information The ship will remain at anchor. Guests will be brought ashore by ship’s tenders to the jetty located close to the center of town, which can be reached on foot. Shopping The main shopping area is located about 11 blocks from the landing jetty. Cuisine Two of the better restaurants in town are Tranquera and Circulo Español. Other Sites Cerro DoroteaA walk up this hill rewards with superb views of the whole Ultima Esperanza Sound.Milodón Cave National MonumentAbout 15 miles out of Puerto Natales stands this monument near the cave, where in 1895 Capt. Eberhard found the nearly intact remains of a prehistoric animal called milodón, a type of ground sloth. The finding caused such a stir that Wellington Furlog, a scientiest at Cornell University, set out in 1907 to comb Patagonia in search of living specimens of this species. Read More

Puerto Natales

Gateway to Torres del Paine  Today you’ll awake in Puerto Natales, gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park. The rugged landscape features steppe, forest and desert, punctuated by glaciers and lakes, and you can choose to see it either on a panoramic bus or hiking tour.Andean animals... Gateway to Torres del Paine  Today you’ll awake in Puerto Natales, gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park. The rugged landscape features steppe, forest and desert, punctuated by glaciers and lakes, and you can choose to see it either on a panoramic bus or hiking tour.Andean animals such as guanacos, rheas and the elusive puma roam here. Look out for Chilean Flamingos as well as the mighty Andean Condor. Puerto Natales is a popular hub for hikers and adventurers, with many eateries, bars and outdoor shops. Visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike or stroll along the photogenic waterfront.  Read More

Puerto Natales

Explore the soul-stirring Patagonian fjordsAccording to the tide, we’ll leave Puerto Natales behind and head back through the fabled White Narrows. As we make our way through the maze of the Chilean Fjords, revel in the spine-tingling scenery and join the Expedition Team in the Science Cen... Explore the soul-stirring Patagonian fjordsAccording to the tide, we’ll leave Puerto Natales behind and head back through the fabled White Narrows. As we make our way through the maze of the Chilean Fjords, revel in the spine-tingling scenery and join the Expedition Team in the Science Centre. The next day, tidal conditions allowing, we hope to visit Puerto Edén, an enchanting village only accessible by sea. The 250-strong community here are some of the last remaining members of the Indigenous Kawésqar people, offering a fascinating insight into Patagonian culture.   Alternatively, we’ll spend the day cruising the majestic fjords, drinking in the incredible scenery and spotting wildlife along the way. We may take the opportunity to launch our small expedition boats and explore even closer. Be ready for spontaneous adventures!  Read More

Puerto Edén

Caleta Tortel

Receive a warm welcome in Caleta TortelWe continue off the well-trodden path to visit isolated Caleta Tortel. Lying at the mouth of Río Baker, Chile's largest river, this charming village is home to just 500 inhabitants. Instead of streets, a maze of boardwalks connects the close-knit comm... Receive a warm welcome in Caleta TortelWe continue off the well-trodden path to visit isolated Caleta Tortel. Lying at the mouth of Río Baker, Chile's largest river, this charming village is home to just 500 inhabitants. Instead of streets, a maze of boardwalks connects the close-knit community, spreading over water and around the mountain base. If conditions permit, you'll be able to explore more of the milky blue waters here by kayak. While exploring the village, you'll come across locals selling handicrafts and you may even be treated to a performance by folk dancers.  Read More

At Sea

Castro

Stilt houses and historic churchesSet amidst the lush greenery of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile’s third oldest city. It’s also home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón. The former is one of the oldest colonial era bu... Stilt houses and historic churchesSet amidst the lush greenery of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile’s third oldest city. It’s also home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón. The former is one of the oldest colonial era buildings in the country and has survived 15 major earthquakes.   Keep your camera ready for views of the city’s colorful palafitos – stilt houses along the waterfront. For an insight into local culture, head to the Museo Regional de Castro and Modern Art Museum.  Read More

Niebla

Explore Spanish fortresses and lively marketsWe go ashore at the pretty seaside town of Niebla, set on a picturesque peninsula with views of Corral Bay on one side and the Valdivia River on the other. Take a stroll on the wide sandy beach and, if the Feria Costumbrista market is open, samp... Explore Spanish fortresses and lively marketsWe go ashore at the pretty seaside town of Niebla, set on a picturesque peninsula with views of Corral Bay on one side and the Valdivia River on the other. Take a stroll on the wide sandy beach and, if the Feria Costumbrista market is open, sample traditional empanadas, anticuchos and churros. Aside from the town itself, the ruins of the old Spanish fort and its associated museum are well worth a visit. Learn more about the region's history at the museum, then wander around the lighthouse. You'll enjoy beautiful views across the river and bay.  Read More

At Sea

Valparaiso

A great place to end your expedition cruiseYour South American expedition cruise ends in Valparaíso, the 'Jewel of the Pacific'. Built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, it's well worth spending time in this UNESCO-listed city before you fly home.Filled with attractions, the city is... A great place to end your expedition cruiseYour South American expedition cruise ends in Valparaíso, the 'Jewel of the Pacific'. Built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, it's well worth spending time in this UNESCO-listed city before you fly home.Filled with attractions, the city is an exhilarating maze of winding alleyways and barrios, colourful houses, and mercados packed with local produce. Why not take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción. Although your cruise has come to an end, the adventure doesn’t have to stop there. Why not consider joining our optional Post-Programmes.    Read More