Patagonia & Chilean Fjords

Featuring the San Rafael Glacier, Tierra del Fuego, and the Glacier Avenue along the Beagle Channel

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Patagonia & Chilean Fjords

from Puerto Montt, Chile, to Ushuaia, Argentina

from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Puerto Montt, Chile

9 days (8 nights)

11 days (10 nights)

MS Magellan Explorer | MS Magellan Discoverer

9-day (8-night) cruise from Puerto Montt, Chile, to Ushuaia, Argentina, or vice versa, including the Puyuhuapi Channel, the Moraleda Channel, Caleta Tortel, Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, the Strait of Magellan, and the Beagle Channel

Starting in 2027/2028, an 11-day (8-night) cruise from Puerto Montt, Chile, to Ushuaia, Argentina, or vice versa, including the Chonos Archipelago, Madre de Dios, Torres del Paine National Park, the Strait of Magellan, and the Beagle Channel

+++ minus a €1,000 discount per person for new bookings made by December 31, 2026 (limited availability; not valid for the Triple Suite or the Triple Veranda Cabin)+++

In Chilean Patagonia, one of the southernmost regions in the world, you’ll travel between massive, shimmering blue glaciers and the striking peaks of the Andes. This landscape is characterized by fjords, channels, and small islands with beaches teeming with marine life, birds, and breathtaking natural scenery—best explored by boat or Zodiac.

On this expedition, you will visit spectacular sites such as San Rafael Bay and the San Rafael Glacier, the Gulf of Penas, the remote village of Caleta Tortel, the Pío XI Glacier, the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego, as well as the Beagle Channel.

Note: Depending on the travel dates, the itinerary may be followed in either a southbound or northbound direction.

Stephanie Gräf

Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.

I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.

You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de

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Good to know

Arrival and departure: We offer a variety of individual travel packages including flights and hotels as well as transfers and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay to extend your trip.

Attention solo travelers: If you do not wish to have a single cabin, accommodation on board is possible in shared cabins. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. There are no single cabin surcharges.

Entry requirements: Information on entry requirements for German citizens traveling to Chile can be found here; for entry into Argentina, click here.

Insurance: Proof of international health insurance covering medical repatriationmust be provided.

Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.

HIGHLIGHTS

The impressive glaciers of the Patagonian ice fields: Highlights include the San Rafael Glacier and the massive Pío XI Glacier, which continues to grow despite climate change.
With a little luck, you can spot penguins, sea lions, dolphins, whales, otters, and condors in the wild.
Torres del Paine National Park: This excursion takes you to one of South America’s most famous national parks—featuring turquoise lakes, striking granite mountains, and the Patagonian wilderness. (Included only on the 11-day tour)
Visit to the village of Caleta Tortel: This small village consists almost entirely of stilt houses and wooden walkways made of cypress wood—a cultural highlight in the heart of Patagonia’s wilderness.
A historic expedition route at the end of the world: The journey follows the waters once navigated by explorers such as Charles Darwin and Fitz Roy—including the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel

route

itinerary

advance information

The tour will last 9 days during the 2026/2027 season. Starting with the 2027/2028 season, the tour will be extended to 11 days. During the 11-day tour, you will visit the Chonos Archipelago, Madre de Dios Island, the Las Montañas Channel, and Torres del Paine National Park, among other destinations. We would be happy to send you the complete itinerary for the 11-day trip.

Day 1: Puerto Montt, Embarkation

Your journey begins in Puerto Montt, Chile, with boarding at the port between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. After all mandatory briefings, the ship sets sail for the Gulf of Corcovado.

The city of Puerto Montt on the waterfront in northern Patagonia

Eight seals are sticking their heads out of the water

Day 2: Puyuhuapi Channel

The ship continues its journey southward, taking you to the area around Puerto Aysén and Puyuhuapi in the Aysén Region. As you sail and explore this area, the landscape unfolds before you, with its numerous fjords, islands, and channels.

The plan is to visit either Puerto Cisnes, Puyuhuapi, or Magdalena Island, where you’ll have the chance to see dolphins, whales, cormorants, sea lions, and river otters.

Day 3: Moraleda Canal

The journey continues with a day of exploration in the Chonos Archipelago. Heading for the Moraleda Channel, we’ll cruise—weather permitting—through the San Rafael National Park region, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The park is the main gateway to Chile’s northern Patagonian ice fields. Enjoy exploring the surrounding fjords, channels, islands, and bays.

3 kayaks on the water in the fjord, with the MS Magellan Explorer in the background

A stilt house stands on the water's edge

Day 4: Gulf of Penas & Caleta Tortel

As you continue sailing southward, you’ll cross the Gulf of Penas while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The expedition team will tell you about the indigenous peoples of these southern regions, the early Spanish colonizers, and famous explorers such as Charles Darwin, FitzRoy, and Alberto de Agostini. You’ll also gain insights into the region’s biodiversity through lectures on the local marine fauna and flora.

Weather permitting, a visit to Caleta Tortel or the surrounding area is planned for the afternoon. The village lies between the mouth of the Baker River and a small cove in the Baker Channel and consists mainly of stilt houses in the typical Chilote architectural style, stretching for several kilometers along the coast. Wooden walkways made of guaiteca cypress connect the houses and give the village its distinctive appearance and unique culture.

Day 5: Messier Channel & Pío XI Glacier

You continue your journey southward toward the Messier Channel, passing through the dramatic English Narrows—which is only about 18 meters (59 feet) wide—and enjoying a spectacular view of the glaciers of the South Patagonian Ice Field.

In the afternoon, we plan to visit the Pío XI Glacier or another nearby glacier. The Brüggen Glacier, also known as the Pío XI Glacier and named after a pope by Spanish explorers, is the largest western outlet of the South Patagonian Ice Field. It is also considered the longest glacier in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Antarctica.

A Zodiac with people in front of a large glacier face

People are standing on deck, enjoying the view of the snow-capped mountains

Day 6: Bernardo O’Higgins National Park

You’ll take a Zodiac excursion to the El Brujo or Amalia Glacier—or to other nearby glaciers along the Peel Fjord in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the icy-blue beauty of the glaciers and glide across the sea and between drifting ice floes to discover some of Chile’s magic.

As you drive toward the glacier amid snow-capped peaks and experience its impressive, rugged formations up close, with a little luck you may spot dolphins in the distance, cormorants or condors overhead, and otters.

Day 7: Day at sea, Strait of Magellan, and Tierra del Fuego

As you travel south along the Strait of Magellan, you’ll explore the waters of the fjords that branch off from Tierra del Fuego. You’ll follow the remote coastline around the Francisco Coloane Marine National Park, a protected area in the Southern Hemisphere where whales come to feed. With a little luck, you may spot humpback or fin whales surfacing in the distance.

You may also spot dolphins, sea lions, seals, penguins, albatrosses, and petrels.

Day 9: Beagle Channel & Garibaldi Fjord

The Beagle Channel is an impressive, narrow strait in the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, a region originally named for the fires that were burning in the settlements of the indigenous people when the first European explorers arrived. The channel separates Chile and Argentina and features striking ice formations along the snow-capped Darwin Cordillera.

You’ll drive through what’s known as Glacier Alley—home to the Holanda, Italia, Francia, Alemania, and Romanche glaciers—with the goal of exploring Garibaldi Fjord.

Day 9: Ushuaia, Argentina – Disembarkation

Arrival in Ushuaia in the morning, followed by disembarkation.

The daily programs described here are for your guidance. The itinerary may vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and local authorities, but also to respond to current conditions regarding wildlife viewing.Theexpedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.

activities

KAYAK TOUR
The sea kayaking program is an activity in small groups, led by a kayak guide and supported by a safety zodiac. To participate in the program, participants must have kayaking experience and must be able to swim. The minimum age for participation is 16 years.

Kayaking in Antarctica with partially snow-covered mountains in the background

Information

Included services:

Cruise and overnight stays on board the booked ship according to the published itinerary
All meals, including snacks, coffee, and tea throughout the trip on board the ship
Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
All shore excursions and activities throughout the trip, including Zodiac excursions
Expert lectures and leadership of an international expedition team on board and ashore
Free use of rubber boots
All other taxes and port fees related to the ship program
Comprehensive travel documents (boarding pass, travel information)

Not included in the price:

flights
Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers not included in the itinerary or emergency plan for the respective trip.
Passport and visa fees
Arrival and departure taxes
Meals ashore
Luggage, cancellation, and personal insurance (highly recommended)
Excess baggage fees and all onboard services such as laundry, bar, beverage costs, and telecommunications costs
Tips at the end of the trip for the service staff on board (guidelines available on request)

Important:

Language spoken on board: English
English-speaking expedition team
Onboard currency: US dollars, euros, and major credit cards
Completing a questionnaire, medical certificate, cruise contract, and flight information form is mandatory.
Rubber boots available for loan on board
A doctor is on board
Open bridge
The route and final itinerary during the voyage will be decided on site by the expedition leader and captain based on ice and weather conditions, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing. The itinerary described here is for illustrative purposes only.
Proof of international health insurance with medical repatriation must be provided.
The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
A heart for solo travelers: Share a cabin with travelers of the same gender and save on the single cabin supplement. Valid for porthole and veranda cabins.