USHUAIA - PUNTA ARENAS

(4 days/3 nights)
M/V Mare Australis - Wednesday to Saturday
M/V Via Australis - Saturday to Tuesday
M/V Stella Australis - Wednesday to Saturday

The southernmost region of the world is where the expedition cruise ships Mare Australis and Via Australis invite you to travel the legendary maritime routes and 're-live' the history of explorers in this unexplored part of the American continent, a beautiful and untamable region unlike any other. Sail through the legendary Strait of Magellan, along channels, bays and fjords, passing glaciers, snow-capped peaks, islands and unexplored forests of incomparable beauty. The imposing glaciers Serrano, d'Agostini, Garibaldi, Brookes and others will amaze you. Daily land excursions accompanied by professional guides will allow you to explore nature from close by and give you an idea of the history of the early inhabitants in Patagonia.

Day 1: Ushuaia

The cruise starts in Ushuaia, the southernmost outpost of civilization in Argentinia. Check-in and embarkation at the dock in Ushuaia. The captain and crew welcome you on board of the expedition cruise ship with a welcome cocktail reception. Immediately afterwards the ship will set sail for the utmost part of the world. We will travel to Southern Patagonia and Tierra de Fuego through the legendary Strait of Magellan.

Day 2: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay

We sail through the Beagle and Murray channels to Cape Horn National Park, where we will disembark and will have a chance to explore (weather permitting). Cape Horn, on Hornos Island, is a sheer 425 m (1,394 ft) high rocky promontory at the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. This fabled place is known as the 'end of the world' and a visit here is a singular privilege.

The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in June 2005. In the afternoon, we will go ashore in historic Wulaia Bay, once the site of one of the region's largest native settlements. This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. On a alking through an otherworldly forest of Lengas, Coigües, Canelos, ferns and other native vegetation, we will reach a lookout point.

Day 3: Günther Plüschow Glacier

In the afternoon, we will see the awe-inspiring Günther Plüschow Glacier, named after the region's pioneering German aviator. Then we will sail to Chico Sound, where we disembark in Zodiacs to observe the majestic Piloto and Nena Glaciers.

Day 4: Magdalena Island - Punta Arenas

Early in the morning, we will go ashore on Magdalena Island, the home of an immense colony of more than 120,000 Magellan Penguins. We will be able to observe them during our walk to a lighthouse, the guide for ships on their way through the Strait of Magellan. The penguins migrate in April; as replacement we will visit Marta Island, to observe a sea lion colony. After our visit, we will sail to Punta Arenas for disembarkation around noon.

Rates depend on departure season and cabin type. (2010/2011)

M/V Mare Australis - Wednesday to Saturday
M/V Via Australis - Saturday to Tuesday
M/V Stella Australis - Wednesdays - Saturdays

For specific rates in different cabin types on particular departures please inquire. Rates range (lowest and highest in season) are per person based on double occupancy. Single rates apply

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.