Ushuaia – Punta Arenas Route 2012-2013 (4 nights)

Check in at San Martin 409, Ushuaia, between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., with cruise ship boarding from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The captain and crew give a welcome cocktail reception on board, and afterwards the ship departs for the journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions in the world.

We sail through the Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National Park, where we will disembark (weather permitting). The mythical Cape Horn was discovered in 1616, and it is a sheer, 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory. For many years it was an important navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and it is known as the “End of the Earth”. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in June 2005. In the afternoon, we go ashore at historic Wulaia Bay, once the site of one of the region’s largest Yamana aboriginal settlements. Charles Darwin landed here on January 23rd, 1833, during the voyage of the HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. We will walk through a Magellanic forest of Lengas, Coihues, Canelos, ferns, and other native vegetation to reach a look-out point.

Since early November 2011, we have been doing kayaking activities in Wulaia Bays run by an experience explorer, Cristián Donoso, supported by our expedition guides. The activity includes paddling through historic areas related to the native Yagan people, bird watching, as well as the pure joy of paddling. The kayaking activity has an approximate cost of US$ 120, with a duration of 1 1/2 to 2 hours in the water.

In the morning we navigate along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter Pia Fiord where we disembark near Pia Glacier. We take a short hike to a vantage point with a spectacular view of the mountain chain giving origin to this impressive glacier moving slowly down the valley until it falls into the sea.

In the afternoon we enter Garibaldi fiord on the southern coast of Tierra del Fuego, where we will do an incredible excursion through Patagonia’s cold jungle and a hike through the forest up to a waterfall of glacial origin. There is a spectacular view from this spot. For those who stay onboard, our Capitan will point the bow towards the beautiful blue Garibaldi glacier, and the panoramic views may be enjoyed from the outdoor decks.

In the morning we sail through Cockburn Channel to anchor in Chico Sound. Our adventure begins in the Zodiac boats to explore Alakaluf Fiord, where we will see beautiful waterfalls and observe the Piloto and Nena Glaciers from the sea. The intense blue color of Piloto Glacier due to its compression and age draws attention. We will learn about the formation of glaciers and their influence on the abrupt geography of the Fuegian-Patagonian channels.

In the afternoon we enter Agostini Sound, a spectacularly beautiful area located in the heart of the Darwin Mountain Range in Tierra del Fuego. Here we can view glaciers descending from the mountains, some of which reach the sea. We will head to Águila Glacier where we will disembark to take an easy walk along a beach bordering a lagoon surrounded by mountains until reaching a spot in front of the glacier. We can get to know Patagonia’s cold rainforest and the movements that molded the region’s geography.

Early in the morning, we go ashore on Magdalena Island (weather permitting). Located in the Strait of Magellan, it was an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers in the past. The island is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic Penguins which can be seen during our walk to the lighthouse, which guides ships on their way through the strait. In September and April this adventure is replaced by an excursion to Marta Island where we can observe South American sea lions from the Zodiac boats. After our visit, we sail to Punta Arenas, disembarking at 11:30 a.m.

* "The companies" reserve the right to modify the cruise rates and departure dates published, without prior notice. Optional tours and transportation are not included in the cruise rate.
* Rate does not include port tax, migration fee, and national park fee. The cost per person is the following:

- Punta Arenas to Ushuaia route: US$30.- (dollars)
- Ushuaia to Punta Arenas route: US$30.- (dollars)
The cost may be modified by the port authorities of each country.

* Rates include accomodation, sea transportation, all meals, open bar when on duty (without additional cost for wines, beverages, and liquors), shore excursions, and onboard entertainment.

The first presentation given is to familiarize passengers with Patagonia and the region, showing location, day-to-day routes, excursion points, expected climate, clothing suggestions, and possible animal sightings.

This presentation shows the behavior and practices of this peculiar bird. Before visiting their colonies, you will learn about their migration cycle, nest construction, reproduction, nurture of their chicks, and nutrition.

Detailed information for the next day’s activities will be given with route maps and pictures available.

This presentation details the evolution of flora after the Glacier Age that once covered more than 60% of the territory, along with identifying the trees, shrubs, flowers and plants that inhabit Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego today.

This talk highlights important aspects of Cape Horn, one of the most special excursions on the route. We will review some of its history and discovery as well as detailed instructions for the next day’s onshore excursion (weather permitting).

The story of the region’s most notable historic character, Charles Darwin, will be told. You will learn where he discovered and studied species, fossils and indigenous groups that served as the foundation for his theories that revolutionized science and the world.