Ushuaia – Punta Arenas Route, Via Australis (4 nights)

Check in from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 409 San Martín st. Cruise ship boarding at 5:30 p.m. After a welcome cocktail reception offered by the Captain and his crew the ship will depart for “the uttermost part of the earth”. Our trip takes us through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel to explore one of the most breathtaking wilderness regions in the world: Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

We sail through Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National Park, where we 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 for sailboats between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and it is known as the “End of the Earth”.  The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve in 2005.

In the afternoon, we go ashore at historical Wulaia Bay, originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yamana aboriginal settlements. Charles Darwin landed here in 1833, during his voyage on the HMS Beagle.  This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. We will walk through a Magellan forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic vegetation to reach a panoramic viewpoint.

We navigate along the Northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to reach Pia Fjord, where we disembark. We take a short hike to a panoramic viewpoint from which we can appreciate the spectacular Pia Glacier, which main tongue stretches from the top of the mountains down to the sea.

In the afternoon we will enter and disembark at Garibaldi Fjord to then hike through the forest up to a glacial waterfall and enjoy the spectacular views. For those who stay onboard, our Capitan will point the bow towards the beautiful blue Garibaldi Glacier and the panoramic view can be enjoyed from the upper decks.

In the morning we will be sailing through Cockburn Channel to anchor in Chico Sound. Onboard Zodiac boats, we will explore Alakaluf Fjord and enjoy the view of 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 will enter the spectacular De Agostini Sound, in the heart of Darwin Mountain Range. In this area we can see glaciers descending from the mountainside all the way down to the sea. In the afternoon, onboard Zodiac boats, we will route to Águila Glacier where we will take an easy walk all the way to the base of the glacier. We will experience the beauty of Patagonia’s cold rainforest and see how the power of nature molded the area’s landscape.

Early in the morning (and weather permitting) we will go ashore on Magdalena Island, located in the middle of the Strait of Magellan. The island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellan Penguins that we will be able to see during our walk to the lighthouse. In September and April this excursion is replaced by a ride on Zodiac boat to Marta Island to observe South American Sea Lions.

Finally, disembarking at Punta Arenas is scheduled at 11:30 am.

* "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 above rates are from rates, and only for a limited cabin stock per departure.

* Sigle rates apply in B or A category only. Sigle rate in AA, AAA, AA Sup or AAA Sup wil be 1.5 of the category rate.

* Activity Index refers to the ratio of excursion per navigation day: Between 1-1.5: MEDIUM. More than 1.5: HIGH.

*  This information replaces and voids all previous communications and is valid from February 27th, 2013.

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).