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Southern Patagonia: Glaciers, Fjords & Wildlife

Southern Patagonia: Glaciers, Fjords & Wildlife

From $ 32,800 AUD

Description

Long before humans arrived on the continent, glaciers carved the landscapes of southern Patagonia and the Chilean fjords. Now it’s a place for the grandest nature adventures: marveling at calving glaciers, whale and dolphin watching, hiking through rugged landscapes, Zodiac cruising among icebergs, and observing penguins by the thousands. Explore iconic Torres del Paine, where guanacos roam the vast steppe. Discover private reserves such as Karukinka; visit the newest marine reserve on the Chilean coast; take in the view of Cape Horn; and enjoy special access to Argentina’s extraordinary Isla de los Estados (Staten Island). On hiking, kayaking, and Zodiac excursions, see the natural treasures of a wilderness at the edge of the world.

Trip Name
Southern Patagonia: Glaciers, Fjords & Wildlife
Days
17
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Passenger Capacity: 126 Built: 2020 One of two next-generation ships purpose-built for polar exploration, National Geographic Resolution is named in tribute to Captain James Cook’s legendary second voyage aboard HMS Resolution. With a Polar Code Category A ice-class hull and a pioneering X-Bow® design, she offers unmatched comfort, stability, and quiet passage through even the most challenging polar waters—opening access to remote corners of the Arctic, Antarctica, and beyond. Designed for immersive exploration, the ship’s interior is warm, modern, and elegantly Scandinavian, with expansive windows throughout that keep the wild, ice-bound world always within view. Her six decks house 76 spacious cabins, inviting public spaces, and a full complement of expedition tools. Guests can relax in the observation lounge, library, or spa; enjoy flexible dining across three venues; or gear up in the Expedition Base before heading out in Zodiacs or kayaks. From polar bear sightings in Svalbard to navigating ice-choked channels in the Southern Ocean, Resolution is a state-of-the-art platform for discovering the planet’s most astonishing frontiers.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrive in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires and check into the Alvear Icon Hotel (or similar). In the afternoon, we begin our guided afternoon explorations of this vibrant city, seeing the city’s Beaux-Arts palaces, the brightly painted bohemian community of La Boca, known for its street art and galleries, the Plaza de Mayo, and the famous presidential palace (called the rose palace) with its legendary balcony forever associated with Eva Perón. (L)
Day 2 - DAY 2: Fly to Ushuaia/Embark
Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Before embarking, relax and enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel, a region of beech forests, mountains, and rushing rivers. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - DAY 3-4: Exploring the Chilean Fjords: Glacier Alley
Sail into a vast wilderness of snow-capped peaks and mirror-like lakes, thick glaciers and islets blanketed with vegetation. In this pristine landscape, myriad fjords or senos cut between soaring granite walls and waterfalls splash down from high above. The region we explore for the next two days is known as Glacier Alley. This entire region is part of a greater UNESCO Biosphere Reserve focusing on the Magallanes Sub-Antarctic Evergreen Rainforest. This incredibly biodiverse region arose with the retreat of the glaciers which formed these fjords. We begin at Seno Pia, a secluded fjord in the northwestern arm of the Beagle Channel with an impressively large glacier at its terminus. Next is Seno Garibaldi, part of Alberto de Agostini National Park, a dramatic region where the formidable Andes meet the sea. We will visit the Garibaldi Glacier by Zodiac and ship, marveling at this stunning wall of ice. Seno Agostini is the origin of numerous glaciers from the nearby mountains, originating at more than 6,600 feet in elevation. We’ll explore this region from our Zodiacs, getting close to floating brash ice and bergy bits, watching for wildlife, and hoping to witness the thundering process of glacial calving. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - DAY 5: Francisco Coloane Marine Park
Located in the Strait of Magellan, Francisco Coloane Marine Park is the largest marine protected area along the Chilean coast, and it was also the first, established in 2003. This productive area supports vast and unique biological diversity, which will be the focus of our visit. A large summer population of humpback whales uses these waters as feeding grounds, as do South American sea lions. Black and white Peale’s dolphins are frequently seen, and we’ll search for the endemic and endangered Chilean dolphin. We’ll explore the marine park by Zodiac, kayak, and on foot. We’ll search for large marine and terrestrial birds including the Andean condor or the giant Antarctic petrel, and on Rupert Islet we’ll visit a large Magellanic penguin colony. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - DAY 6-7: Puerto Natales & Torres del Paine
Our next two days will be spent exploring the region around Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We’ll drive to the park on our first day, and you’ll have the option to trek on foot or explore part of the park by vehicle. The landscape is big, wide, and sprawling, with some of the most dramatic mountain scenery anywhere, and wildlife that includes rheas, foxes, and herds of guanaco. You’ll discover one of the most spectacular and wildlife-rich areas in the Americas, covering 450,000 acres of glaciers, forests and grasslands, rivers and gem-colored lagoons, crowned with the pinnacles of Torres del Paine. Our second day will be spent closer to Puerto Natales itself, to learn more about the burgeoning Chilean gastronomic scene, as well as the culture and history of the indigenous people of the region. Enjoy alternate opportunities for birding for Andean condors or hiking the beautiful terrain of the region. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - DAY 8-9: Exploring the Chilean Fjords: Kirke Narrows
After a last morning in Torres del Paine, we have two days to continue our exploration of the Chilean fjords. Our Captain and local pilots guide us through Kirke Narrows, accessible only to a small expedition ship such as National Geographic Endurance. While the wildlife of the region will leave you speechless, the combination of unspoiled scenery, national parks and lush Magellanic forests is what makes the fjords of Chile so captivating. We continue to explore the extensive maze of pristine channels and islands, where we may explore by Zodiac and kayak or take a walk in the surrounding forest. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - DAY 10: Punta Arenas & Isla Magdalena
This morning we arrive in Punta Arenas, the largest city in Patagonia. With local guides, we’ll visit the historic center of the city, the Plaza de Armas, and a local handicraft market. Visit the Patagonia Institute and the Salesian Museum, to learn the region’s archaeology and wildlife. Alternatively, go for a hike in the Magallanes National Reserve, which offers outstanding views of the valley below and of Punta Arenas. Later, be on deck as National Geographic Endurance navigates the Strait of Magellan, en route to Isla Magdalena. The island has been designated a national nature reserve because of its importance as a penguin breeding site. Go ashore at the Penguins National Nature Reserve, home to 120,000 nesting Magellanic penguins. Photo opportunities abound here. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - DAY 11-12: Tierra del Fuego: Karukinka Natural Park & Bahia Ainsworth
Continue to the newest and largest protected area on Tierra del Fuego: Karukinka, meaning "our land" in the language of the ancient inhabitants. We have obtained permission to visit this private reserve, which harbors abundant wildlife, including endangered culpeo foxes, guanacos, blackbrowed albatross, Andean condors, and elephant seals. On our last day in the Chilean fjords we set out to explore in Zodiacs and kayaks and on foot. Visit Bahía Ainsworth, at the base of Marinelli Glacier, to explore the sub-polar Magellan Forest. Keep an eye out for southern elephant seals along the beach. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - DAY 13-16: Cape Horn & Isla de los Estados (Staten Island), Argentina
On the first of these days we visit Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of the South American continent. Conditions permitting, make a landing to look out at the waters of the Drake Passage. We continue to Isla de los Estados, whose wild, untouched landscapes are home to Magellanic penguins, fur seals, otters, sea lions, and countless water birds. We have received special permission to visit here. Our exact schedule will remain flexible to take best advantage of conditions for exploring this natural wonderland. See a reconstruction of the 1884 San Juan de Salvamento “lighthouse at the end of the world,” which inspired Jules Verne’s novel of the same name. The National Geographic Endurance is one of the few expedition ships to be granted access here, and the experience is bound to be unforgettable. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - DAY 17: Ushuaia / Buenos Aires / Home
Disembark in Ushuaia and take a charter flight to Buenos Aires to connect with your flight home. (B,L)
Day 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

    • Aboard National Geographic Endurance, glide into Patagonia’s “Glacier Alley” to explore three stunning glaciers over two days and navigate among floating icebergs by Zodiac and kayak
    • Explore iconic Torres del Paine National Park to search for foxes, rheas, and guanacos in the shadow of the famous saw-toothed peaks
    • Spend a day at Francisco Coloane Marine Park, where humpback whales and dolphins gather
    • Get up close to a vast Magellanic penguin colony on Isla Magdelena, and hike in search of the Andean fox and the Chilean flamingo
    • By special permission, explore the private reserve of Karukinka and the untouched, wildlife-filled landscapes of remote Isla de los Estados

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