Chile & Argentina Patagonia to the Sea Hiking & Cruising Tour
Best of Patagonia from Torres del Paine to Cape Horn
Nature really outdoes herself in this corner of the world: golden pampas beneath a boundless sky, forests of gnarled trees, towering fjords and glaciers forgotten by the last ice age. Patagonia's beauty is staggering, and we've crafted the perfect itinerary to show you the very best of both land and sea. On this 13-day exploration, you'll see where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans merge on a cruise through remote fjords aboard the M/V Ventus Australis, trek through Torres del Paine, and see the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier for the ultimate Patagonia experience. This is the ultimate sky-to-sea Patagonia experience and an exclusive Mountain Travel Sobek adventure!
Nature really outdoes herself in this corner of the world: golden pampas beneath a boundless sky, forests of gnarled trees, towering fjords and glaciers forgotten by the last ice age. Patagonia's beauty is staggering, and we've crafted the perfect itinerary to show you the very best of both land and sea. On this 13-day exploration, you'll see where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans merge on a cruise through remote fjords aboard the M/V Ventus Australis, trek through Torres del Paine, and see the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier for the ultimate Patagonia experience. This is the ultimate sky-to-sea Patagonia experience and an exclusive Mountain Travel Sobek adventure!
Cruise the remoten— and otherwise inaccessiblen— Chilean fjords and mythical Cape Horn
[Description] => Cruise the remote - and otherwise inaccessible - Chilean fjords and mythical Cape Horn
[Image] =>
[VideoLink] =>
)
[1] => Array
(
[DisplayOrder] => 2
[HighlightText] =>
Hike in stunning Torres del Paine National Park, with its sky-high rock spires
[Description] => Hike in stunning Torres del Paine National Park, with its sky-high rock spires
[Image] =>
[VideoLink] =>
)
[2] => Array
(
[DisplayOrder] => 3
[HighlightText] =>
Witness blocks of ice calving from Perito Moreno Glacier and hike in Tierra del Fuego
Arrive at the airport in Punta Arenas, Chile, and meet your group leader to transfer to the hotel. In the early evening, gather with the group for a briefing on the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel Cabo de Hornos-Punta Arenas Accommodation: Hotel Jose Nogueira
Meals: Dinner
Scenic Drive to Torres del Paine National Park
Day 2
After breakfast, travel across the Patagonian plains to the quiet fishing town of Puerto Natales on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope Sound). Stretch your legs and have lunch before continuing on to Torres del Paine National Park and glimpsing your first spectacular views of the Paine Massif (weather permitting). Settle in to rooms at the charming Estancia Cerro Guido and observe the ever-changing massif from this exclusive vantage point.
Accommodation: Estancia Cerro Guido
Transportation: 6-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Majestic Torres del Paine
Day 3
Over the next few days, enjoy half-day hikes with views of the ice-clad peaks and granite needles of the Torres del Paine (10,000') and see 3,000 feet of near-vertical granite rising from rolling grasslands and beautiful lakes. National Geographic named Torres del Paine one of the most beautiful places in the world, and by day five you'll have gotten to enjoy some of the best scenery in the park. Set out this morning on an easy hike near the Laguna Azul, located on the east side of Torres del Paine. This is one of the park's most beautiful hikes, through open grass fields and up a gentle incline for a picture-perfect view over the lagoon, with the iconic towers in the distance. Back at Estancia Cerro Guido this afternoon, tour the main sectors of the estancia, learning about the traditions and daily life at this authentic working ranch, including the work of the gauchos with their horses, sheepdogs, and shearing activities.
Accommodation: Estancia Cerro Guido
Activity: 3-4 hours/6 miles hiking with 700' elevation gain near Laguna Azul
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Torres del Paine Nature Trails to Scenic Lookouts
Day 4
Take advantage of your second full day in the park with another spectacular hike. Set out on an adventure that might include a short walk to see the Salto Grande waterfall, beautifully located in front of the Horns (Los Cuernos) of Paine; and a hike on a nature trail to watch llama-like guanacos and view cave paintings drawn by the original inhabitants. Conclude at the southern shore of Lago Grey (Grey Lake), where our hotel for the next two nights is located.
Accommodation: Hotel Lago Grey-Torres del Paine National Park
Activity: 5 hours/7 miles with 200' elevation gain
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get a Close-up View of the Grey Glacier
Day 5
Your Torres del Paine hiking adventure continues. Explore the western side of the park on a trail that follows the Pingo River. We'll look for the rare Andean Deer, and take a boat to get up close to the impressive Grey Glacier with its fantastic blue ice-spires in all kinds of different shapes.
Accommodation: Hotel Lago Grey-Torres del Paine National Park
Activity: 3 hours/5 miles with 300' elevation gain
Say goodbye to Chile's Torres del Paine National Park and drive across the border into Argentina. Proceed over the flat grassland steppes to the town of El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Dinner is on your own tonight; enjoy some downtime or make plans with other members of your group.
Accommodation: Hotel Posada Los Alamos-El Calafate
Transportation: 7-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Marvel at the Perito Moreno Glacier
Day 7
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Los Glaciares National Park to see the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier. At this very active glacier, a 200'-high headwall continually calves massive blocks of ice into the lake with a thunderous roar — an awesome spectacle of nature's power at work. Admire the amazing glacier from different viewpoints on a 2-mile footbridge walk.
Accommodation: Hotel Posada Los Alamos-El Calafate
Activity: 2-3 hours/2 miles walking
Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Ushuaia
Day 8
Board a plane to Ushuaia, Argentina, a small but bustling town dramatically located at the base of snowcapped mountains. After checking in to your hotel, hike in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park. The park is known for its rich plant species and abundant birdlife, including cormorants, grebes, steamer ducks, and kelp geese. You might even spot one of the less-common Andean condors or black-browed albatross.
Accommodation: Hotel Alto Andino
Activity: 2 hours/3 miles hiking with 100' elevation gain
Transportation: 1.5-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Board the Ventus Australis
Day 9
Take a morning hike in Tierra del Fuego before transferring to the port to board your boat, the 210-passenger Ventus Australis. After enjoying a welcome cocktail, begin the cruise portion of your trip as you depart for the Strait of Magellan.
Accommodation: M/V Ventus Australis
Activity: 4 hours/5 miles with 100' elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay
Day 10
Cruise across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park. Go ashore (conditions permitting) and discover the windswept island overlooked by the rocky promontory. Sail back across to the fabled Wulaia Bay, an area renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. Visit a museum in the old radio station, and stroll through an enchanted Magellan forest to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay.
Accommodation: M/V Ventus Australis
Activity: Cruising with AM and PM short hikes (1 hour/0.75 miles with 160 steps; 1.5 hours/1-3 miles options)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pia Glacier & Garibaldi Glacier
Day 11
Sail to the Avenue of the Glaciers in Alberto de Agostini National Park. Enter a narrow fjord then board a Zodiac for Pia Glacier. Take a short hike for a panoramic view, or a longer, much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine. Later, take another shore excursion at Garibaldi Glacier, where you'll hike through virgin Magellanic forest to a glacial waterfall and get a spectacular, birds-eye view of the glacier and fjord below. The walk is demanding and not for everyone; those who choose to stay onboard can enjoy the panoramic view from the upper decks.
Accommodation: M/V Ventus Australis
Activity: Short morning hike (1-1.5 hour/0.3-0.75 miles easy or challenging); Afternoon Zodiac cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Agostini Sound to Águila Glacier & Cóndor Glacier
Day 12
Early in the morning, sail through the Cockburn Channel and enter Agostini Sound, taking in the glaciers that descend from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range. Disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon to a prime viewing area right in front of the glacier and take in the stunning views. In the afternoon, approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac and look for some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area.
Accommodation: M/V Ventus Australis
Activity: Short morning hike (1-1.5 hour/0.3-0.75 miles easy or challenging); Afternoon Zodiac cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Magdalena Island & Punta Arenas
Day 13
After an overnight cruise, go ashore at Magdalena Island at the break of dawn (weather permitting) and see an immense colony of Magellanic penguins that makes their home there. Hike a path that leads through thousands of penguins to a small museum lodged inside a vintage 1902 lighthouse. After a short sail south, disembark around 11:30am at Punta Arenas, where our trip ends.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Andre L.
André is an accomplished mountaineer who has dedicated over 25 years to climbing and exploring the Peruvian and Patagonian Andes ranges. He grew up in central Chile and fell in love with Patagonia at first sight and made it his home for 20 years before recently moving to Chile's Araucania region. In over ten mountain expeditions in Patagonia, he accomplished many first ascents, and has climbed the Paine towers in Chile and Alpamayo in Peru. A very enthusiastic guide, André’s love for nature and respect for the mountains is infectious to all who travel with him.
Rodrigo B.
"Ro" was born in the Last Hope Province of Chile and grew up in Patagonia, where he developed a deep love for the outdoors. He has guided in Patagonia and Canada for more than 15 years, and is an accomplished hiker, kayaker, mountaineer, and photographer-with a keen eye for capturing the natural beauty of Patagonia. He is a certified Mountain guide and kayak instructor and has completed Wilderness Emergency Responder & Medical; (WFR NOLS-EASPA). Ro speaks English, Spanish, and conversational French.
Arrive at the airport in Punta Arenas, Chile, and meet your group leader to transfer to the hotel. In the early evening, gather with the group for a briefing on the adventure ahead.
[Breakfast] => 0
[Lunch] => 0
[Dinner] => 1
[Travel_Type] =>
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 53.1638 S
[Longitude] => 70.9171 W
)
[1] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 2
[DayTo] => 2
[Headline] => Scenic Drive to Torres del Paine National Park
[ActivityOverview] =>
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] =>
After breakfast, travel across the Patagonian plains to the quiet fishing town of Puerto Natales on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope Sound). Stretch your legs and have lunch before continuing on to Torres del Paine National Park and glimpsing your first spectacular views of the Paine Massif (weather permitting). Settle in to rooms at the charming Estancia Cerro Guido and observe the ever-changing massif from this exclusive vantage point.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 1
[Dinner] => 1
[Travel_Type] => 6-hour private van transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 50.9423 S
[Longitude] => 73.4068 W
)
[2] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 3
[DayTo] => 3
[Headline] => Explore Majestic Torres del Paine
[ActivityOverview] => 3-4 hours/6 miles hiking with 700\' elevation gain near Laguna Azul
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] =>
Over the next few days, enjoy half-day hikes with views of the ice-clad peaks and granite needles of the Torres del Paine (10,000\') and see 3,000 feet of near-vertical granite rising from rolling grasslands and beautiful lakes. National Geographic named Torres del Paine one of the most beautiful places in the world, and by day five you\'ll have gotten to enjoy some of the best scenery in the park. Set out this morning on an easy hike near the Laguna Azul, located on the east side of Torres del Paine. This is one of the park\'s most beautiful hikes, through open grass fields and up a gentle incline for a picture-perfect view over the lagoon, with the iconic towers in the distance. Back at Estancia Cerro Guido this afternoon, tour the main sectors of the estancia, learning about the traditions and daily life at this authentic working ranch, including the work of the gauchos with their horses, sheepdogs, and shearing activities.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 1
[Dinner] => 1
[Travel_Type] => 1.5-hour private van transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 51.0672 S
[Longitude] => 73.0077 W
)
[3] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 4
[DayTo] => 4
[Headline] => Hike Torres del Paine Nature Trails to Scenic Lookouts
[ActivityOverview] => 5 hours/7 miles with 200\' elevation gain
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] =>
Take advantage of your second full day in the park with another spectacular hike. Set out on an adventure that might include a short walk to see the Salto Grande waterfall, beautifully located in front of the Horns (Los Cuernos) of Paine; and a hike on a nature trail to watch llama-like guanacos and view cave paintings drawn by the original inhabitants. Conclude at the southern shore of Lago Grey (Grey Lake), where our hotel for the next two nights is located.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 1
[Dinner] => 1
[Travel_Type] => 1-hour private van transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 50.9500 S
[Longitude] => 73.2500 W
)
[4] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 5
[DayTo] => 5
[Headline] => Get a Close-up View of the Grey Glacier
[ActivityOverview] => 3 hours/5 miles with 300\' elevation gain
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] =>
Your Torres del Paine hiking adventure continues. Explore the western side of the park on a trail that follows the Pingo River. We\'ll look for the rare Andean Deer, and take a boat to get up close to the impressive Grey Glacier with its fantastic blue ice-spires in all kinds of different shapes.
Say goodbye to Chile\'s Torres del Paine National Park and drive across the border into Argentina. Proceed over the flat grassland steppes to the town of El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Dinner is on your own tonight; enjoy some downtime or make plans with other members of your group.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 1
[Dinner] => 0
[Travel_Type] => 7-hour private van transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 50.3380 S
[Longitude] => 72.2648 W
)
[6] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 7
[DayTo] => 7
[Headline] => Marvel at the Perito Moreno Glacier
[ActivityOverview] => 2-3 hours/2 miles walking
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] =>
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Los Glaciares National Park to see the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier. At this very active glacier, a 200\'-high headwall continually calves massive blocks of ice into the lake with a thunderous roar — an awesome spectacle of nature\'s power at work. Admire the amazing glacier from different viewpoints on a 2-mile footbridge walk.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 1
[Dinner] => 1
[Travel_Type] => 4-hour private van transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 50.4967 S
[Longitude] => 73.1377 W
)
[7] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 8
[DayTo] => 8
[Headline] => Fly to Ushuaia
[ActivityOverview] => 2 hours/3 miles hiking with 100\' elevation gain
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] =>
Board a plane to Ushuaia, Argentina, a small but bustling town dramatically located at the base of snowcapped mountains. After checking in to your hotel, hike in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park. The park is known for its rich plant species and abundant birdlife, including cormorants, grebes, steamer ducks, and kelp geese. You might even spot one of the less-common Andean condors or black-browed albatross.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 1
[Dinner] => 1
[Travel_Type] => 1.5-hour flight transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 54.8019 S
[Longitude] => 68.3030 W
)
[8] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 9
[DayTo] => 9
[Headline] => Board the Ventus Australis
[ActivityOverview] => 4 hours/5 miles with 100\' elevation gain
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] =>
Take a morning hike in Tierra del Fuego before transferring to the port to board your boat, the 210-passenger Ventus Australis. After enjoying a welcome cocktail, begin the cruise portion of your trip as you depart for the Strait of Magellan.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 1
[Dinner] => 1
[Travel_Type] =>
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 54.8054 S
[Longitude] => 68.3242 W
)
[9] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 10
[DayTo] => 10
[Headline] => Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay
[ActivityOverview] => Cruising with AM and PM short hikes (1 hour/0.75 miles with 160 steps; 1.5 hours/1-3 miles options)
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] =>
Cruise across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park. Go ashore (conditions permitting) and discover the windswept island overlooked by the rocky promontory. Sail back across to the fabled Wulaia Bay, an area renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. Visit a museum in the old radio station, and stroll through an enchanted Magellan forest to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay.
Sail to the Avenue of the Glaciers in Alberto de Agostini National Park. Enter a narrow fjord then board a Zodiac for Pia Glacier. Take a short hike for a panoramic view, or a longer, much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine. Later, take another shore excursion at Garibaldi Glacier, where you\'ll hike through virgin Magellanic forest to a glacial waterfall and get a spectacular, birds-eye view of the glacier and fjord below. The walk is demanding and not for everyone; those who choose to stay onboard can enjoy the panoramic view from the upper decks.
Early in the morning, sail through the Cockburn Channel and enter Agostini Sound, taking in the glaciers that descend from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range. Disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon to a prime viewing area right in front of the glacier and take in the stunning views. In the afternoon, approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac and look for some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area.
After an overnight cruise, go ashore at Magdalena Island at the break of dawn (weather permitting) and see an immense colony of Magellanic penguins that makes their home there. Hike a path that leads through thousands of penguins to a small museum lodged inside a vintage 1902 lighthouse. After a short sail south, disembark around 11:30am at Punta Arenas, where our trip ends.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 0
[Dinner] => 0
[Travel_Type] => 20-minute private van transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 53.1638 S
[Longitude] => 70.9171 W
)
)
[ActivityHighlight] => Short hikes on relatively easy terrain, carrying only a daypack. Perfect combination of activity, transport and comfortable hotels. First leg in Torres del Paine is more active than the second leg and cruise.
[Trip_Level] => 3
)
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Short hikes on relatively easy terrain, carrying only a daypack. Perfect combination of activity, transport and comfortable hotels. First leg in Torres del Paine is more active than the second leg and cruise. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 3
3-4 hours/6 miles hiking with 700' elevation gain near Laguna Azul
Day 4
5 hours/7 miles with 200' elevation gain
Day 5
3 hours/5 miles with 300' elevation gain
Day 7
2-3 hours/2 miles walking
Day 8
2 hours/3 miles hiking with 100' elevation gain
Day 9
4 hours/5 miles with 100' elevation gain
Day 10
Cruising with AM and PM short hikes (1 hour/0.75 miles with 160 steps; 1.5 hours/1-3 miles options)
Day 11
Short morning hike (1-1.5 hour/0.3-0.75 miles easy or challenging); Afternoon Zodiac cruise
Day 12
Short morning hike (1-1.5 hour/0.3-0.75 miles easy or challenging); Afternoon Zodiac cruise
Day 13
Short hike (1 hour/1.25 miles)
Accommodations
Stay in well-located hotels ranging from comfortable to deluxe, as well as four nights aboard the Ventus Australis.
Recently renovated in modern European style, this large hotel offers comfortable, spacious rooms — some with sea views. Modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV and room service are provided. There is a restaurant on-site, but the flavors of Punta Arenas await just outside your door, as do museums and other attractions.
Surrounded by the majestic beauty of this unique landscape, Hotel Lago Grey is the perfect base for discovering Torres del Paine National Park. The hotel has 60 spacious rooms, including 36 Superior rooms that have lake, mountain and glacier views. All rooms are warm and comfortable, with Wi-Fi (in common areas), safe, and a phone.
Posada Los Alamos is a grand red-bricked hotel, surrounded by soaring poplar trees, in the heart of El Calafate. It's 144 comfortable rooms, with either garden or mountain views, are pleasantly furnished and come with modern amenities. Choose to unwind with a game of golf or a treatment at the hotel's Humus Spa, and enjoy dinner at La Posta restaurant.
The Ventus Australis is a new 210-passenger expedition vessel, tailor-made for exploring the remote southern tip of South America. All aspects of the ship are designed for the extreme maneuverability needed to navigate narrow fjords and channels where no other cruise ships can venture. Like her sister ship, Stella Australis, she features gourmet dining with an all-inclusive bar, three lounges, an open top deck, and spacious light-filled cabins.
A working ranch in a beautiful setting, Estancia Cerro Guido has comfortable rooms in a ranch-style house, featuring tasteful décor and private bathrooms with bath tubs. Daily breakfast is included, and free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Explore the garden and grounds, relax in front of the fireplace in the library, and enjoy authentic local delicacies at Kaw restaurant.
The boutique-style Alto Andino is perfectly located between the imposing peaks of the Andes and the open waters of the Beagle Channel. Its 18 comfortable rooms are stylishly decorated and are well-appointed with modern amenities, including TV, Wi-Fi and more. The hotel's Bar Mirador has a panoramic terrace with incredible 360-degree views of the city.
Centrally located boutique hotel in front of the main square in Punta Arenas, featuring 22 simple but comfortable rooms inside a restored historic mansion. Modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV and room service are provided. There is a restaurant and bar on-site, but the flavors of Punta Arenas await just outside your door, as do museums and other attractions.
Weather
Expect extreme weather conditions that can change from one moment to the other. Be prepared for everything, especially strong winds and sun.
Jan
Mar
El Calafate
High
Low
High
Low
El Calafate
67
48
62
43
Torres Del Paine National Park
High
Low
High
Low
Torres Del Paine National Park
68
55
62
42
Ushuaia
High
Low
High
Low
Ushuaia
57
42
54
40
FAQs
When and where should I arrive, and when and where do I depart from?
The trip starts and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile.
Arrive in Punta Arenas before 3:00 PM on Day 1. Our local staff will meet you and transfer you to the hotel.
You can schedule your departing flight from Punta Arenas anytime after 2:30 PM on Day 13. On Day 13, after a morning port call at Magdalena Island, the M/V Ventus Australis is scheduled to arrive in Punta Arenas late morning, with disembarkation around 11:30 AM. A group transfer is provided on Day 13 from the port to Punta Arenas airport, to coincide with flights departing 2:30 PM or later.
What are the accommodations like?
For the first eight nights of the trip, we stay in hotels ranging from comfortable to deluxe. All are located close to our hikes and among the stunning scenery of Patagonia. Two of the properties are particular favorites of past travelers - the Estancia Cerro Guido, a working ranch full of local character and charm, with just 13 lovingly restored rooms in a ranch-style house; and Hotel Lago Grey, featuring incredible glacier and mountain views along with dreamy beds, heated bathroom floors, and excellent cuisine.
We conclude with four nights aboard the M/V Ventus Australis. This 200-passenger ship is specially designed to navigate the region's winding geography and offers comfortable lounges and cabins, all with panoramic windows to take in the spectacular landscapes. Prices are based on AA category cabins on board M/V Ventus Australis.
Are upgrades possible for the cruise?
Our prices are based on AA category cabins on board M/V Ventus Australis. These measure 177 sq.ft. and are on the Tierra del Fuego Deck (Deck 3). There is the option of two twin beds (41 in wide x 75 in long) or one double bed (63 in wide x 75 in long).
On request, we are happy to check availability for higher categories (AAA, AA Superior, or AAA Superior), which would be at additional cost.
Note there are only four Superior cabins total on the ship - two AA Superior, located midship on the Tierra del Fuego Deck (Deck 3); and two AAA Superior, located midship on the Cabo de Hornos Deck (Deck 4). Superior cabins are a bit larger than the rest of the cabins - 220 sq.ft. vs 177 sq.ft., and Superior Cabins all have ONE QUEEN bed (71 inches wide x 79 inches long). There's no possibility to have two beds in the Superior Cabins.
Category AAA has the same cabin size as our group block in Category AA and there is the option of two twin beds (41 in wide x 75 in long) or one double bed (63 in wide x 75 in long). The main difference is Category AAA cabins are on the Cabo de Hornos Deck (Deck 4), one deck higher than ours in Category AA, so the view/vantage point is a bit better from that much higher up on the ship.
Do I need prior hiking experience?
Not necessarily. This is a moderate-level hiking trip, which means you will enjoy your experience more if you have hiked previously. Hikes can be skipped entirely, and there are options available to accommodate different fitness levels.
For the Torres del Paine and Tierra del Fuego portions, we have mostly half-day hikes (2-4 hours per day, covering 2 to 5 miles with minimal elevation gain and loss of 100-300 ft, on relatively easy terrain, carrying only a daypack. More strenuous hikes can be included according to group abilities. During the cruise, shore excursions involve short walks (on average 1-2 hours at a time, once or twice per day, with easy and more challenging options), as well as exploration by Zodiac (rigid inflatable boats).
What are the sea conditions usually like during the cruise?
Much of the cruise is in fact in protected waters, passing in narrow channels between islands. With our route, there are two occasions where we are in more exposed waters and the roughest sea conditions might be experienced. Both times happen primarily in the night — the first night when we leave Ushuaia and sail out through open water to Cape Horn; and then the third night when we cruise overnight in open waters outside of the islands from Glaciar Pia to Glacier Aguila. In this region the wind comes from the west, so those parts where there is no land protection to the west are where seas are likely to be roughest.
Will we set foot on Cape Horn?
The captain will do all in his power to let your dream come true, but disembarkation at Cape Horn in particular depends on weather conditions. Historically, Australis has been able to land at Cape Horn about 75% of the time
What happens during the cruise if the weather is poor?
It is generally possible to carry out the cruise as described in this itinerary, but weather does occasionally prevent scheduled landings. The Australis reserves the right to alter, change or omit parts of these routes without prior notice, in order to preserve the well-being and safety of passengers, to protect the environment, or for other extraordinary circumstances. Regardless, there will be truly spectacular scenery at all times, along with a rich educational program presented by the naturalist guides on board.
Are penguins seen throughout the season?
Penguins are normally seen from early October through early April before they migrate to the north.
Are there hair dryers at the hotels and on the cruise?
Yes, you will be provided with a hair dryer.
Will we have internet throughout the trip?
You will have Wi-Fi in the hotels in Torres del Paine, but not on trails or on board the cruise.
What will I have to carry in my daypack?
On a typical day out you will have to carry your own layers, camera, sunblock, glasses, water and a packed lunch.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.