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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!

13 Days

From: $12,495

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!

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Cruise the remoten— and otherwise inaccessiblen— Chilean fjords and mythical Cape Horn

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Hike in stunning Torres del Paine National Park, with its sky-high rock spires

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Witness blocks of ice calving from Perito Moreno Glacier and hike in Tierra del Fuego

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Highlights


  • Cruise the remote - and otherwise inaccessible - Chilean fjords and mythical Cape Horn
  • Hike in stunning Torres del Paine National Park, with its sky-high rock spires
  • Witness blocks of ice calving from Perito Moreno Glacier and hike in Tierra del Fuego

Chile & Argentina Patagonia to the Sea Hiking & Cruise

Start: Punta Arenas, Chile  End: Punta Arenas, Chile

Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Itinerary


  • Arrive in Punta Arenas

    Day 1

    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

    Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer; 2 hours 45 minute catamaran cruise

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Travel to El Calafate, Argentina

    Day 6

    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.

    Activity: Short hike (1 hour/1.25 miles)

    Transportation: 20-minute private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast

Why Travel With Us?


  • MT Sobek has crafted the ultimate itinerary to include the very best of Patagonia, including stops in both Chile and Argentina.

  • We'll take you on the only cruise ship allowed to sail where the Atlantic and Pacific meet.

  • Reap the benefits of our 40+ years of experience in Patagonia with top-notch, expert guides leading the way.

Dates & Prices


  • 2023
  • 2024
  • Go Private
  • Go Custom
  • Inclusions

2023

Scheduled Dates


The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.

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View 2024 Departure Dates

2024

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The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.

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Go Private

Go Private


Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.

Call or email us to get the ball rolling.

*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.


Looking for a private family adventure?


This trip can accommodate guests with a
minimum age of 14.

Private Trip Pricing:


2023 Pricing

9 to 10 guests from $12,795 per person double occupancy

6 to 7 guests from $12,995 per person double occupancy

*Seasonal rates may apply.

Additional Costs:


Internal Airfare: $400

Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.

*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.

Make Your Own Dates in These Months


Go Custom

Create Your Very Own Adventure


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.

Start Planning

Inclusions

Price Includes


  • Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides while on land, and shipboard naturalist guides for the cruise portion
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Price Does Not Include


  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides, guide-drivers, and shipboard crew
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert


800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

Your Guides


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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

[Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 1 [Travel_Type] => 2-hour private van transfer; 2 hours 45 minute catamaran cruise [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => 50.9423 S [Longitude] => 73.4068 W ) [5] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 6 [DayTo] => 6 [Headline] => Travel to El Calafate, Argentina [ActivityOverview] => [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] =>

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.

[Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 1 [Travel_Type] => [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => 55.9833 S [Longitude] => 67.2667 W ) [10] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 11 [DayTo] => 11 [Headline] => Pia Glacier & Garibaldi Glacier [ActivityOverview] => Short morning hike (1-1.5 hour/0.3-0.75 miles easy or challenging); Afternoon Zodiac cruise [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] =>

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.

[Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 1 [Travel_Type] => [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => 54.7620 S [Longitude] => 70.1238 W ) [11] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 12 [DayTo] => 12 [Headline] => Agostini Sound to Águila Glacier & Cóndor Glacier [ActivityOverview] => Short morning hike (1-1.5 hour/0.3-0.75 miles easy or challenging); Afternoon Zodiac cruise [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] =>

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.

[Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 1 [Travel_Type] => [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => 54.3333 S [Longitude] => 71.5000 W ) [12] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 13 [DayTo] => 13 [Headline] => Magdalena Island & Punta Arenas [ActivityOverview] => Short hike (1 hour/1.25 miles) [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] =>

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.

Hotel Cabo de Hornos-Punta Arenas
Hotel Cabo de Hornos-Punta Arenas

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.

Hotel Lago Grey-Torres del Paine National Park
Hotel Lago Grey-Torres del Paine National Park

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.

Hotel Posada Los Alamos-El Calafate
Hotel Posada Los Alamos-El Calafate

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.

M/V Ventus Australis
M/V Ventus Australis

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.

Estancia Cerro Guido
Estancia Cerro Guido

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.

Hotel Alto Andino
Hotel Alto Andino

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.

Hotel Jose Nogueira
Hotel Jose Nogueira

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.

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