Patagonian Explorer Cruise
Patagonian Explorer Cruise
Patagonian Explorer Cruise
6 Days Starting in Buenos Aires and ending in Punta Arenas
Visiting: Argentina, Chile
Tour Overview
Tour Summary
This land and cruise tour will take you to see the marvels of two iconic South American cities and to the Fjords of Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia. Start this adventure in Santiago, a beautiful cosmopolitan city where you will see Santiagos most important sites like Plaza de Armas, Modena Palace, Santa Lucía Hill and Barrio Lastarria, the latest is famous for the cultural, inherited and gastronomical options. Continue to Punta Arenas from where you will board your cruise to explore Patagonia. During this cruise you will see the fjords of the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego. Sail the Strait of Magellan into the labyrinth of channels from where you will see the highlights and most important sites and glaciers of the region, you will also visit Wulaia Bay and Cape Horn, known as the “End of the Earth”. After this wonderful cruise in Patagonia, you will disembark in Ushuaia from where you will fly to your last stop, Buenos Aires where youll have the chance to explore many of the citys intriguing and varied neighbourhoods and learn about their culture and history before your tour ends.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Buenos Aires (Arrival)
Welcome to Buenos Aires! Buenos Aires is not only the capital of Argentina; it is also one of the 10 most important metropolises in the world and the centre of the political, economic, and intellectual life of the country. This cosmopolitan city, with great European cultural influence, displays a refined taste in its cooking, in its boutiques and in the elegance of its inhabitants. Almost 12 million people live there and can enjoy the plentiful night life visiting tango bars, cabarets, discotheques, restaurants, or eternally open bars. During the day, a wide variety of attractions is offered: museums, art galleries, tasteful shops, fascinating antiques, large green areas, parks, wide tree lined boulevards, clubs, and sporting events. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure for you to discover the city at your own pace.
Overnight in Buenos Aires
Day 2: Buenos Aires – Ushuaia (By Flight) (B/-/D)
In time, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Ushuaia, Arrive and transfer to the Australis center. in downtown Ushuaia, where you can leave your luggage and explore the surroundings of this charming little town on own. Board the cruise at 18:00 (6:00PM). After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the most remote corners of planet Earth. During the night traverse the Beagle Channel and cross from Argentine into Chilean territorial waters. The lights of Ushuaia disappear as it turns into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands.
Overnight onboard the cruise
Day 3: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay (B/L/D)
By early morning, the ship is cruising across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park. (Weather and sea conditions permitting), go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition -- and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland -- Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic and was often referred to as the \"End of the Earth.\" The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument. Sailing back across Nassau Bay, we anchor at fabled Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the regions largest Yámana aboriginal settlements. This area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station -- which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area -- passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooden mountain behind the bay. On all of these you will be strolling through an enchanted Magellan forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic fauna to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay. Before leaving Wulaia Bay, drop something into the wooden mail barrel inside the museum – letters or postcards meant to be hand delivered by future travelers – an ancient mariner tradition revived by Australis
Overnight on board the cruise
Day 4: Pia Glacier And Porter Glacier (B/L/D)
This morning, navigate the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in Pia Fjord. Take a short hike to a lookout from where we can see Pia Glacier extending from the top of the mountain range all the way down to the sea. In the afternoon and aboard our Zodiac boats, sail between high rocky walls until you reach Porter Glacier. Stop to observe its colors, listen to its sounds and if you are lucky, even witness some calving. Stay here for a moment to discuss this incredible ice mass and take some photographs before returning on board.
Overnight on board the cruise
Day 5: Agostini Sound- Aguila Glacier- Condor Glacier (B/L/D)
Sail through the Cockburn Channel and enter Agostini Sound. From here it is possible to see the glaciers that descend from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range -- some of them reaching the water. This morning, disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon, which was formed by the melting of the Águila Glacier. You will reach a spot right in front of that glacier with stunning views. In the afternoon, approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac -- and hopefully see some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area.
Overnight on board the cruise
Day 6: Magdalena Island And Punta Arenas – Santiago De Chile – Usa/ Canada (B/-/-)
The overnight cruise takes you back into the Strait of Magellan, anchor off Magdalena Island, which lies about halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland. Crowned by a distinctive lighthouse, the island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic penguins. At the break of dawn, weather permitting, you can go ashore and hike a path that leads through thousands of penguins to a small museum lodged inside the vintage 1902 lighthouse. Many other bird species are also found on the island. In September and April -- when the penguins dwell elsewhere -- this excursion is replaced by a ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American sea lions. After a short sail south along the strait, disembarkation at Punta Arenas is scheduled for around 11:30 AM.
Disembark and transfer to Punte Arenas airport for your flight back home.
What's Included
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01 Nights accommodation at listed Superior hotels or similar
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04 Nights accommodation on board listed Superior cruise or similar
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Daily buffet breakfast
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Full board meal plan onboard cruise
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Round Trip Airport transfers in Buenos Aires
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Airport – Port transfer in Ushuaia
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Port – Airport transfers in Punta Arenas
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Transportation by private AC Vehicle
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Cruise welcome cocktail
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Open bar incl. wine, alcoholic drinks and liqueurs (during authorized hours)
What's Not Included
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Items of a personal nature and gratuities
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Tips (recommended: USD 25 per person per night)
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Visa fees, if applicable
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Port taxes: US $105 (Subject to change at Australis Cruises discretion)
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Buenos Aires city tax, paid locally in cash only: Approx. USD 1.50 per person per night
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Items not mentioned as included
Check out our Q&As
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.