national geographic south america cruise

Southern Patagonia: Glaciers, Fjords & Wildlife Cruise

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Come aboard 138-guest Nat Geo Resolution to explore Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park on a comprehensive Chilean fjords itinerary that includes not only glittering glaciers but also land-based day tours to Torres del Paine National Park and time with Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island. Marvel at calving glaciers, watch for whales and dolphins, hike through rugged landscapes, Zodiac cruise among icebergs and observe a plethora of penguins.

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.

Cruise calmly among massive glaciers on the 138-guest National Geographic Resolution . Her polar ice class 5 rating, state-of-the-art educational equipment and highly qualified naturalist guides all help create an in-depth intellectual and exploratory experience. Additionally, she is fully stabilized and equipped with a well-rounded set of exploration tools including an ROV and enough kayaks and Zodiacs to send all guests out exploring at the same time.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s  Patagonia cruises and Patagonia trips .

Southern Patagonia: Glaciers, Fjords & Wildlife Itinerary

The Southern Patagonia: Glaciers, Fjords & Wildlife cruise begins and ends with a flight from Santiago, Chile, and cruises round-trip from Ushuaia.

Arrive in Santiago and transfer from the airport to the Ritz-Carlton, Santiago (or similar) before a guided overview of this vibrant city backed by the inspiring Andes. Discover sites like the Plaza de Armas and get a feel for the mix of old and new that makes this city so great. This evening, join your fellow travelers at the hotel for a welcome drink and pre-embarkation briefing.

Ritz-Carlton Santiago (or similar)

Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Before embarking, relax and enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel.

National Geographic Resolution

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Sail into a vast wilderness of snow-capped peaks, 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.

For the next 2 days, explore the region 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.

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. 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. Explore this region from Zodiacs, getting close to floating brash ice and bergy bits, watching for wildlife and hoping to witness the thundering process of glacial calving.

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. 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. Be on the lookout for the endemic and endangered Chilean dolphin. Explore the marine park by Zodiac, kayak and on foot. Search for large marine and terrestrial birds including the Andean condor or the giant Antarctic petrel. On Rupert Islet, visit a large Magellanic penguin colony.

The next two days will be spent exploring the region around Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Drive to the park on the first day and choose to either 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. The wildlife includes rheas, foxes and herds of guanaco. 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. 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.

After a final morning in Puerto Natales, take 2 days to continue your exploration of the Chilean fjords. Your captain and local pilots guide the ship through Kirke Narrows, accessible only to a small expedition ship such as yours. 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. Continue to explore the extensive maze of pristine channels and islands, where you may explore by Zodiac and kayak, or take a walk in the surrounding forest.

This morning arrive in Punta Arenas, the largest city in Patagonia. With local guides, 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 the ship 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.

Continue to the newest and largest protected area on Tierra del Fuego: Karukinka, meaning “our land” in the language of the ancient inhabitants. By special permission, visit this private reserve, which harbors abundant wildlife including endangered culpeo foxes, guanacos, blackbrowed albatross, Andean condors and elephant seals. On this last day in the Chilean fjords, 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.

On the first of these days, 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. By special permission, continue to Isla de los Estados, whose wild, untouched landscapes are home to Magellanic penguins, fur seals, otters, sea lions and countless water birds. The 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. Your ship is one of the few expedition ships to be granted access here, and the experience is bound to be unforgettable.

Disembark in Ushuaia and take a charter flight to Santiago to connect with your overnight flight home.

One hotel night in Santiago; accommodations; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of expedition leaders, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.

Mandatory charter flights between Santiago and Ushuaia, Argentina (your Adventure Specialist can confirm pricing during the booking process); immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure: 120 or more days – 100% of deposit** 119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost 89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost **Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.  

( For expeditions  booked prior to May 1, 2023 :  Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.)  

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions . Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Southern Patagonia: Glaciers, Fjords & Wildlife cruise begins and ends in Santiago, Chile (SCL). Plan flights to arrive to Santiago by 11:30am on Day 1 of the itinerary in order to be eligible for the included group transfer. Charter flights are needed to and from Ushuaia, Argentina (USH), for embarkation and after disembarkation. Disembarkation is after breakfast on Day 17 of the outlined itinerary, followed by a charter flight to Santiago; departure times for flights home from Santiago may vary depending on group flights. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Group charter flights between Santiago and Ushuaia, Argentina are required on this trip’s itinerary; see this trip’s Exclusions and inquire with an Adventure Specialist for pricing. There is a strict luggage limit of checked bags weighing up to 66 lbs from Santiago to Ushuaia (no overage available) and 50 lbs from Punta Arenas to Santiago (overage is available and must be paid to airline). Luggage storage is available in Santiago for an extra charge; inquire with your Adventure Specialist for details.

Activities included aboard this expedition include Zodiac cruises, hiking and kayaking. Other activities may include yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing and wildlife observation.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details.  Learn more about travel insurance  or  get a free quote .

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary 

The 138-guest National Geographic Resolution is one of the newest additions to the National Geographic fleet. This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability, efficiency, scholarship and long-range exploration in the polar regions.

Current Deals on This Trip

Book your 2026-2027 cruise and save in many ways!

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on a variety of 2024 or 2025 National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

AdventureSmith's founder writes this firsthand review of the National Geographic Resolution & Endurance. Learn what makes these the best-in-class, next-generation expedition ships, from X-Bow design to on-deck igloos.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

Enjoy one-of-a-kind access to the solitude, Andean mountains, alpine waterways and stunning glaciers of Argentinean Patagonia. From the all-inclusive Explora El Chaltén Lodge, choose from a daily selection of over 30 guided, small-group explorations.

After 2 hours of flying, be cruising the White Continent on Antarctica's first flight and adventure cruise combination. Experience an Antarctic cruise in only 8 days without crossing the Drake Passage, or choose alternate routes visiting South Georgia with only a one-way Drake crossing.

Discover the magic at the end of the world on a 4- to 7-day Patagonia Wildlife Safari! No matter the length of your stay, you will be blown away by the unlimited beauty of the world heritage site Torres del Paine National Park.

Inspiration & Education from Our Staff

There is more to Patagonia than Torres del Paine National Park. Learn why a Patagonia cruise offers an entirely unique and efficient way to see this remote region at the bottom of the earth.

There is more variety in cruise ships than most think. Some ships focus on kayaking and hiking, others on onboard waterparks. Learn which type of cruising is right for you in this handy comparison between small ships and big ships.

Small ships position to take advantage of the best sailing seasons. Here's a calendar look at what's in season, where, for expedition cruising.

Trips You Might Also Like

Go by land and sea to discover the breadth of Patagonia’s wildness. Spend 4 days on land exploring Torres del Paine National Park, then board 138-guest Nat Geo Endurance or 148-guest Nat Geo Explorer to explore the breathtaking Chilean fjords by kayak, Zodiac and on foot.

Embark into the unknown lands and islands of the southern tip of South America and visit places only now accessible to travelers on this Chilean fjords cruise. Take in seldom-seen channels, waterfalls and glaciers while searching for wildlife within this rugged, magnificent land.

Cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas, plus enjoy 2 full days exploring Torres del Paine National Park on this Chile cruise aboard 199-guest Ultramarine. Spend 15 days retracing Charles Darwin's epic "voyage to the edge of the world," with a modern twist: an included flightseeing excursion by helicopter, right from the ship.

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