In The Wake Of The HMS Beagle Through The Chilean Fjords

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Garibaldi Glacier, considered one of Chile’s most beautiful glaciers, as you cruise through the pristine Alberto de Agostini National Park
• Come face to face with the imposing and famed trio of granite pillars as you explore the renowned Torres del Paine National Park
• Experience the thundering sound of calving ice as you approach the immense PIO XI glacier, one of world’s only advancing glaciers.
• Spend time in Chile’s oldest national park, Vicente Pérez Rosales, on your trip to the vibrant and thundering Petrohué rapids, located at the foot of the iconic Osorno Volcano.
• Enjoy the natural serenity of Isla Mocha, a nature protected island with wildlife as fascinating as its colourful human history

ITINERARY

DAY 1
USHUAIA
Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world.

DAY 1
PUERTO WILLIAMS
Puerto Williams is the southernmost town in the world, located on the Chilean side of the Beagle Channel. A place for those who want to escape the crowds and discover a different side of Patagonia. It is a remote and rugged destination that offers a unique opportunity to experience the nature and culture of Cape Horn, a base for adventure seekers who can enjoy wildlife watching in the surrounding areas. You can visit the Cape Horn National Park, where you can see the famous lighthouse and monument, or the Yendegaia National Park, where you can admire the glaciers and mountains. You can also learn about the history and traditions of the indigenous Yaghan people at the Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum.

DAY 2
GARIBALDI GLACIER
Considered one of Chile’s most beautiful glaciers, the towering teal walls of Garibaldi Glacier are quite spectacular. Surrounded by pristine sub-Antarctic forests, the vegetation is just as impressive as the ice. The glacier and surrounding Garibaldi Fjord are part of Alberto de Agostini National Park. The park is also a recognised UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its unique terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystem, and is considered one of the 24 most pristine ecoregions on the planet. Conditions permitting, we’ll be able to lower our zodiac boats into the water for further exploration of the fjord and its wildlife. Keep an eye out for the mighty Andean condor, which can often be spotted in the region.

Expedition Activities

DAY 3
ANGOSTURA KIRKE
Angostura Kirke is a narrow waterway that connects the Gulf of Penas with the Gulf of Corcovado in Chile. It is a challenging passage for navigation, as it has strong currents and winds and requires precise timing and skill. However, it also offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and islands and the possibility of spotting dolphins, seals, and birds.

DAY 3-6
PUERTO NATALES
Situated on Last Hope Sound, the pretty port town of Puerto Natales is an ideal base for visiting the famed and feral Torres del Paine National Park. The park’s crown jewel, the imposing trio of granite pillars, dominate the landscape in a manner reminiscent of Tolkien’s Mordor. Explore beyond the star attraction and discover glaciers, vibrant teal lakes, lush forests and thundering rivers. The region is also home to fascinating wildlife including guanaco, Darwin’s rhea, armadillo and the Patagonian fox, and is also one of the top places in the world to see puma. The town itself is very walkable and is home to a number of trendy cafés, restaurants and shops. Take a tour of the Last Hope Distillery for a spot of gin tasting or enjoy a stroll along the waterfront for some photo opportunities. If you’re feeling a little more energetic, hike up the nearby Dorotea Hill for a bird’s eye view of Puerto Natales. If luck is on your side, you may even spot a condor.

Shore Excursion

DAY 6
ANGOSTURA KIRKE
Angostura Kirke is a narrow waterway that connects the Gulf of Penas with the Gulf of Corcovado in Chile. It is a challenging passage for navigation, as it has strong currents and winds and requires precise timing and skill. However, it also offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and islands and the possibility of spotting dolphins, seals, and birds.

DAY 7
PIO XI GLACIER
At almost 66 kilometres in length, Pio XI Glacier, also known as Brüggen Glacier, is the longest glacier in the southern hemisphere outside of Antarctica. With a surface area exceeding 1265km2, it is one of few glaciers in the world that is not retreating. It is in fact advancing year after year, with an average advance in length, height and density of up to 50 metres per day. Pio XI is an incredible sight to behold. With giant ice cliffs that rise to a height of 75 meters intersected by deep blue crevasses and free-standing ice pillars known as seracs. Exploring the glacier further, you might just witness the startling but thrilling sights and sounds of ice calving into the water from the glacier wall.

DAY 7
ANGOSTURA INGLESA
Angostura Inglesa is a narrow passage in the Messier Channel on the southwestern coast of Chile. It offers a scenic journey through the fjords and glaciers of Patagonia, and is a challenging passage for navigation, as it has strong currents and winds and requires precise timing and skill. However, it also offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and islands and the possibility of spotting dolphins, seals, and birds. Angostura Inglesa is a place for those who want to experience the thrill and beauty of sailing in Patagonia.

DAY 8
TORTEL
Travel through the green hills and snow-capped peaks of the English Passage before arriving in the remote village of Caleta Tortel. Tortel is located at the mouth of the Rio Baker river and only had its first inland road built in 2003. Before the road’s construction, the village was very isolated, with the river and sea its main transport routes. The streets here consist mainly of boardwalks, and the houses are mostly built on stilts. The village evolved as a result of the local timber industry and is a wonderful place to observe traditional wooden architecture. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the boardwalks, keeping an eye out for hummingbirds which are commonly seen enjoying the local flora.

Expedition Activities

DAY 9
DAY AT SEA
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

DAY 10
CASTRO
Disembark today in the small, picturesque city of Castro, the capital of Chiloé Island. The city is known for its brightly painted wooden houses built on stilts (palafitos). Beyond the palafitos you may want to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Iglesia San Francisco, an old wooden Neo-Gothic church dating back to the founding of the city in 1567. Venture further afield into nearby Chiloé National Park for the chance to see native alerce conifers, the largest tree species in South America.

Shore Excursion

DAY 11
PUERTO MONTT
Puerto Montt marks the southern end of Chile’s Lake District and is well known for its busy port and salmon fishing industry. From here we will visit the vibrant and thundering Petrohué Rapids, located at the foot of the iconic Osorno Volcano. The falls and the volcano are to be found in the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Chile’s oldest national park. The city itself is relatively small and easy to explore on foot. The Museo Histórico displays fossils and items relating to the areas indigenous history and is worth a visit. Travel beyond the city limits to nearby Puerto Varas, a small and quaint city known for its German heritage and its location on the shores of the vast Lake Llanquihue.

DAY 12
DAY AT SEA
Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

DAY 13
ISLA MOCHA
The small, nature-protected island of Mocha has a fascinating natural and human history. Inhabited by one of the world’s smallest deer species, the pudú, 45% of the surface area of the island is a nature reserve. In the 16th century, the island was regularly visited by English and Dutch pirates including Francis Drake and Oliver van Hoort. It is also said that the waters around the island were once home to a famous 19th-century sperm whale, Mocha Dick, the whale thought to be the inspiration for Herman Melville’s Moby Dick.

DAY 14
VALPARAISO
One of Chile’s oldest cities, Valparaíso is known for its steep hillsides overlooking the ocean as well as its historical but perfectly functional funicular. The UNESCO-listed city is a maze of monuments, wonderful architecture, churches, cobblestone alleys, colourful houses and bustling plazas. Spend some time following in the footsteps of Chile’s most famous poet, Pablo Neruda, by visiting his former home. Or perhaps enjoy a wine tasting on a trip to the Casablanca Wine Valley. There are also plenty of wonderful cafes, restaurants, art galleries, museums and shopping opportunities. This city is truly unique and fascinating in equal measure, and definitely worth taking some time getting to know a little better.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• All meals onboard
• Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes

DAY 2
Expedition Activities

Zodiac cruising
Duration: 01 h 30 m
Included
Experience a deep exploration of the fjord and its wildlife.
Look for South American Fur seals, otters dolphins and whales
Keep an eye out for the mighty Andean condor, which can often be spotted in the region


DAY 3-6
Shore Excursion

Torre del Paine National Park
Duration: 08 h 00 m
Included
Enjoy the panoramic drive over the "Pampa"
Admire incredible views, as Lake Sarmiento and the intensely blue Amarga Lagoon
Learn the history of Torres del Paine National Park, established in 1959

Bike Tour of Puerto Natales
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Optional
Explore the charming town of Puerto Natales in a unique way
Learn all about the fascinating history of this beautiful corner of Chile
Take to some of the best viewpoints of the Última Esperanza Sound inlet

Perito Moreno Glacier two days Trip
Duration: 18 h 00 m
Optional
Discover one of the Argentina’s official natural wonders
Take a boat trip along the glacier
Stroll along the boulevard in El Calafate

Valle del Frances Trek
Duration: 10 h 00 m
Optional
Explore the spectacular Valle del Frances
Take one of the most famous trekking routes in Torres del Paine National Park

Mylodon Cave and Cerro Benitez Trek
Duration: 08 h 00 m
Optional
Explore the famous Mylodon Cave and learn about its incredible history
Hike up Cerro Benitez, a trip to the past in the heart of the Chilean Patagonia
Visit the archaeological park inside the Estancia Ernesto Helmer

DAY 8
Expedition Activities

Walking tour
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Included
Admire the local architecture along the wooden walkways
Listen about the history and culture of the region

Birdwatching
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Included
Walk of Caleta Tortel to observe and identify typical birds of the region such as Ringed Kingfisher, Austral Trush, Green backed Firecrown
Listen to the explanation about the different birds living in the region

kayaking
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Optional


DAY 10
Shore Excursion

Making Curanto – a genuine Chiloe tradition
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Optional
Learn about the tradition of “Curanto”, a rich meal of seafood, fish, a variety of meats and, of course, Chiloe potatoes, all cooked in an earth oven
Be deeply immersed in the island’s culture and will learn how to prepare a Curanto from a local family
Taste the delicious dishes prepared with the local family

Churches of Castro, Dalcahue and Achao
Duration: 05 h 00 m
Optional
Visit the San Francisco church, whose colorful facade is located in the main square of the city
Discover the fishing village Dalcahue and learn about life on Chiloé with its shingle houses and the colorful fishing boats
In Achao visit s the oldest and perhaps most beautiful of the 16 Chilotic churches belonging to the World Cultural Heritage

Hiking to Punta Pirulil and Dock of Souls ‘Muelle de las Almas’
Duration: 07 h 50 m
Optional
Ascend up a lush green grassland which showcases an exquisite view of the Pacific Ocean
Learn the story of the “Dock of Souls”, crafted by a renowned Chilean wood sculptor
Hike in the breathtaking Pirulil mountain range

“Birdwatching in the Wetlands”
Duration: 03 h 40 m
Optional
Discover the huge biodiversity of the region with a great variety of species of birds living, flying, some nesting, breeding and many more
Enjoy the panoramic drive to the breath taking Rilan Peninsula
Make your way to the beautiful ecosystem of the wetland planes including Putemun to Tenten to observe some of the nation and migratory species of birds and other wildlife at the stunning

Puñihuil Penguin Colony and the “Friends of the Churches of Chiloé” Foundation
Duration: 05 h 30 m
Included
Head to the northern part of Chiloé, to the lovely Puñihuil Beach
Discover the Puñihuil penguin colony, one of the few places where Magellan and Humboldt penguins live side by side
Visit Ancud, the island´s northernmost city and former capital of the island and have a brief insight into the lifestyle of the island’s inhabitants