Antarctica, Patagonia and Chilean Fjords – Exploration of the Southern Highlights (Southbound)

Day 1

The Jewel of the Pacific

Valparaíso, Chile – Embarkation

One of the best ways of seeing Valparaíso is to ride its charming funiculars for sweeping views. Explore the port and piers to get a feel for Chile’s quirky seafaring side or explore the amazing Atacama Desert by adding it as a pre-cruise Land Adventure before embarking on MS Fram.

Day 2-3

Sailing South

At sea

As we make our way along the Pacific coast, the expedition team will start their lecture program to prepare you for experiences ahead. Make sure to spend some time on deck to watch for wildlife.

Day 4

Cosmopolitan Castro

Castro – Full Day

Located on Isla Grande de Chiloé, Castro is set among windswept hills and is known for its colorful “palafitos,” wooden houses mounted on stilts. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Iglesia San Francisco, and spot dozens of seabird species, as well as penguins and sea lions.

Day 5

Waters of Patagonia

At sea

We sail south through Patagonia to one of the world’s most remote and beautiful places: the southern province of Ultima Esperanza, meaning Last Hope. We voyage through iconic Andean seascapes and you have plenty of time to gaze out on the glorious expanse of undisturbed nature.

Day 6

Isolated Beauty

Puerto Edén – Half Day

The isolated village of Puerto Edén in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park will enchant you, set at the end of a deep fjord and surrounded by high mountains. Its population of 250 includes the 15 remaining members of the Kawéskar tribe.

Day 7-8

Torres del Paine National Park

Puerto Natales – Overnight Stay – 2 full days

Puerto Natales is the gateway to world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park, named for the famed rock formations of Torre Centro, Sur and Norte. Explore the park on our optional excursion and get a taste of stunning geographic variety, from vast open steppes to rugged mountain terrain and looming peaks.

Keep an eye out for llamas, pumas, and chilla foxes in addition to more than 100 species of birds like the Andean condor.

Day 9

A Paradise for Nature Enthusiasts

Chilean fjords

This area’s natural beauty features deep fjords and tall mountains plunging into icy waters in a landscape seemingly untouched by humans. Bask in beautiful stillness as we cruise past isolated islands and hidden bays that form the unique natural gem of the Chilean landscape.

Day 10-11

Cape Horn and the Drake Passage

At sea

In the morning, we sail through Beagle Channel, named after the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his voyage of discovery – HMS Beagle. If conditions allow, we attempt to land on Cape Horn – the southernmost tip of South America. Going ashore can be very difficult because of the occasional extreme weather in this area.

Next, we cross Drake Passage, where two oceans meet, on our way to the most remote continent on Earth. On our way, you can learn a great deal about Antarctica’s fantastic wildlife and history from our expedition team.

Day 12-16

The Great White Continent of Antarctica

Antarctica

This is a wilderness full of overwhelming impressions on an impressive scale. Our expert captain and crew will work with the elements to create an itinerary designed to maximize your experience of Antarctica’s amazing landscapes and wildlife observed from unobtrusive distances.

We will attempt landings at several sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula with the goal of showing you Antarctica’s rich diversity of landscapes and wildlife.

At every opportunity, our expedition team will take you out for landings or ice-cruising to get close and truly explore Antarctic beauty, while careful not to disturb the wildlife.

You may also have the chance to kayak in pristine waters with icebergs floating by, take guided hikes to spectacular viewing points, or even spend the night in a tent. Every day will be different, and each carefully crafted by our expedition team to create lasting memories.

Day 17-18

Crossing the Drake Passage

Drake Passage

After five unforgettable days in Antarctica, MS Fram takes us safely back across the famous Drake Passage. The voyage from the Antarctic Peninsula to the southern tip of Argentina is roughly 600 miles or 40 hours sailing time in good weather. During the voyage north, we will continue our lecture series and recap our experiences of Antarctica.

Day 19

The End of the Expedition

Ushuaia/Buenos Aires – Disembarkation

Sadly, every expedition must come to an end. When we reach Ushuaia, it is time to say goodbye. Your journey home continues with your flight to Buenos Aires, where you have a chance to extend your stay and enjoy our optional Land Adventure excursions.