Chilean Fjords—Discovering the Heart of Patagonia Northbound

Fly south to Ushuaia and board your ship 

You’ll have an early start today as we head to the airport for our flight to Ushuaia. With its backdrop of snow-covered mountains, Ushuaia holds the proud, if often-disputed, title of the southernmost city in the world.   

MS Roald Amundsen is waiting in port for you. After picking up your expedition jacket and meeting your Expedition Team, settle in and explore the ship before enjoying the first of many delicious meals on board. Your adventure is officially underway.  

The sights and sounds of a glacier

The goal for the day is a scenic cruise within Garibaldi Fjord in Alberto de Agostini National Park, all the way up to Garibaldi Glacier. Here, the Andes tumble into the Pacific and great glaciers calve ice into the beautiful fjord. 

The area is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and its rich waters are home to seals, sea lions and many seabirds, including the impressive Andean Condor.

If conditions allow, we’ll reach the Garibaldi Glacier at the head of the fjord, one of the most impressive glaciers in all of Chile. 

Marinelli Glacier: A glacier in retreat

We continue our exploration of Alberto de Agostini National Park sailing the Almirantazgo Sound amid towering mountain peaks to pristine Ainsworth Bay, a coastal inlet fed by the Marinelli Glacier, a glacier in retreat.  

Here you’ll learn about the effects of glacial meltwater on local ecosystems and wildlife – a trend seen across the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. 

If local sea and weather conditions allow, we’ll explore the bay with our small expedition boats.  

Through the Strait of Magellan and the White Narrows

As we sail north along the Chilean coast, join your Expedition Team for fascinating lectures on topics like pre-Columbian history, the geology of our surroundings, and the folklore of local communities. 

Enjoy the serenity and beauty of the maze of fjords we pass, surrounded by islands, glaciers, and steep mountains. And keep an eye out for elephant seals, dolphins, and whales, who often swim alongside the ship. 

Our resident photographer will be on hand to help you get the most from your wildlife and landscape photography. 

The next day, according to the tide, we’ll sail through the White Narrows into Puerto Natales. At only 100 metres (326 feet) wide in parts, this striking waterway between islets and sheer rock cliffs is only passable in slack water and daylight.  

Head out on deck to witness some of the most beautiful landscapes on the continent as your Captain skilfully navigates the ship through these famed channels. 

Enter the gateway to Torres del Paine

Today you’ll awake in Puerto Natales, gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park. The rugged landscape features steppe, forest and desert punctuated by glaciers and lakes, and you can choose to see it either on a panoramic bus or hiking tour. 

Andean animals such as guanacos, rheas and the elusive puma roam here. Look out for Chilean flamingos, as well as the mighty Andean condor. 

Puerto Natales is a popular hub for hikers and adventurers, with many eateries, bars and outdoor shops. Visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike or stroll along the photogenic waterfront.

Explore the soul-stirring Patagonian fjords

According to the tide, we’ll leave Puerto Natales behind and head back through the fabled White Narrows. As we make our way through the maze of the Chilean fjords, revel in the spine-tingling scenery and join the Expedition Team in the Science Centre. 

The next day, tidal conditions allowing, we hope to visit Puerto Edén, an enchanting village only accessible by sea. The 250-strong community here are some of the last remaining members of the Indigenous Kawésqar people, offering a fascinating insight into Patagonian culture.   

Alternatively, we’ll spend the day cruising the majestic fjords, drinking in the incredible scenery and spotting wildlife along the way. We may take the opportunity to launch our small expedition boats and explore even closer. Be ready for spontaneous adventures! 

Receive a warm welcome in Caleta Tortel 

We continue off the well-trodden path to visit isolated Caleta Tortel. Lying at the mouth of Río Baker, Chile’s largest river, this charming village is home to just 500 inhabitants.  

Instead of streets, a maze of boardwalks connects the close-knit community, spreading over water and around the mountain base.  

While exploring the village, you’ll come across locals selling handicrafts and you may even be treated to a performance by folk dancers.  

Enjoy a day of scenic cruising 

Your expedition cruise continues north through the fabled waters of Patagonia. The seas here are captivating, with a whole palette of shades of blue, from the brightest aquamarine to the deepest midnight hues.  

As we sail, we’ll scout for whales, seabirds, seals and more. Take in the scenery from the panoramic sauna or on-deck hot tubs and infinity pool, enjoy the onboard cuisine, or relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. 

Your Expedition Team will be on hand with fascinating lectures on local history and wildlife, and our onboard photographer can help with tips on expedition photography. 

Stilt houses and historic churches 

Set amidst the lush greenery of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile’s third oldest city. It’s also home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón. The former is one of the oldest colonial era buildings in the country and has survived 15 major earthquakes.    

Keep your camera ready for views of the city’s colourful palafitos – stilt houses along the waterfront. For insight into local culture, head to the Museo Regional de Castro and Modern Art Museum. 

Explore a Spanish fortress and a lively market 

We go ashore at the pretty seaside town of Niebla, set on a picturesque peninsula with views of Corral Bay on one side and the Valdivia River on the other. Take a stroll on the wide sandy beach and, if the Feria Costumbrista market is open, sample traditional empanadas, anticuchos and churros.  

Aside from the town itself, the ruins of the old Spanish fort and its associated museum are well worth a visit. Learn more about the region’s history at the museum, then wander around the lighthouse. You’ll enjoy beautiful views across the river and bay.  

At Sea 

Your expedition cruise continues along the Pacific coast to Valparaíso, our final stop. Now, as our journey nears its end, take some time to reflect on the experiences you’ve had so far. Perhaps you’ve met some kindred spirits along the way, and maybe you’re even thinking ahead to your next adventure.  

There will be a chance to enjoy a recap of our shared experiences in Patagonia and the fjords from our Expedition Team. And seeing as you’re at sea, you may as well take full advantage of all the great onboard facilities the ship offers – and enjoy a final fantastic evening meal. 

Your South American expedition cruise ends in Valparaíso, the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’. Built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, it’s well worth spending time in this UNESCO-listed city before you fly home. 

Filled with attractions, the city is an intriguing mix of winding alleyways, colourful houses, and mercados packed with local produce. Why not take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción.