Puerto Montt Laguna San Rafael Glacier AlLey Beagle Channel
Explore the breathtaking islands, fjords and channels of southern Argentina and Chile aboard the M/V Magellan Explorer. This repositioning cruise navigates South America’s dramatic Patagonian coastline under the shadow of snowcapped Andes past hanging glaciers, wind-sculpted icebergs and beaches teeming with marine life. Visit remote fishing villages, marvel at Glacier Alley and follow in the foosteps of the explorers through the Straits of Magellan and Beagle Channel. The M/V Magellan Explorer operates two departures per Antarctic season – please contact us for dates and prices.
Marvel at the mangificent Laguna San Rafael Glacier
Observe whales, dolphins, sea-lions & penguins
Visit the remote fishing village of Caleta Tortel
Experence the Darwin Range & Glacier Alley
Cruise the fjords & inlets of Tierra del Fuego
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
8
Nights
Price Guide
from USD$6495 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Arrival
Chile
Day 1
Puerto Montt – Embarkation Day
Your journey begins in Puerto Montt, regional capital and gateway to the breathtaking wilds of Patagonia. Arrive a few days earlier and you can visit the impressive Volcano Osorno and Petrohue rapids or the fascinating heritage of the Chiloe archipelago. After all mandatory briefings, the ship sets sail due south towards the Gulf of Corcovado.
Day 2
Into the Fjords of Puyuhuapi
After braving the “Golfo de Corcovado” just south of Chiloe, the ship enters the protected waters of the Puyuhuapi Channel. Here, the mainland fractures into picturesque fjords, islands and verdant channels. Weather permitting, we will visit either Puerto Cisnes, Puyuhuapi or Magdalena Island and spot a whole host of wildlife such as dolphins, whales, cormorants, sea lions and river otters.
Day 3
The Magnificent Laguna San rafael!
Today the vessel navigates the Moraleda Channel through the Chonos Archipelago to reach one of Chile’s most awe-inspiring natural sites – the Laguna San Rafael. This national park and biosphere reserve sits on the edge of Chile’s Northern Patagonian Ice Field where a huge wall of ice tumbles into the ocean. If conditions allow, you will board zodicas and weave through the icebergs to reach the face of the glacier.
Day 4
Crossing the “Golfo de Penas”
The vessel reaches the open water of the “Golfo de Penas” framed against the towering snowcapped peaks of the southern Andes. Enjoy beautiful views and learn about the region’s biodiversity and rich flora and fauna as you follow in the wake of explorers such as Charles Darwin, Fitz Roy, and Alberto de Agostini.
Day 5
Caleta Tortel & Messier Channel
Time to refind your land legs as you visit the picturesque fishing village of Caleta Tortel which clings to the edge of a vertical fjord at the mouth of the Baker River. Tortel was only connected to the outside world by road in the early 2000’s and wherever you turn, there are kilometers of wooden pasarela boardwalks that link all the houses, shops, schools and docks. From here, you continue south towards Messier Channel and navigate the dramatic 18-meter-wide English Narrows for a wonderful views of the glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
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Day 6
Bernardo O’Higgins National Park
Today, you explore the wonderful Bernardo O’Higgins National Park with a zodiac excursion to the Amalia – or the surrounding glaciers along the Peel Fjord. Enjoy incredible close-up views of icebergs as you weave through the ice floes under lush picture-postcard peaks. This is an area rich in native flora and fauna and there is every chance you will spot dolphins, sea otters, cormorants and even condors soaring above you.
Day 7
The Straits of Magellan & Tierra del Fuego
The vessel continues through the famous Straits of Magellan that separates Tierra del Fuego from the tip of South America. You will explore the remote coastline around the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, the first of its kind in Chile and a unique feeding ground for Humpback, Sei and Minke whales. With luck, you might spot these marvellous mammals breaching as well as observe a wealth of other species such as sea lions, seals, penguins, albatrosses and petrels.
Day 8
Beagle Channel & Garibaldi Fjord
The voyage draws to an end as you navigate the famous Beagle Channel and enter Argentine waters. First discovered in 1830, the Beagle Channel connects the the Pacific with the Atlantic Ocean, a hugely important stretch of water coveted by both Chile and Argentina over the last century. The journey takes you under the shadow of the breathtaking Darwin Range as you cruise along the so-called “Glacier Alley”, home to the Holanda, Italia, Francia, Alemania, and Romanche glaciers. Time and weather permitting, you will explore the breathtaking icefloes and landscapes of the Garibaldi Fjord.
Day 9
Arrive ushuaia & Disembarkation
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide from USD$6495 per person
When to travel
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Argentina’s weather is as diverse as the country’s landscapes. In the far south, temperatures reach the high teens during the spring and summer months of November to March (best time to visit) though can drop close to zero at night. Due to its latitude, days are long – 16 hours of light in December which contrasts with around 8 hours in mid-winter when temperatures run close to zero during the day and sub-zero at night. Heading north, the Lake District follows a similar pattern though is warmer over 20° in the summer and wettest in March/April though with beautiful autumnal colours. Buenos Aires and central Argentina enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with annual highs of 30° while the subtropical north is very hot and sticky with tempestuous downpours during the summer months – Iguazu Falls are particularly impressive in January in February though often the sheer volume of water and surrounding mist shroud the view.
In Argentina, January is usually one of the hottest months of the year with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. It can be quite humid, especially in Buenos Aires, so it's important to stay hydrated and wear light clothing. If you're planning to explore the country during this time, be prepared for some intense heat and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.
February in Argentina is usually warm with temperatures ranging from 22 to 32 degrees Celsius. While it may not be as hot as January, it's still important to stay hydrated and wear light clothing. The weather is generally pleasant and sunny, making it a great time to explore the country.
In March, Argentina experiences an autumn climate with temperatures ranging between 16 and 27 degrees Celsius. It is generally sunny with occasional cooler days, making it a good time to explore the country without worrying about the scorching heat. It is recommended to wear layers as the temperature can drop at night.
In April, Argentina experiences a mild autumn climate with temperatures ranging between 14 and 23 degrees Celsius. It is generally sunny with occasional cooler days, making it a good time to explore the country without worrying about extreme heat or cold. It is recommended to wear layers as the temperature can still drop at night.
May in Argentina is the beginning of winter, with temperatures ranging from 9 to 18 degrees Celsius. It can be quite chilly, especially at night, so it's recommended to pack warm clothes and layers. Despite the cooler weather, it's still a good time to visit Argentina as there are fewer crowds and the scenery can be quite stunning.
In June, Argentina experiences the heart of winter with temperatures ranging from 6 to 14 degrees Celsius. It can be quite cold, especially at night, so it's important to pack warm clothes and layers to stay comfortable. Despite the cooler temperatures, June is still a great time to visit Argentina as there are fewer crowds and the scenery is still breathtaking.
In July, Argentina experiences winter with temperatures ranging from 5 to 13 degrees Celsius. It can be quite chilly, particularly in the evenings, so it's important to bring warm clothing and layers to stay comfortable. Despite the cooler temperatures, July is still a great time to visit Argentina as there are fewer tourists and the scenery is still stunning.
In August, Argentina experiences a milder winter with temperatures ranging from 6 to 16 degrees Celsius. While still cool, it's not as chilly as July and visitors can still enjoy the beautiful scenery without having to worry too much about the cold. It's still recommended to bring layers for the evenings, but overall, August is a great time to visit Argentina.
In September, Argentina experiences a gradual increase in temperature with highs ranging from 14 to 20 degrees Celsius. The evenings can still be cool, so it's best to bring layers, but overall, the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
During October, Argentina experiences a slight increase in temperature with highs ranging from 16 to 22 degrees Celsius. The evenings can still be cool, so it's best to bring layers, but overall, the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
In November, Argentina's temperature starts to rise again with highs ranging from 20 to 27 degrees Celsius. The weather is generally warm and sunny, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities. However, it's still advisable to bring some layers for cooler evenings.
In December, the weather in Argentina is generally warm with temperatures ranging from 21 to 30 degrees Celsius. It's a great time to explore the outdoors and enjoy the sunshine, but it's also a good idea to bring some layers for cooler evenings.
Add on’s
No journey to Patagonia is complete without heading into the breathtaking wilds of the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and El Calafate just across the border. For hikers, El Chalten and Mount Fitzroy offer incredible walking circuits while for wildlife, the desolate Valdes Peninsula is unmissable, harbouring huge colonies of penguins, sea-lions and elepant seals not to mention marauding pods of Killer Whales that inspired David Attenborough’s iconic series “Trials of Life”.
For a dramatic contrast to Patagonia’s mountains, glaciers and fjords, head to the multi-coloured canyons, salt-lakes and Andean communities of the Atacama Desert in Chile or Salta just across the Andes where you can also enjoy some well-deserved R&R at a picturesque winery within the Calchaquies Valley. This would then lead you on beautifully to the magnificent Iguassu Falls and even the iconic beaches and vibrant culture of Rio.
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