South America Patagonia Cruise

Best of Chilean Patagonia: Fjords, Glaciers & Torres del Paine

Go by land and sea to discover the breadth of Patagonia’s wildness. Savor the grandeur of Torres del Paine’s sunrises and sunsets, its iconic landscapes and its profusion of wildlife, during a 4-day stay at the Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa or the outstanding Explora Patagonia Hotel Salto Chico (Explora Torres del Paine Lodge). Then explore the fjords, glaciers and panoramic vistas of Patagonia’s coast and waterways, which are only accessible by expedition ship. This itinerary adds a land portion to the Patagonia: Chilean Fjords & Argentina’s Staten Island cruise.

Venturing out on Zodiac cruises, kayaking pristine fjords, or hiking virgin trails, you’ll breathe the rarified air of a mythic region. Enjoy special access to Argentina’s Isla de Los Estados (Staten Island)—a seldom-seen island covered in wind-sculpted flora with wildlife that includes South American fur seals and Magellanic penguins. Discover the vast parklands of Karukinka and check viewing legendary Cape Horn off your bucket list as well.

Venture inland to explore the wildlife-rich, iconic landscapes of Torres del Paine, Patagonia’s jewel, with either the Tierra Patagonia Hotel or the Explora Patagonia Hotel as your base camp. Explore wild, windswept Isla de los Estados (Staten Island), located at the extreme end of South America and largely off limits to travelers since 1923. Transit the legendary Beagle Channel with its storied Cape Horn. Venture through wildlife reserves not easily accessible to the public, including Karukinka Natural Park in Tierra del Fuego. And Zodiac cruise and kayak through the breathtaking Chilean fjords.

The 138-guest Nat Geo Endurance and 148-guest National Geographic Explorer both cruise the Chilean fjords with ease. These small expedition ships are technologically advanced, 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.