Fraud Blocker
Guests explore by zodiac in Karukinka Natural Park, Chile next to snowy steep mountains
A colony of South American sea lions on small islets in Lapataya Bay, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.
Adventurist exploring the glaciers of Patagonia next to teal water and steep green mountains
Guests exploring by zodiac enjoying the beauty of the Beagle Channel in Patagonia, Chile.
The National Geographic Resolution against the picturesque backdrop of the Beagle Channel, Chile.
View Photos
South America Patagonia Cruise

Classic Patagonia: Glaciers & Peaks

Discover the essence of Patagonia—iridescent glaciers, snow-draped peaks and sprawling landscapes—on an immersive voyage that reveals the region’s highlights. Navigate Chile’s maze of winding narrows, wild islands and glacially carved valleys. Marvel at untouched vistas as you sail through Montañas Fjord en route to Bernal Glacier. Hike with naturalists through beech forests and Zodiac or kayak along windswept coastlines in search of elephant seals, Magellanic penguins and guanacos. Venture to Karukinka Natural Park with special access to over 735,000 acres of protected land. This nature-filled voyage travels through tight channels and is only accessed by expedition ship, for which the 138-passenger sister ships National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution are ideally suited.

Marvel at the best of Patagonia’s craggy peaks, winding fjords and narrows, and majestic glaciers. Kayak and Zodiac cruise beneath towering walls of blue ice and hike wild beech forests with naturalists by your side. Gain special access to Karukinka Natural Park, home to Andean condors, albatrosses and elephant seals. Spend an afternoon navigating by foot or Zodiac cruise the scenic Montañas Fjord, surrounded by towering peaks and highlighted by the stunning Bernal glacier. Experience true expedition travel as your captain and expedition leader guide you to some of their favorite spots as well as uncharted landings.

The 138-guest National Geographic Endurance and Nat Geo Resolution 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. Additionally, select cabins offer private balconies for special moments taking in the awe-inspiring wilderness and the bar tab is included for all passengers. These expedition ships are small enough to access remote locations yet large enough to provide a taste of luxury.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Patagonia cruises and Patagonia trips.



Itinerary

Classic Patagonia: Glaciers & Peaks

The Classic Patagonia: Glaciers & Peaks cruise begins and ends with a flight from Santiago, Chile. Featuring kayaking, Zodiac cruises, hiking, Karukinka Park wildlife encounters, and captain-led visits to scenic locations like Montañas Fjord and Bernal Glacier.

Route map of classic patagonia glaciers and peaks by lindblad shpwing in blue lines on a tan map
Read More
Day 1
Arrive Puerto Natales, Chile

Arrive in Puerto Natales and transfer from the airport to the Hotel Costaustralis (or similar).

Accommodations

Hotel Costaustralis (or similar)

Meals

n/a

Read More
Day 2
Embark Puerto Natales & Kirke (White) Narrows, Montanas Fjord & Bernal Glacier

Embark the ship and make your way to the observation deck as this state-of-the-art vessel sets sail into the wilds of Patagonia. Be on the lookout for condors and other wildlife as you transit the narrow sliver of water known as the Kirke or White Narrows—always a challenge to navigate because of the powerful currents that flow through its pinch points. Sail into the Montañas Fjord with its majestic cliffs that appear close enough to touch and then spend the afternoon at Bernal Glacier, one of the most beautiful spots in the region.

Accommodations

National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 3 - 4
Chilean Fjords

Over the next few days, you’ll discover spectacular features of an active glaciated landscape with hanging valleys and tributary glaciers, sailing in the wake of Ferdinand Magellan’s historic expedition which found its way through the channels that lie between the continental mainland and Tierra del Fuego to the south. If conditions allow, your first stop will be in the maze of channels and islands of the Chilean fjords, where you may explore by Zodiac and kayak.

Accommodations

National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 5
Tierra del Fuego & Karukinka Natural Park

Tierra del Fuego is one of Patagonia’s crown jewels and you’ll visit its newest and largest protected area: Karukinka Natural Park. Established in 2004 through a gift from Goldman Sachs, it’s one of the largest donations ever made for conservation. Spanning 1,160 square miles, this private reserve harbors endangered culpeo foxes, Andean condors, albatross, grebes, petrels, fulmars and more. You’ll have the opportunity to explore with special permission from the Wildlife Conservation Society. You may also explore Jackson Bay, backed by a skyline of rugged mountains and home to black-browed albatross, which nest on one of the nearby small islands, as well as elephant seals which you may spot on the beach, in grass meadows, and even in the small river draining the valley inland.

Accommodations

National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 6 - 8
Chilean Fjords & Beagle Channel

Experience more stunning wilderness as you explore fjords and glaciers of the region by Zodiac, kayak and on foot. This vast area is scarcely touched by humans and features snowcapped mountains, gigantic glaciers, serene lakes, waterfalls and thousands of verdant islands. Take Zodiacs out to explore these protected waters and rugged shores, keeping watch for the shearwaters, petrels and many other birds that inhabit this wild realm. Sail the Beagle Channel where you might stop to hike or kayak through beech forests, mountains and rivers.

Accommodations

National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 9
Disembark Ushuaia, Argentina, Fly to Santiago, Chile & Depart

After breakfast disembark in Ushuaia and board your recommended flight to Santiago to connect with your overnight flight home; transfers to the airport and hotel will be provided with luggage assistance.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

One hotel night in Puerto Natales; accommodations; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar;  excursions; services of expedition leaders, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.

Exclusions

Mandatory charter flight between Ushuaia and Santiago, Chile (contact your adventure specialist for pricing); immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking. 

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The 9-day Classic Patagonia: Glaciers & Peaks cruise begins in Puerto Natales, Chile (PNT), and ends back in Santiago, Chile (SCL). Plan flights to arrive to Puerto Natales by 11:30am on Day 1 of the itinerary in order to be eligible for the included group hotel transfer. Disembarkation is after breakfast on Day 9 of the outlined itinerary. Plan flights to depart Santiago, Chile no earlier than 9:00pm on Day 9. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight between Ushuaia and Santiago, Chile is required on this trip’s itinerary; see this trip’s Exclusions for pricing. There is a strict luggage limit of checked bags weighing up to 66 lbs from Ushuaia to Santiago (no overage available).

Activities

Activities included aboard this expedition include Zodiac cruises, hiking and kayaking. Other activities may include yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing and wildlife observation.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Oct 30 - Nov 07, 2026
National Geographic Resolution • 9 days
From $12130USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Nov 05 - Nov 13, 2026
National Geographic Endurance • 9 days
From $12130USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Accommodations

Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary 

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Endurance

The 138-guest National Geographic Endurance is the newest addition to the National Geographic fleet. This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability and sustainability as well as for in-depth education and an unmatched range of exploration in the polar regions.

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Resolution

The 138-guest National Geographic Resolution is one of the newest additions to the National Geographic fleet. This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability, efficiency, scholarship and long-range exploration in the polar regions.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

Add to Wishlist
Offer expires April 16th, 2025
Groups Save 5% On Select 2025 Nat Geo Fleet Worldwide

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on a variety of 2025 National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

Expert Review

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Todd Smith • June 17th, 2022
Expert Aboard: National Geographic Resolution & Endurance Ship Review

AdventureSmith's founder writes this firsthand review of the National Geographic Resolution & Endurance. Learn what makes these the best-in-class, next-generation expedition ships, from X-Bow design to on-deck igloos.

Our experts will save you hours.

A single conversation with us is worth hours of internet scrolling. Find your next best trip with ease, then book with the confidence of our 20+ year experience.

Extend Your Trip

View All Patagonia Cruises

Add to Wishlist
5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Explora El Chaltén

Enjoy one-of-a-kind access to the solitude, Andean mountains, alpine waterways and stunning glaciers of Argentinean Patagonia. From the all-inclusive Explora El Chaltén Lodge, choose from a daily selection of over 30 guided, small-group explorations.

From $4430USD
Jan Feb Mar Apr Oct Nov Dec
Add to Wishlist
5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Patagonia Wildlife Safari

Discover the magic at the end of the world on a 4- to 7-day Patagonia Wildlife Safari! No matter the length of your stay, you will be blown away by the unlimited beauty of the world heritage site Torres del Paine National Park.

From $1235USD
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Sep Oct Nov Dec
Add to Wishlist
5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Explora Torres del Paine

This 5-, 6- or 7-day lodge-based trip in the center of Torres del Paine National Park offers over 40 unique explorations to choose from, including Base Torres and Grey Glacier. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Paine Massif and Salto Chico waterfall from home base.

From $2850USD
Year Round
More to Explore

Trips You Might Also Like

Exit Created with Sketch.

Classic Patagonia: Glaciers & Peaks

test message
View Wishlist