South America Patagonia Cruise

Patagonian Explorer – Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

The 5-day Patagonian Explorer cruise aboard the 200-guest Stella Australis or Ventus Australis sister ships begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile. Behold some of the planet’s most remote landscapes and incredible wildlife and discover the pristine beauty of Patagonia. Highlights of this Patagonia cruise include the huge and rarely visited Cóndor Glacier in Agostini Sound and Cape Horn, the “End of the Earth” and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

The Stella Australis and Ventus Australis cruise Patagonia, bringing you luxury and comfort only surpassed by their activities. Visit fabled spots like Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay before cruising down the Beagle Channel. Continue through the maze of islands and glaciers, including Pia Glacier, Porter Glacier, Agostini Sound, Águila Glacier and Cóndor Glacier before entering the legendary Strait of Magellan. Search for condors and other wildlife by Zodiac, hike through Magellanic forest to glacial waterfalls and panoramic views of bays, and walk to a lighthouse on stunning Magdalena Island and its immense penguin colony before disembarking in Punta Arenas.

The Australis sister ships are the only small expedition vessels in the world to visit the Cóndor Glacier regularly. This spectacular but remote glacier at the southernmost tip of South America is guarded by and takes its name from the world’s largest flying bird, the Andean condor, which can weigh up to 33 pounds and have a wingspan of over 10 feet.

The 5-day Patagonian Explorer cruise can be combined with the 5-day Fjords of Tierra del Fuego cruise to create a round-trip, 9-day/8-night itinerary.

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